This summer, Pedrozzi Scholar and Kim Cupps Memorial STEM Scholarship recipient Katherine Meezan is making a meaningful impact as the Livermore Lab Foundation’s Kim Cupps Fellow.
Through her fellowship, Katherine is working in the Materials Engineering Division at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), focusing on Direct Ink Write (DIW) additive manufacturing with polymers. Her project involves developing “witness coupons”—uniform sample materials printed alongside each production part to verify machine performance and calibration. This process ensures consistency across DIW machines at LLNL and other national laboratories, advancing 3D printing technology for critical scientific and engineering applications.
In just the first three weeks of her fellowship, Katherine has gained valuable knowledge about additive manufacturing, both through her hands-on project work and technical seminars within the Materials Engineering Division. The experience has reinforced her passion for STEM research and strengthened her goal of pursuing graduate studies.
For Katherine, this opportunity is also deeply personal:
“Kim’s story as an LGBTQ woman in STEM who contributed to groundbreaking research inspires me every day. Her story makes me want to strive to be the best version of myself and make the world a better place. Being LLF’s Kim Cupps Fellow is a greater honor than I ever could have imagined when I submitted my Pedrozzi Foundation application.”
The Kim Cupps Memorial STEM Scholarship, awarded by the Pedrozzi Foundation, supports students pursuing STEM careers and grants eligibility for the prestigious Livermore Lab Foundation Fellowship. Through the combined support of Kim Cupps’ family, the LLF, and LLNL mentors, scholars like Katherine are building the skills, experience, and confidence to become future leaders in science and engineering.
We are proud to see Katherine carrying forward Kim’s legacy of innovation, mentorship, and excellence in STEM—and we can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next.
About Kim Cupps
Kim Cupps was a trailblazing scientist, leader, and mentor at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Over her career, she made groundbreaking contributions in computer science and high-performance computing, all while championing diversity and inclusion in STEM. Known for her generosity, curiosity, and commitment to mentoring the next generation, Kim’s legacy continues through the students who receive the Kim Cupps Memorial STEM Scholarship and the Kim Cupps Fellowship with the Livermore Lab Foundation. Her story continues to inspire scholars to pursue excellence in research, leadership, and service to others.
