Gabriella Sage Farrell

Class of 2026-2027

Dickinson College
Double major in Physics, with a concentration in Engineering, and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Capstone Project Abstract

Lenovo is a global technology company and a leading developer of high-performance ThinkStation workstations. This capstone project will partner with Lenovo's ThinkStation Architecture Engineering Team to investigate new physical form factors for the future of high-performance desktop computing.
As GPUs, CPUs, memory, storage, and networking components become increasingly powerful, workstation architecture must accommodate greater mechanical, thermal, acoustic, and spatial demands. The project will investigate how end users and IT professionals deploy desktop workstations in real-world environments, uncover their most significant pain points and desired improvements, and identify opportunities for alternative designs to serve evolving customer needs.
The insights gathered will be translated into design requirements and creative, outside-the-box concepts that challenge the traditional desktop tower. Based on the customer needs and technical opportunities identified, the project will inform the development of a future workstation concept focused on airflow, thermal performance, acoustics, serviceability, and physical density.

Why did you choose ESTEEM?

I chose ESTEEM because, at my core, I am a builder and problem solver. I have always been curious about how things work, how they could work better, and how thoughtful design can improve people’s lives. During my undergraduate studies, I learned how to identify problems, develop ideas, and build prototypes, but I wanted the business and entrepreneurial skills to determine whether those ideas address real needs and how to bring them successfully into the world. ESTEEM gives me the opportunity to connect technical problem-solving with customer discovery, commercialization, and leadership. I am especially drawn to its collaborative community because I thrive when learning from others, bringing different perspectives together, and helping a team move toward a shared goal. Ultimately, I chose ESTEEM to become a more thoughtful and capable leader who can turn creative, technically sound ideas into meaningful and sustainable solutions.

What do you hope to do after ESTEEM?

After ESTEEM, I hope to begin my career in a technical, hands-on role within technology or advanced engineering, where I can strengthen my engineering skills and learn how complex physical products and systems move from an early idea to real-world application. I am drawn to fast-paced environments that bring together physics, technology, creativity, and problem-solving, with interests ranging from advanced computing to automotive technology and other high-performance systems. Although I am still discovering exactly where my career will take me, I know I want work that challenges me, introduces me to new people and places, and allows me to help build innovative products alongside a multidisciplinary team.

What do you like to do in your free time?

In my free time, I love spending time with friends, meeting new people, and getting lost in a good conversation. I also enjoy expressing myself through fashion, journaling, finding music that perfectly matches my mood, and spending time outside whenever I can.