Biosketch
Brooks Automation is a leading provider of semiconductor manufacturing and laboratory automation solutions worldwide. The company’s innovative products and technologies help its customers achieve higher efficiency, better quality and greater operational flexibility in the fast-paced, dynamic global economy.
Over the years, the company, based in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, has been a strong supporter of UMass Lowell and a partner on many fronts. Helping to grow the next generation of engineers, the company employs dozens of UMass Lowell alumni, hires students from the university’s Francis College of Engineering for its internship program and sponsors undergraduates’ capstone projects.
Most recently, the company sponsored the Brooks Automation LEAP Space at Ball Hall on North Campus, a makerspace for students to gather, innovate and collaborate.
Accepting the medal on behalf of the company is Emma Woodthorpe, its chief people officer. Since joining Brooks in 2022, Woodthorpe has been instrumental in shaping and executing its people strategy. With over 25 years of experience, she has worked with Silicon Valley startups and global corporations, focusing on aligning people strategy with business goals. She was the chief human resources officer at Mercury Systems, contributing significantly to the company's people strategy and culture.
Woodthorpe is chairperson and a board member for the Human Resource Leadership Forum. She holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Manchester Metropolitan University.