THE MELODIES OF MATERIALS

Last week, I was offered an exclusive opportunity to present at one of the best engineering (especially in materials science!) universities in the world, Georgia Tech. I was invited by the ASM International, Atlanta Chapter, to speak on my current research in materials science and engineering and on my experience at the Eisenman Materials Camp (see my old article for more details). I was so grateful to have the chance to speak on my work and receive feedback amongst an esteemed group of professors, researchers, and industry professionals. It was both humbling and motivating to share my journey and research in such an environment.

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Presenting my Current Research

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I had the chance to present to notable materials science leaders and researchers, including Nejib Masghouni (Chapter President), Naresh Thadhani, and Lilly Schroer, among many others. Knowing who was in the audience pushed me to be precise, transparent, and honest about both my successes and challenges I’ve faced in research. I wanted to focus on my journey and where I hope to be with my research in the near future.

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My talk covered several parts of my work. I spoke about my research at Rice University, where I’ve been exploring nanomaterial interfaces, specifically how nanoscale interactions can lead to emergent electronic and structural properties. I also discussed my progress on programming simulation software to aid the research. I then touched on my work at Georgia State University, focusing on peptide chemistry and nanomaterial synthesis.

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I also presented my experience at the ASM Eisenman Materials Camp, where I conducted a full-scale failure analysis project on a tractor U-bolt. The project taught me how materials science is applied in the real world: how microstructural features, loading conditions, and design choices can ultimately determine whether a system fails or succeeds. Sharing not just the results but the process itself sparked great discussion and questions from the audience.

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Learning from the Georgia Tech Community

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One of the most exciting parts of the day was listening to others present their current research at Georgia Tech. Hearing about ongoing projects, ranging from advanced manufacturing techniques to materials characterization, gave me a clearer picture of how broad and collaborative the field of materials science is. I also learned about concrete ways for students to get involved in research at Georgia Tech, which I am currently exploring.

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Touring the Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Facility (AMPF)

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After the talks, we were given a full tour of Georgia Tech’s Advanced Manufacturing Pilot Facility (AMPF), and it was easily one of the highlights of the visit. This facility was also where the meeting was held. 

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AMPF is an expansive and reconfigurable research and development manufacturing facility at the Georgia Institute of Technology. It supports industrial, academic, and government stakeholders and serves as a hands-on teaching lab. The facility is designed and intended to take on early-stage ideas and push them towards implementation. What stood out to me most was how closely industry partners work alongside researchers and students in this lab. Aerospace, automotive, and materials manufacturing companies contribute to projects that envision the future of materials science and related engineering fields.

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Georgia Tech researchers are also using AMPF to develop industry technology roadmaps, run collaborative demonstration projects, support SBIR/STTR development, host workshops and symposia, and even help shape industry standards. Seeing this facility made it clear how research, education, and industry can move forward together.

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Looking Ahead

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Beyond the technical side, I had the chance to network with the chapter president and other professionals, which led me to join the ASM FAS Mentorship Program. I’m excited to begin this next chapter, gain more exposure to the field, and learn directly from experienced materials scientists and engineers.

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Overall, presenting at Georgia Tech was more than just a talk; it was a milestone. Experiences like this continue to shape how I see my future in research, and I’m grateful for every opportunity to learn, share, and grow in the fields I love. My future in research is something I am excited to discuss with you all, but until dhin . . . stay upbeat and stay tuned.