Lancaster, Pa. – Kayla Lowrie, research and development manager for Armstrong Flooring, will be recognized as an emerging leader during this year’s Women in Manufacturing STEP Ahead Awards, conducted by The Manufacturing Institute.

Lowrie joined the company in 2013 as a lab scientist and quickly progressed to a leadership role with responsibility for a team of scientists, engineers, and technicians focused on innovative projects to develop new products and improve existing products.

“Manufacturing is an outlet for creativity and problem solving resulting in a tangible commodity. It is an opportunity to mold, develop and shape dreams into reality,” Lowrie said. “My passion stems from driving my team to invent and revamp products by pushing boundaries, utilizing unfamiliar materials and embracing technological advancements.”

“Kayla has played a lead role in driving effective project execution, product stewardship, rapid commercialization, and competitive benchmarking,” said Gabriel Farias, director of global engineering and R&D. “The example she sets resonates within her team, inspiring those around her to take on new challenges, to meet and exceed goals, and to advance their own careers.”

Lowrie participates in efforts to engage students with science, technology, engineering and math, through activities including a Girl Scouts STEM Expo at Millersville University and Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day at Armstrong Flooring. A resident of Lebanon, Pa., Lowrie holds Bachelor of Science degrees in biology and chemistry from Cabrini College, a Master of Science degree in chemistry from Texas A&M University, and a Master of Science degree in forensic science from Arcadia University.

The STEP (Science, Technology, Engineering and Production) Ahead Awards honor women who have demonstrated excellence and leadership in their careers in the manufacturing industry. On April 11, The Manufacturing Institute will recognize 130 recipients of the STEP Ahead Awards at a reception in Washington, D.C.

“The Manufacturing Institute’s STEP Ahead awards – which provide today’s female leaders in manufacturing the recognition they deserve while simultaneously elevating role models that can inspire future generations to join them – are an important element of our commitment to helping foster a 21st century manufacturing workforce by developing current leaders and engaging future ones,” said Carolyn Lee, executive director of The Manufacturing Institute.

For more information, visit www.armstrongflooring.com.