The officers of the Clemson Materials Advantage chapter had the incredible opportunity to attend the Materials Science & Technology (MS&T) 2025 Conference in Columbus, Ohio, alongside students and professionals from across the nation. During the conference, the officers participated in student-focused symposia featuring the poster competition, as well as the always exciting ceramic mug drop and ceramic disk throw events, which showcased both technical skill and creativity. They also took part in the IGNITE MSE program, which offered professional development sessions for students and early-career engineers, providing valuable insight into leadership, communication, and career paths within the materials field.
Another highlight of the trip was attending the Materials Advantage Officers Workshop, where the Clemson representatives networked with officers from other university chapters, exchanged ideas, and shared advice to strengthen each other’s organizations. Beyond the formal sessions, the officers took advantage of numerous networking opportunities—connecting with students and professionals during large student events, attending guest speaker presentations, and building meaningful relationships within the materials community.
A special moment from the week was running into Professor and Department Chair Dr. Brinkman and Associate Professor Dr. Aidhy, which made the experience even more memorable. Overall, MS&T 2025 was an inspiring and rewarding experience that deepened the officers’ passion for materials science and reinforced the value of being part of the Materials Advantage community.
Materials Advantage Officers:
- President: Nxy Mashkow
- Vice President: Kaitlin Petersen
- Treasurer: Keller Hawkins
- Secretary: Anne Brundage
