A new wave of energy is sparking in Clemson University’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering, thanks to two Ph.D. candidates who are determined to bring graduate students closer together.
Kristin Chapman and Carolyn Feigeles are leading the charge as co-presidents of the brand-new Graduate Association of Materials Engineering and Science (GAMES). Their mission? To create a vibrant, connected community where students can collaborate, build lasting friendships, and make valuable professional connections.
From tailgates and ice cream socials to industry guest talks and annual poster competitions, GAMES is setting the stage for events that blend fun with career-building opportunities. The group also unites the student chapters of two professional societies—Optica and the Materials Research Society—with Professor Olga Kuksenok serving as faculty advisor.
The excitement is already growing. Last spring’s poster contest drew nearly 60 presenters—the biggest turnout since the pandemic—and this summer, more than 50 students jumped at the chance to sport Clemson MSE pride with new T-shirts.
Chapman and Feigeles hope to see every graduate student in the department get involved. Both bring impressive credentials and passion to their roles: Chapman, former president of Optica, is a Dr. Samuel Blankenship Directed Energy Scholar and member of John Ballato’s lab, while Feigeles, the first graduate student in Kimberly Weirich’s lab, is a U.S. Department of Defense SMART Scholar.
🚀 Want to join the fun and fuel the future of MSE at Clemson?
Contact Carolyn Feigeles at cafeige@g.clemson.edu
