Federal Way Public Schools Alumni of Note
Lauren Brooks
Chemical Engineering Doctorate Student/
University of California Riverside
Federal Way High School
Graduate, Class of 2004
You may not have noticed Lauren Brooks in high school. She was rather quiet, the kind of student who showed up for class everyday, made good grades and stayed out of trouble. She graduated from Federal Way High School in 2004 and also attended Sacajawea Middle School and Wildwood Elementary.
These days though, Brooks’s academic accomplishments make her stand well out from the crowd. A recent graduate from a dual degree program with the University of Puget Sound and the University of Idaho, Brooks holds Bachelor of Science degrees in mathematics, chemical engineering and chemistry. She accepted a full scholarship to the University of California Riverside to complete a Doctorate Degree in chemical engineering.
After earning her doctorate, Brooks plans to pursue a career in research in the fields of either nanotechnology or alternative energy. She recalls that she always enjoyed math in school, but it was one special teacher who got her interested in chemistry. “Ms. Lyden really made as dry a subject as chemistry fun and sparked my interest in finding a career that would incorporate both math and chemistry,” Brooks said.
While in high school, Brooks played the flute in the band, participated on the math team, went on an East Coast tour and held leadership positions with the Future Business Leaders of America and the Honor Society. She also took Advanced Placement classes and Running Start courses at Highline Community College.
“The AP and Running Start classes were challenging and gave me the tools to succeed in college. I was challenged and required to demonstrate a high degree of comprehension that prepared me well for college,” Brooks said. “Federal Way schools are home to many outstanding teachers and prepare students well for the next stage of their lives.”
Brooks shares the following advice with teachers: “Demonstrating a passion for what you are teaching your students and caring about their success will help students get involved in their learning and motivate them to do well.”
To students, Brooks says: “You get out of high school what you put into it. Don't let peer pressure against being a good student sway you from hard work and fulfilling your potential. College opens so many doors and offers so many different opportunities to explore your passions, and there is plenty of help out there to make college a reality for anyone.”