Student Spotlights

 

 

 

Jianpei Zhang 

ESM PhD program

My graduate experience at Stony Brook University has been highly positive, providing a strong foundation for my future career in the semiconductor field. Through my research on silicon carbide semiconductors, I have developed strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and attention to detail, while gaining hands-on experience in advanced materials characterization.

Working with Professor Michael Dudley and collaborating with OnSemi has strengthened my collaboration, professionalism, and communication skills, while reinforcing the importance of integrity and ethical responsibility in research. The rigorous academic and research environment has also built my discipline, time management, resilience, and adaptability.

Overall, my time at Stony Brook has fostered independence, confidence, and a commitment to lifelong learning, preparing me to contribute to next-generation semiconductor technologies.

 

 

Hanukrutha Perumalavenkata

CME Maters to CME PhD program

My experience pursuing my Master’s degree at Stony Brook University as an international student in the Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering has been both transformative and inspiring. When I began in 2024, I was still exploring which research path to pursue, but every course, lab experience, and project helped shape my interests and strengthen my passion for research and problem-solving.

The supportive community at Stony Brook, especially the faculty mentors, encouraged me to approach challenges with confidence, curiosity, and initiative while balancing rigorous coursework, research, and adapting to a new environment. My experience as a Teaching Assistant further developed my leadership, communication, and mentoring skills while reinforcing the importance of empathy, cultural awareness, and collaboration in education and research.

This journey has not only strengthened my academic and professional foundation, but also inspired me to continue contributing to impactful research with a global perspective. I am excited to continue my PhD journey at Stony Brook University and continue growing as a researcher, mentor, and lifelong learner.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Aiden Gauer

CME PhD program

My PhD journey in the Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering at Stony Brook University has been a deeply rewarding experience of academic, professional, and personal growth. During my first two years, coursework both within and outside the department helped me build a strong foundation and develop the intuition needed to approach complex research problems with confidence and creativity.

The program has provided valuable opportunities for cross-departmental and external collaboration, significantly strengthening my technical expertise and professional network. Access to advanced research infrastructure at Stony Brook, along with user facilities such as Brookhaven National Laboratory, has expanded both the scope and impact of my research.

My experience has also taken me across the country for conferences, collaborations, and specialized experiments, helping me grow as a communicator and researcher. In addition, two summers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory provided hands-on experience with advanced instrumentation and directly advanced my thesis work.

These opportunities have been made possible through strong faculty mentorship and the department’s collaborative research ecosystem, shaping me into a researcher prepared to contribute at a global level.

 

 

Emma Peleg

UG and ESM PhD program

My time in the Materials Science and Engineering program at Stony Brook University has provided extensive exposure to impactful research both within and beyond the department. As both an undergraduate and graduate student, some of my most meaningful experiences came from working in the Center for Thermal Spray Research, where I was immersed in hands-on, world-class research.

The program’s commitment to advancing research and supporting student engagement has been central to my development. With the guidance of my advisor and peers, I have been able to access valuable opportunities and internships, including a partnership with Sandia National Laboratories, which now forms the foundation of my dissertation research.

Beyond my research, I serve as a graduate R&D intern at Sandia National Laboratories, a student member of the executive board of the Thermal Spray Society through ASM International, and a founding member of Women in Thermal Spray. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to scientific community building, leadership, and collaboration.

For students seeking a strong scientific community and meaningful independent research opportunities, Stony Brook provides the environment to grow, contribute, and succeed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Amol Pophali 

CME PhD program

My PhD journey in the Energy and Environmental Catalysis Laboratory at Stony Brook University, under the supervision of Prof. T.J. Kim has been a transformative experience in scientific, professional, and personal growth. As a PhD candidate and Research Assistant in the Department of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, I have strengthened both my conceptual understanding and application-based skills through coursework, teaching, and doctoral research.

The CME program has provided a strong interdisciplinary foundation, integrating chemical engineering principles with materials science and advanced characterization. This approach has directly supported my research in heterogeneous catalysis while fostering creativity, problem-solving, and confidence as a researcher. The faculty’s support and accessibility have created an environment that encourages collaboration, initiative, and intellectual curiosity.

As a former Teaching Assistant, I further developed leadership, communication, and mentoring skills, contributing to the department’s academic community. Presenting my research at departmental research days through oral and poster sessions has also provided valuable opportunities for professional development, networking, and scientific communication.

Overall, the MSCE department has played a central role in shaping my growth as a researcher, preparing me to contribute meaningfully in both academia and industry through interdisciplinary thinking, professionalism, and ethical scientific practice.

 

Madeline Augustin

Alumni from ESG undergraduate program

ESM MS program

 

Shweta lyer

Alumni from CME undergraduate program