The People Behind WNA Labs: Louis Paiva — Senior Systems Engineer

What’s your role at WNA Labs?
Louis Paiva: I'm responsible for installing, maintaining and troubleshooting lab furniture systems, including fume hoods. My goal is to ensure every lab we support operates safely, efficiently and with minimal downtime.

Tell us a little bit about your background.
I come from a technical background in mechanical and electrical systems, with two decades of hands-on experience in field service across the semiconductor, pharmaceutical, mineral and academic research sectors. Before joining WNA Labs, I spent several years with our parent company Waldner, based in Germany, installing and maintaining lab systems across the Americas. That experience gave me a strong foundation in customer service and problem-solving within complex technical environments. Earlier in my career, I held technical roles at a semiconductor industry supplier and at Harvard University’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences in the Physics Department, where I conducted nanotechnology research.

Why did you want to be part of WNA Labs team?

What drew me to WNA Labs—and Waldner initially—was its reputation for quality and innovation in lab design. I was impressed by the precision engineering and the company’s commitment to supporting science through smart, adaptable and high-quality lab solutions. What’s kept me here over the years is the culture—there’s a real sense of teamwork, trust and continuous learning. Every project brings something new, and it’s rewarding to be part of a company that takes pride in helping researchers and scientists do their best work.

In your opinion, what makes WNA Labs stand out?

It’s that we don’t just deliver lab furniture—we deliver complete solutions. From design and installation to ongoing service, we take a collaborative, end-to-end approach that puts the client’s needs first. We offer world-class products, and our service team ensures those products perform at their best for years to come.

Our Laboratory Enhancement Advisory Program (LEAP) is a great example. It’s designed to keep labs running at peak performance — we conduct on-site technical checks, system adjustments, certifications, user guidance and training. By doing so, LEAP helps minimize maintenance issues, lower energy costs and give managers peace of mind.

When you’re not supporting labs, how do you like to spend your time?

When I’m off the clock, I enjoy working with my hands—whether it's DIY projects or restoring old tools and machinery. I also like going outdoors, playing basketball, going for a jog, visiting interesting exhibits or just spending time with family and friends. It’s a great way to recharge before the next challenge in the field.