She received her Masters in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Cincinnati. After working in the aerospace industry for several years, she then moved on to ONU in 1993. She currently teaches first-year engineering courses, works with students and employers in the engineering co-op program, develops continuing education programs for alumni and is director of several middle- and high-school outreach programs within the college. In addition to being a member of ASEE, Prof. Laird is a member of the Society of Women Engineers, the Ohio Cooperative Education Association and is treasurer of the Midwest Cooperative Education and Internship Association.