Major: Materials Science & Engineering
Minors: Math and Physics
Why did you choose this area of study?
I got really into pottery in high school, and I found that I really liked learning about the processing that made better pottery and about the chemical reactions that happen during firing to make all the different colors. When I asked a teacher what I could do with that, they said that that was just materials science.
What is your favorite thing about engineering?
I really got into engineering because it's a mindset that affords a lot of control knobs on your final product. Everything, from how starting materials are produced, to how you cool down your piece at the end can affect the properties and look of your product. Learning what each of those variables contribute, and how you can tweak the product to get exactly what you want was very exciting for me.
Why did you choose CWRU?
I saw a lot of people say online that it was a very nerdy school, and I felt that I would fit right into that culture.
Were you involved in activities outside of class?
I was heavily involved in the Undergraduate Materials Society, which is a semi-professional organization that works to bolster community within the materials science department, and connect the students to jobs, conferences, and other materials scientists beyond CWRU. I got involved because I met a lot of my close friends through it in freshman and sophomore year, and I really wanted to help foster that community aspect for future years.
I've also participated in research with a variety of groups. I've gotten to work on projects that involve every class of materials there is: ceramics, metals, polymers, and ceramics. I've studied both the degradation mechanisms in components, how to improve transparency for microwave optics, and how to increase thermal performance of a traditionally insulating ceramic. I got into research because I knew I wanted to pursue a career in research, but I really didn't expect it to be this fun and rewarding when things go well.
What's your thing about CWRU, or favorite memory?
One of my favorite memories is walking through the astronomy department's floor with my friends and acting out all of the parody Harry Potter passages that are posted there. We each did a silly voice, it happened well after midnight, and we all had a blast.
What advice/encouragement would you like to share with current students?
Do your best to learn, but have fun in the process. Take classes that you think you'll enjoy because it genuinely makes it easier to learn when you enjoy it.
What are your plans after graduation?
I am going to be pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Princeton University.