Material Advantage focuses on bringing knowledge of materials science and engineering to the student body of Illinois Tech through innovative projects centering on different aspects in the field and by providing students with the opportunity to expand their professional network. Professional conferences allow the members of Material Advantage to experience both in a professional setting.

February 14-18, Material Advantage was able to send 11 students to the TMS 2016 conference in Nashville, Tenn., thanks to sponsorship from SAF.

Highlights of the conference hosted by the Minerals, Metals, and Materials Society (TMS) included oral presentations from students Joshua McCarley, Stoichko Antonov, Yang Zhou, Mary Hawgood, Professor Wei Chen, and Professor Sammy Tin and a poster presented by student Martin Detrois, all of which were well-received by TMS attendees.

Presentation topics given by Illinois Tech associates reflected the individual’s research conducted at Illinois Tech. Research topics varied across the board, demonstrating the active capability of the Materials Science and Engineering faculty and students with topics ranging from grain boundary engineering and phase stability of precipitates of Ni-based super alloys to synthesis of nanostructures and to progress on the bladesmithing project for future participation in the TMS 2017 bladesmithing competition.

In addition to attending technical presentations and sessions while at the conference, students were able to meet and connect with colleagues both within their field of study and in areas outside their expertise to expand their professional network through mixers. Preliminary planning was also done in preparation for participation in next year’s Materials Bowl Competition. Material Advantage members were also able to attend the Technical Committee Meeting for the Bladesmithing Symposium while at the conference to learn about the future of the competition. Those attending the conference were also provided the opportunity to gain more insight into new technologies developed and latest progress made in the industry. Our students also contributed in valuable positions during the conference, taking on the roles of session student monitors to aid in the flow of conference proceedings.

For anyone who is interested in joining Material Advantage, please email materialadvantage@iit.edu or add us on Hawklink and/or Facebook for the most up-to-date information regarding projects, upcoming conferences and events.