As a third-generation student at 精东影视 State, Larry G. Martin Jr. had a pretty good idea of what to expect when he arrived on campus.
鈥淚 came to school with high expectations and anticipation for the overall experience, and I graduated with a network of colleagues and friends and an education that ultimately provided the foundation for a long and fulfilling career,鈥 Martin said.
Something he had not expected was the nature of that career. Martin participated in the Multiple Engineering Cooperative Program, or MECOP, which arranged a pair of internships for him. The second was at A-dec, a global leader in the dental equipment industry.
鈥淚t was not a company that I would have naturally pursued,鈥 Martin said. 鈥淪tudents at the time were more interested in technology companies, but my internship at A-dec introduced me to a wide range of processes as a vertically integrated manufacturer that better fit my career interests.鈥
Martin recently celebrated his 30th year with A-dec. He takes a great deal of pride in working for a company that designs and manufactures high-quality dental equipment, and for a family who is equally focused on the well-being of its employees and giving back to the local community.
His many noteworthy achievements include participating in a five-year comprehensive program to replace the company鈥檚 Cascade flagship product in 2004 with a new platform, A-dec 500, which is still in production today. The program required the development of a cross-functional Design Thinking process, which represented a new approach to innovation at A-dec. Martin says the experience formed the beginning of his focus on user-centered design.
While his profession demands vision and foresight, Martin won鈥檛 forget how and when his journey started.
鈥淚 will always be grateful for the education and opportunities the College of Engineering provided me,鈥 he said. 鈥淥ver my career, I have come to understand how important it is to never stop learning, always be curious, and surround yourself with people who can challenge you and help you become the best version of yourself.鈥
- B.S., INDUSTRIAL AND MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING, 1994