Integrating Thermofluids and Leadership

Lucia Marquez’s Northeastern journey reflects a seamless blend of technical curiosity and leadership development. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Lucia continued into the PlusOne program to pursue her Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering with a concentration in Thermofluids.

“When I first applied to college, I was planning to get an engineering management master’s degree,” she explains. “But as I took more classes, I realized how much I enjoyed the technical side, especially thermofluids. When I encountered the Gordon Institute, it felt like the perfect combination of the two graduate degree paths.”

“When I encountered the Gordon Institute, it felt like the perfect combination of two graduate degree paths.”

Through the Gordon Institute of Engineering Leadership, Lucia is continuing to build a foundation that merges her passion for hands-on technical problem-solving with a deeper understanding of organizational and leadership dynamics.

Learning Through Practice

As a kinesthetic learner, Lucia values the program’s emphasis on applying lessons directly to real-world situations. “Being able to practice the leadership skills we review in class has been very helpful,” she shares. “It’s easy to fall into patterns at work, but this program helps me be intentional with my actions so that they always align with a clearly defined professional goal.”

She has also found unexpected value in the cohort’s collaborative environment. “The group is made up of a fairly diverse range of people,” she notices. “As someone who typically keeps to myself in classes and professional settings, it’s been nice how the program is structured for everyone to develop meaningful relationships.”

“As someone who typically keeps to myself in classes and professional settings, it’s been nice how the program is structured for everyone to develop meaningful relationships.”

Expanding Perspective and Mindset

Lucia credits the Gordon Institute with helping her adopt a more reflective and psychological approach to challenges. “It’s already helped me step back in tough situations and think from a more psychological perspective,” she explains. “The iceberg model has been especially fascinating and helpful in understanding what motivates certain events to take place.”

A group of 2026 Gordon Fellow candidates at Camp Edwards for a leadership retreat.

She adds that this framework has shifted how she interprets interactions and outcomes. “Our classes have helped me find deeper meaning in what I would’ve otherwise categorized as a surface-level solution,” she says.

Looking Ahead

Although Lucia initially joined the program excited about the scientific principles section, her interests have evolved as she’s grown within the curriculum. “It wasn’t the reason I joined, but it appealed to the STEM part of my brain,” she says. “Now, I’m most excited to see how the leadership class progresses.”

After completing her master’s, Lucia plans to stay in Boston and begin her engineering career, carrying with her the self-awareness, perspective, and intentionality cultivated through the Gordon Institute experience.