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DIVE INTO THE MICROSCOPIC WORLD TO SELECT ATOMS & BUILD MATERIALS FROM SCRATCH.

Materials Science & Engineering (MSE)

ma·ter·i·als sci·ence & en·gi·neer·ing

The investigation of how materials perform and why they fail so that we can create materials with unprecedented functions and properties.

Also Known As: Materials Engineer / Analyst / Researcher, Design Engineer, Quality / Process / Product / Production / Productivity / Manufacturing Engineer, Development Engineer, Textile Creator, Project Manager, Entrepreneur, +10,000 more

White hot flames and steam mix and flow over the edges as a blowtorch is taken to a beaker

WHY MSE AT MICHIGAN?

  • 6:1

    student-to-faculty ratio

  • No. 4

    US News and World Report

  • 43%

    Women - 2023

  • 35%

    MSE students pursue complementary Minors or Dual Degrees

  • 50%

    of students go to grad school, 50% go to industry

The Van Vlack Lab is dedicated solely to Materials Science & Engineering for students to work in the field performing experiments and applying their course knowledge.

Weekly lunches with MSE alums working in the industry.

A female student blows a breath of hot air so the image of Marilyn Monroe appears on the rainbow polymer strip.

What do Materials Science Engineers do?

We are the people who build the materials of the future. Whether it’s making plastics more recyclable, making materials that can better absorb energy for solar panels, or designing new prosthetics to be durable yet biocompatible, the materials we create touch everything.

ACADEMIC FOCUS AREAS

  • Metallic and Structural Materials

    Make stronger but lighter materials for car frames to improve gas mileage or for rockets to help them launch into space.

    Courses: Thermodynamics of materials, Kinetics and transport in materials, Physical Metallurgy, Composite Materials, Computational Approaches in MSE, Failure analysis

  • Polymers and Biomaterials

    Create new non-toxic biomaterials that can change the lives of those battling disease. Whether it is to design new materials for implants to reduce rejection, to make e-skin that can touch and feel like our own skin, or to make prosthetics. Discover the properties of polymers and how they affect recyclability. Evaluate the impact on the environment and create sustainable alternative to plastics.

    Courses: Polymeric Materials, Design and Applications of Biomaterials, Polymer Physics, Advanced Functional Polymers: Molecular Design and Applications

  • Electronic, Nano, and Quantum Materials

    Build the next generation of semiconductor and electronic devices. Operate in the nanoscale to make materials with higher conductivity, magnetic response, sensitivity and greater light emission.

    Courses: Physics of Materials, Electronic, Magnetic, and Optical Materials for Modern Device Technology, Materials Physics and Chemistry, Structural and Chemical Characterization of Materials

  • Energy Materials

    Build batteries that are more efficient and sustainable. Create solar cells, materials for wind turbines, or materials to best hold nuclear waste.

    Courses: Physics of Materials, Electronic, Magnetic, and Optical Materials for Modern Device Technology, Materials Physics and Chemistry

  • Computational Materials

    Use computer modeling to virtually test the efficacy of new materials without having to make them physically and go through extensive trial and error. Simulate even the most complex of materials and alter parameters until they fit the purpose you need.

    Courses: Thermodynamics of materials, Kinetics and transport in materials, Computational Approaches in MSE, Applied Data Science for Engineers

  • Areas in which a student, through the use of technical and free electives and in consultation with their advisor, could decide to focus.

Areas in which a student, through the use of technical and free electives and in consultation with their advisor, could decide to focus.

Graduate receiving hood during ceremony

Sequential Undergraduate/Graduate Studies Program (SUGS)

Complete a bachelor’s and master’s degree in only five years with SUGS. Take graduate-level classes during your MSE undergraduate program that can be used towards your graduate degree.

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Sample Course List

First-Year

First-Year

  • Fall Semester
    • CoE Core Calculus I (Math 115)
    • CoE Core Engineering 100
    • CoE Core Chemistry (125/126 and 130 or 210 and 211)
    • Elective Intellectual Breadth
  • Winter Semester
    • CoE Core Calculus II (Math 116)
    • CoE Core Engineering 101
    • CoE Core Physics (140 and 141)
    • Elective Intellectual Breadth

Sophomore Year

Sophomore Year

  • Fall Semester
    • CoE Core Calculus III (Math 215)
    • CoE Core Physics (240 and 241)
    • Major Requirement Engineering Materials (MSE 220/250)
    • Elective Unrestrictive Elective
  • Winter Semester
    • CoE Core Differential Equations (Math 216)
    • Major Requirement Solid Mechanics (ME 211)
    • Major Requirement Physics of Materials (MSE 242)
    • Elective Intellectual Breadth

Junior Year

Junior Year

  • Fall Semester
    • Major Requirement Thermodynamics of Materials (MSE 330)
    • Major Requirement Principles of Engineering Materials (MSE 350)
    • Major Requirement Materials Lab I (MSE 360)
    • Major Requirement MSE Elective
  • Winter Semester
    • Major Requirement Kinetics & Transitions in Materials Engineering (MSE 335)
    • Major Requirement Materials Lab II (MSE 365)
    • Major Requirement Science and Technical Elective
    • Major Requirement MSE Elective
    • Elective Unrestrictive Elective

Senior Year

Senior Year

  • Fall Semester
    • Major Requirement Mechanical Behavior of Materials (MSE 420)
    • Major Requirement Materials Processing Design (MSE 481)
    • Major Requirement MSE Elective
    • Elective Science and Technical Elective
    • Elective Unrestrictive Elective
  • Winter Semester
    • Major Requirement Materials & Engineering Design (MSE 482)
    • Major Requirement MSE Elective
    • Major Requirement Science and Tech Elective Math
    • CoE Core Intellectual Breadth
    • Elective Unrestrictive Elective

Individualized schedules will be made by students in consultation with an advisor who will tailor their classes to better fit the student's needs.

Practice Your Purpose

Apply the skills you are learning in class to the real world.

Student Design Teams

A woman in a hijab squints at a measuring tape held against a pole by an older man
BLUElab - Better Living Using Engineering Laboratory
2 team members wipe the completed maize and blue solar car. The car has a sleek design and half covered in solar panels.
Solar Car Team
MDP Logo
Multidisciplinary Design Teams
A large group of members of “Society of Women Engineers” pose for a picture in front of a wall-sized map of Minneapolis.
Society of Women Engineers
Masa Logo
MASA - Michigan Aeronautical Science Association
A student adjusts wires on a platform covered with circuitboards and wires on the inside of the team’s high-efficiency car.
Supermileage
Concrete Canoe Logo
MCCT - Michigan Concrete Canoe Team
A student in protective gear pours liquid nitrogen from a hose attached to a huge metal vat into a small cooler.
Michigan Robotic Blacksmithing
Michigan Neuroprosthetics Logo
Michigan Neuroprosthetics

Professional Development

MMS Logo
Michigan Materials Society
Alpha Sigma Mu Logo
Alpha Sigma Mu - Honors Society
A student wearing protective goggles adjusts a series of lenses mounted on a large platform
Material Advantage
A clear glass tube laying horizontally held by a clamp with a bright orange piece of metal glowing inside
American Foundry Society
A group of students in professional attire smile and pose for a picture
Materials Research Society
Two square glass slides glow under blue light with the words "Umich Go Blue" glowing in yellow.
ASM International
SPE Logo
SPE - Inspiring Plastics Professionals

Research

Professor Marquis Photo
Emmanuelle Marquis: Designing metal alloys resisting heat, oxidation, corrosion, or radiation
READ MORE
Professor Yasilove photo
Steve Yalisove: Attoseconds to hours: Ultrafast laser interaction with materials
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Amit Misra Headshot
Amit Misra: New Materials for National Nuclear Security
READ MORE
Pierre Ferdinand P Pondeau Headshot
P. Ferdinand P. Poudeu: Cheaper Materials for Solar Cells & Turning Waste Heat into Emissions-Free Energy
READ MORE
Ashwin Shahani Headshot
Ashwin Shahani: Quasicrystal Growth and Dissolution
READ MORE
John Heron Headshot
John Heron: Metal Mixtures for Post-Silicon Computing Devices
READ MORE
Rachel S Goldman Headshot
Rachel Goldman: Nanoparticles that Could Spur Better LEDs & Invisibility Cloaks
READ MORE
Jingsang Kim Headshot
Jinsang Kim: Producing Heat-Conducting Plastics
READ MORE
EMMANOUIL (MANOS) KIOUPAKIS headshot
Emmanouil Kioupakis: Using Boron to Increase LED Efficiency
READ MORE
Anish Tuteja Headshot
Anish Tuteja: Everything Repellant
READ MORE
Geeta Mehta Headshot
Geeta Mehta: Fighting Cancer with Cancer
READ MORE
MAX SHTEIN headshot
Max Shtein: 3D Printed Medicine & Implantable Solar Cells Inspired by Electric Eels
READ MORE

Alumni Biographies

Each of these alumni are real people who were once in your shoes, deciding a major. Explore their path and how a Michigan education set their life in motion.

  • Azia Harris-Martin headshot
    • Azia Harris-Martin
    • Kaiser Permanente
  • Elizabeth Holm headshot
    • Elizabeth Holm
    • Carnegie Mellon University
  • Grace Hsia headshot
    • Grace Hsia
    • Warmilu LLC
  • James Yurko headshot
    • James Yurko
    • Apple
  • Kathleen Chou headshot
    • Kathleen Chou
    • University of Michigan
  • Kimberly Flesner headshot
    • Kimberly O. Flesner
    • Stress Engineering Services, Inc.
  • Marcus Collins headshot
    • Marcus Collins
    • Doner and University of Michigan Ross School of Business
  • Mark Nichols headshot
    • Mark Nichols
    • Ford Motor Company Research and Advanced Engineering
  • Rebecca Cohn headshot
    • Rebecca Cohn
    • General Mills
  • Timothy Chan headshot
    • Timothy Chan
    • Northrop Grumman
Azia Harris-Martin headshot

    Azia Harris-Martin

    Kaiser Permanente

Elizabeth Holm headshot

    Elizabeth Holm

    Carnegie Mellon University

Grace Hsia headshot

    Grace Hsia

    Warmilu LLC

James Yurko headshot

    James Yurko

    Apple

Kathleen Chou headshot

    Kathleen Chou

    University of Michigan

Kimberly Flesner headshot

    Kimberly O. Flesner

    Stress Engineering Services, Inc.

Marcus Collins headshot

    Marcus Collins

    Doner and University of Michigan Ross School of Business

Mark Nichols headshot

    Mark Nichols

    Ford Motor Company Research and Advanced Engineering

Rebecca Cohn headshot

    Rebecca Cohn

    General Mills

Timothy Chan headshot

    Timothy Chan

    Northrop Grumman

Not sure what major to choose?

Tap into our network of 85k+ engineering alumni. Do you have questions you’d like answered? Our alumni are always eager to talk about engineering.
(Current and admitted UM students only.)

Speak to an Alum
Emergency Medicine Research Tech, constructs gold nano rods for polymerase chain reaction tests

Industries & Occupations

  • Sustainability
  • Biomaterials
  • Automotive
  • Aerospace
  • Energy / Batteries
  • Semiconductors
  • Electronics and Computers
  • Manufacturing
  • Production (metals, plastic)
  • Scientific research (industrial and academic)
  • Engineering consulting
  • Business management and startups
  • Utilities, recycling, and waste management
  • Chemical
  • Healthcare: cancer research, dental, prosthetics
  • Construction
  • Naval

Companies

  • Apple
  • General Mills
  • Procter & Gamble
  • Dow Chemical
  • Intel
  • LG Electronics
  • Toyota
  • Battery Nano Tech
  • 3M
  • Shell
  • Sandia National Labs
  • Texas Instruments
  • Rockwell Automation
  • SpaceX
  • Nike
  • Kraft Heinz
  • and more  . . .

LEARN MORE

Azia Harris-Martin headshot

Azia Harris-Martin

  • Kaiser Permanente
  • Consultant

University of Michigan, BSE Material Science and Engineering, Minor in Business
Administration, 2017
Emory University, Master of Public Health (MPH), 2019
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt - Healthcare- In Progress (University of Michigan)
Career Summary

Azia works developing recommendations from quantitative and qualitative analysis for various improvement projects, and is currently working on a $10M project that has the opportunity to improve patient care through a coordinated/ integrated care model.

Reflection on Time Spent at U-M

My time at Michigan in the MSE Department was invaluable. Many people often are surprised at me telling them I got my undergraduate degree in materials science. The first question after I tell them that is usually, “What is that?,” followed by, “How does that apply to what you are doing now?” Honestly, I see more similarities in Healthcare Operations and Materials Science than I did in Materials Science Lab.

By understanding the structure of matter, from atomic scale to millimeter scale, we invent new ways to make things work. That is what I am currently doing! I am studying the healthcare system and how the Second Law of Thermodynamics applies to the chaos in the field. Using my problem-solving skills, I aim to understand how each part of the system works from the smallest level to the largest. After understanding the scope of the problem, I analyze the data and begin to figure out potential solutions- also looking at why some systems work and some fail to get a better perspective.

I have the ability to use each of the Michigan Engineering Plus Competencies almost every day:

  • Technical Leadership – looking at the data and leading through tips that I learned through the book “The Thermodynamics of Leadership”
  • Creativity & Innovation- Brainstorming different solutions through various problems and using the resources/ constraints given.
  • Entrepreneurial Mindset – staying ahead of the curve by understanding the industry and thinking about what is needed.
  • Intercultural Intelligence – looking around the table to understand who is at the table and who isn’t to think holistically about all the stakeholders my project may affect.
  • Collaborative Spirit- working out issues with colleagues and looking at what other healthcare organizations have done and their best practices for making things work and also learning from them about what didn’t work and why.
  • Social and Environmental Responsibilities- remembering that the customers come first and within any project I work on the patients are the most important. Effective
  • Communication- being personable and talking to as many levels of leadership as possible to understand the system.
Favorite Classes

The two capstone courses (MSE 489 and MSE 480). During my first capstone class, my group decided to focus on The Flint Water Crisis where we designed a potential filtration system that would enable the state to dynamically monitor the water that is distributed to individuals and posted on a public database in real time to provide better transparency. This project inspired me to start a career in public health and I began to apply to MPH programs with the intention of going into Health Policy and potentially start a career in the EPA to hold engineers more accountable for the failing American infrastructure. The second semester of our capstone project I joined a project that focused on chronic disease care. This project allowed me to get more insight on the American health system and I sought to use everything I learned in Material Science to pivot into healthcare administration.

Favorite Student Orgs

Outside of classes I was heavily involved with The Dean of Students Advisory Board, The National Society of Black Engineers, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Nu Chapter, M-STEM, The Bicentennial Student Advisory Committee, Lead Scholars Program, and had the opportunity to start a mentoring organization on campus- The Pretty Brown Girls.
My most invaluable experiences were studying abroad to Kumasi, Ghana (2013) and Chaing Mai, Thailand (2015).

Advice to Students

Look at your 4-5 years at Michigan as a world of unlimited possibilities. Talk to as many professors as possible about the things that they are researching, stay up to date about trends in the field, try as many things as possible- join an acapella group, go to as many sports games (not only football), enjoy the all-nighters in the Dude, and keep pushing forward. Your passions are rooted in your past; therefore, try to expose yourself to as many things as possible in the short amount of time you’re in Ann Arbor. But, most of all, enjoy the chicken broccoli bake at Bursley!

What do you like to do outside of work?

Moving to a new state there is so much to explore. I pride myself in taking pictures of my dog Zeus. I also love trying to restaurants. I am also heavily involved with my sorority and The American College of Health Executives. Last, but not least, meeting up with fellow Wolverines to cheer on Michigan football, basketball, or baseball.

Elizabeth Holm headshot

Elizabeth Holm

  • Carnegie Mellon University
  • Professor

University of Michigan, BSE Materials Science & Engineering, 1987
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MS Ceramics, 1989
University of Michigan, PhD Materials Science & Engineering and Scientific Computing, 1992
Career Summary

Before becoming a Professor at MIT, Elizabeth had a plethora of teaching roles, including here at the University of Michigan! She was a Visiting Professor in the Materials Science and Engineering Department after working at Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she had various roles on the Technical Staff.

Honors and Awards
  • CMU Philbrook Prize in Engineering 2016
  • University of Michigan MSE Distinguished Alum Lecture Award 2016
  • Outstanding Women at Sandia National Laboratories Award 2012
  • TMS EMPMD Distinguished Service Award 2010
  • Sandia Employee Recognition Award for Individual Exceptional Service 2008
  • Northwestern University John Dorn Lecturer 2005
  • University of Michigan College of Engineering Faculty Enhancement Grant 2004
  • New Mexico Women Pioneering the Future Award 2003
  • YWCA New Mexico Women on the Move Honoree 2003
  • Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff 2002
  • Fellow of ASM International 2002
  • Sandia Employee Recognition Award for Leadership 1997
  • IBM Predoctoral Fellow in Scientific Computing 1990-1992
  • National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow 1987-1990
  • United States Presidential Scholar for the State of Michigan 1983
Reflection on Time Spent at U-M

Michigan gave me great academics, internship opportunities, and a supportive community that prepared and sustained me for the past 30 years…and counting! Everything we make, we make out of materials. That means MSE is the foundation of every other engineering discipline. We’re everywhere and we can do anything!

Favorite Organizations: Tau Beta Pi (president), Michigan Materials Society (activities chair), Epeians (founder)

Favorite Classes: Anything taught by the inimitable Professor Bill Hosford!

Favorite Events: Enginfest – which became Springfest. Football Saturdays, of course. Breakfast at Zingermans!

What do you like to do outside of work?

Glass blowing, folk music, knitting, canning, riding horses, and enjoying life.

Grace Hsia headshot

Grace Hsia

  • Warmilu LLC
  • Co-Founder & CEO

University of Michigan, BSE Materials Science & Engineering, 2012
University of Michigan, Master of Entrepreneurship, 2013
University of Michigan PEERRS Certified for Human Subjects Research
Career Summary

MSE taught me to be a deep thinker and how to practice proper methods development to manufacture and prototype with various materials. This always gave me enough of a foundation to begin conversations with confidence with suppliers of equipment and contract manufacturers. As an entrepreneur, this all helped me pick up information very quickly and create methods to test hypotheses for a business model or a potential prototype in a short period of time. I also naturally found myself gravitating towards project management because you really have to have strong project plans and timelines for key equipment procurement/usage when you are developing a new material and trying to test it for key properties.

My company, Warmilu, is a non-electric warming technology and soft goods manufacturing company. We primarily make infant US-patented, non-electric warming incubator blankets and packs that warm babies- 7,200 babies served by 30 hospitals in 11 developing countries- with partners including Doctors Without Borders or UCSF Global Programs in Research and Training. We have also begun serving the U.S. Armed Services.

Honors and Awards
  • Forbes 30 Under 30 2016: Manufacturing & Industry
  • The Manufacturing Institute STEP Ahead Award, 2016
  • “Rising Startup” for Detroit Techweek100, 2017
  • 2018 Crain’s Notable Women in Manufacturing
  • Cincy Inno 2018 50 on Fire Winner (Health Sciences)
  • 2018 Crain’s Detroit Twenty in their 20s
Reflection on Time Spent at U-M

MSE at U-M is unique also in the kinds of high-end, high quality, state of the art equipment that is available to students and alumni to use to analyze materials. This kind of knowledge prepares you to be a subject matter expert with in-depth technical and direct hands-on analysis skills. MSE is such a broad field also naturally lends itself a significant of collaboration across areas of expertise, which helped me identify how to best communicate the properties of materials and why a certain material was ideal for a particular application. I find that my MSE colleagues tend to be strong leaders on teams and strong collaborators.

Favorite Classes

ENGR 100 Design in the Real World with Hildinger, Alfano, and Daida, MSE 242, MSE 465, MSE 480, ChE 597/Pharm 597, ENGR 411, and MSE 360&365.

Favorite Student Orgs
  • U-M Engineering Student Government
  • MRun
  • Blueprint Literary Magazine
  • Women in Science and Engineering Residence Program
  • Society of Women Engineers, and K-Grams.

I was also the Editor-In-Chief for the UM Engineering Newsletter for the Student Government and a teaching assistant for ENGR 100. Later, I began mentoring and getting involved in key strategic initiatives through the UM Engineering Alumni Board, UM Engineering Magazine Advisory Board, M-Powered, MHacks, BlueLab, optiMize, and M-Heal after I graduated from U-M.

What advice/thoughts do you have for students considering an MSE major?

MSE is one of the most tangible majors to make an impact and to be able to find yourself problem solving and positively impacting the world with the opportunity to grow into key leadership and expert roles. It is a diverse, interdisciplinary field which requires that you have a breadth of in-depth knowledge of mechanical, thermodynamics, and chemical engineering, in order to best understand families of materials.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I love mentoring students in STEM, future U-M students, business development, prototyping, and entrepreneurship. I am a mentor through the University of Michigan HAIL program and #BUILTBYGIRLS :: Wave.

I guest lecture at universities and at medical device, business development, and entrepreneurial events and run prototyping workshops.

I love my team and spearheading critical initiatives for the University of Michigan Engineering Alumni Board Department Promotions Subcommittee.
For fun, I run (5K, 10K, half marathons), read, sing in a choir, explore science and art museums, eat sushi, paint, listen to productivity/economic/science podcasts, evaluate new productivity tools, cook and bake brand new things for breakfast and dinner, work on wood projects like a pallet coffee table, and watch Broadway in Detroit shows.

James Yurko headshot

James Yurko

  • Apple
  • Director, Materials Engineering

University of Michigan, BSE Materials Science and Engineering, 1997
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, PhD Metallurgy, 2001
Career Summary

James currently leads the team responsible for alloy development within Apple Product Design, but was previously a co-founder of two companies: Boston Metal and Electrolytic Research Corporation (ERC). With Boston Metal, James created a start-up commercializing technology reducing environmental impact of metals extraction, and for ERC, he led the development of sustainable metals extraction technology. He also led process development of die casting technology at BuhlerPrince and was responsible for materials and process development related to beryllium, beryllium and metal matrix composites, and bulk metallic glasses as the Vice President of Technology and R&D for the Materion Corporation.

Career Timeline
  • Apple | Cupertino, CA
  • Boston Metal | Woburn, MA
  • Materion Corporation | Elmore, OH
  • Electrolytic Research Corporation | Sudbury, MA
  • BuhlerPrince | Holland, MI
Honors and Awards
  • National Science Foundation, Graduate Research Fellow (1998)
  • TMS Vittorio de Nora Prize for Environmental Improvements in Metallurgical Industries, 2012
  • TMS Brimacombe Medal, 2016
Reflection on Time Spent at U-M

My career is focused on the development and application of new materials and processes. My MSE degrees enabled me with strong materials science fundamentals, but also the problem solving, critical thinking and communication skills necessary to participate on and lead innovation-focused teams.

Favorite Classes

MSE 480 (Materials and Engineering Design) and MSE 489 (Materials Processing Design). Both courses tied together the undergrad curriculum to approach materials design and processing challenges. I started to realize how impactful and interdisciplinary MSE could be after taking these senior-level courses.

Favorite Student Org

Michigan Materials Society. The student-led group hosted a weekly speaker series that was an amazing window into the real world of MSE and a chance to network with alumni. Interactions with MSE alumni such as Ray Decker and Chip Keough showed how impactful a career in MSE could be and spawned my passion for metallurgical innovation.

What advice/thoughts do you have for students considering an MSE major?

I feel fortunate to have majored in MSE. I really enjoy the balance of science and engineering and have had the privilege of working on impactful challenges in my career. It’s also a smaller field and department and it was easy to bond with classmates and faculty. Even now, when I attend annual materials conferences such as TMS, it’s great to catch up with my Michigan and MIT friends who I have known since school.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I’m quite busy with work and family, but I’ve been enjoying life in California, especially the outdoors. I believe strongly in being active in your local community, and I’m a leader in my son’s Boy Scout troop. Of course, I love Michigan football and still make it back to Ann Arbor a few times a year for games.

Kathleen Chou headshot

Kathleen Chou

  • University of Michigan
  • PhD Student

University of Michigan, BSE Materials Science and Engineering, with a Program Certificate in Entrepreneurship, 2013
University of Michigan, MSE Materials Science and Engineering, 2018
University of Michigan, PhD Materials Science and Engineering, in progress
Career Summary

My MSE degrees have prepared me for every one of my internships and jobs, since they have been all related to materials science! Early on in my undergraduate degree, I thought metallic materials were really interesting, and I got my first taste of the importance of metals working as an intern in the aerospace industry on jet engines. Improving the high temperature capability of materials in the engine affects how much fuel the engine will burn, so materials science and engineering is extremely important. That experience led to another internship and working full time in the aerospace industry, which were great learning opportunities. Now, my research in my PhD is also in metallurgy and focuses on developing new titanium alloys for aerospace and biomedical applications.

Career Timeline
  • The Boeing Company| St. Louis, MO
  • GE Aviation | Ohio
Honors and Awards
  • Richard and Eleanor Towner Prize for Distinguished Academic Achievement, University of Michigan, 2019
  • Silver Award, University of Michigan Materials Research Symposium, 2018
  • National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship, 2016
  • J. Keith Brimacombe Presidential Scholarship, The Minerals, Metals, and Materials Society (TMS), 2014
  • Hosford Endowed Scholarship, University of Michigan Department of Materials Science, 2012
Favorite Student Orgs

In my undergraduate degree, I was very involved in the Michigan Concrete Canoe team, which is a student design team working on building and racing lightweight canoes out of concrete that floats, and other student organizations such as Tau Beta Pi, an engineering honors society, and the Michigan Materials Society. These were great opportunities to practice the engineering design process, collaborate with other students, and develop my leadership skills. In graduate school, I’ve been involved in the graduate section of the Society of Women Engineers and the Materials Science and Engineering outreach programs.

What advice/thoughts do you have for students considering an MSE major?

If you have ever wondered what the things around us are made of, or want to learn more about how to make materials stronger, lighter, or enable new engineering designs, this is the degree for you! Materials are everywhere, which I think makes the subject really interesting and applicable.

Advice for Students

Take advantage of all the opportunities at Michigan to explore your interests. There are so many different student organizations, opportunities to get involved in research and internships, and ways to study abroad, and your degree is the perfect time to try new things and see what you enjoy. This applies to both extracurricular activities and your interests in materials science, and the professors and staff can be a big resource in helping you navigate your degree.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Running, hiking/camping, and baking

Kimberly Flesner headshot

Kimberly O. Flesner

  • Stress Engineering Services, Inc.
  • Materials Practice Lead

University of Michigan, BSE Materials & Metallurgical Engineering, 1984
University of Texas, MSE Materials Science and Engineering, 1989
Registered Professional Engineer, State of Texas
Career Summary

I began my career as a Metallurgical Engineer for Radian Corporation performing metallurgical failure analyses for the subsidiary of a commercial insurance carrier. I analyzed equipment from the power, pulp & paper, and manufacturing industries, but decided I needed to go to graduate school after my 250th boiler tube failure analysis! After graduate school, I became a Managing Engineer for Exponent-Failure Analysis Associates, where I conducted failure analyses and large-scale accident investigations for the chemical, refining, marine, agricultural and dry cleaning industries. Most projects were associated with litigation and expert witness testimony, and I testified in both State and Federal Courts.

Currently, I work as Managing Principal and Materials Engineering Practice Lead, where I Continue managing large-scale accident investigations and developing the forensic engineering practice. My projects have included fire origin and cause investigations, fire damage assessments, root-cause investigation of a capsized Gulf of Mexico production platform, failure of offshore mooring chain, and failure of subsea production equipment. Additionally, I manage the materials practice, including both metallurgical and non-metallic staff in 3 different offices with laboratories. I am responsible for the growth and financial success of the practice including hiring, daily supervision, laboratory expansion, and work distribution. I also serve on the Stress Engineering Services Board of Directors.

Career Timeline
  • Radian Corporation
  • Exponent-Failure Analysis Associates
  • Stress Engineering Services, Inc.
Honors and Awards
  • Member, Alumni Association of the University of Michigan Board of Directors, 2014-2020
  • Chair, Diversity Committee, Coordinate LEAD scholarship for Alumni Association Board
  • 2017 Distinguished Alumni of the Year, Materials Science & Engineering, College of Engineering, the University of Michigan
Reflection on Time Spent at U-M

My degree – particularly my interaction with the professors – gave me an appreciation and reverence for metallurgy. I’m convinced you have to love your work to be happy in life, and I truly love metallurgy. The professors in the department pushed us to fully understand the basics: casting, rolling, metallography, testing, etc. I can still draw the iron-carbon phase diagram from memory! When I interviewed for my first job, they were surprised and impressed I knew how to polish and etch so many different alloys in addition to recognizing dozens of microstructures (they actually gave me a photo test – I was the only candidate to name all correctly).

Additionally, the professors placed a great emphasis on concise report writing and the ability to verbally present the results to a group. That same first job interview required me to give a presentation to the interviewing team. Again, I was the only candidate that was prepared and able to answer questions confidently, all because of my Michigan education. Effective communication is critical to success. No matter how well you do your job, you have to relate that information to others for the work to be recognized. Finally, the professors pushed you to obtain your professional engineer’s license as soon as possible. In most States, it is against the law to practice as an independent or consulting engineer if you do not have the license – we require all our engineers to be registered at Stress. So, my advice: get registered as soon as possible, whether your current job requires it or not. You never know what you will do in the future and registration keeps your options open.

Favorite Classes

I loved casting class and working in the foundry. I also enjoyed microstructural evaluation and, of course, failure analysis. I particularly valued the mentoring relationship I had with Dr. Richard Flinn. He is the primary reason I became a metallurgical engineer.

What advice/thoughts do you have for students considering an MSE major?

Materials Engineering is the common thread among all other forms of engineering and industry – whatever another engineer designs, there has to be a material that supports, contains, or transports that design. This diversity gives you a lot of freedom in your career choices. Additionally, embrace the lab classes; you are likely to spend a lot of time in them during your career. The best materials engineers I know are comfortable with laboratories and materials characterization equipment. Finally, get registered!

What do you like to do outside of work?

Cooking, reading, needlework, playing with my German Shepherd Dogs, and all things Michigan. Go Blue!

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Marcus Collins

  • Doner and University of Michigan Ross School of Business
  • Chief Consumer Connections Officer, Doner | Lecturer of Marketing, Ross School of Business

University of Michigan, BSE Materials Science & Engineering, 2002
University of Michigan, MBA Ross School of Business, 2009
Temple University, DBA Fox School of Business, Expected 2021
Career Summary

Marcus has worked with a plethora of major companies on marketing and branding. He developed and led the social media practice for Translation, with such brands as State Farm, Bud Light, McDonald’s, & the Brooklyn Nets. Marcus has also supervised the direction and growth of major accounts for Big Fuel Communications, a social media and branded content Agency, where he worked with companies like Microsoft, GORE-TEX®, Colgate-Palmolive, and Fisher Price. For Beyoncé Knowles (yes, BEYONCÉ), Marcus conceived, launched, and supervised all online, mobile, and interactive brand initiatives for the management company and record label home of Beyoncé. Managed all digital content and online marketing initiatives for iTunes’ partnership with Nike and iTunes’ large-scale college/university marketing campaigns.

Career Timeline
  • Translation | New York, NY
  • Big Fuel Communications | New York, NY
  • Beyoncé Knowles Music World Entertainment | New York, NY
  • Apple, Inc. | Cupertino, CA
  • Harris Interactive, Inc | London, UK
  • Muse Recordings, LLC | New York, NY and Detroit, MI
Honors and Awards
  • University of Michigan’s Cornerstone Award, 2019
  • Ross School of Business, Executive Education Teaching Impact Award, 2018
  • Crain’s Detroit Business, “40 Under 40,” 2016
  • Advertising Age, “40 Under 40,” 2016
  • University of Michigan Black Alumni Association, “5 Under 10,” 2007
How did your MSE degrees prepare you for your career?

It taught me how to think and how to solve problems by way of applied logic. Much of my work today is immersed in social networks. Having been exposed to networks, through my MSE polymers courses, helped me conceptualize the possibilities of what can happen through network connections.

Favorite Classes: Materials Engineering Design and Polymeric Materials

What advice/thoughts do you have for students considering an MSE major?

Widen your aperture as you go through your course work. There are so many applications to MSE which might not seem obvious or tangible at first glance, but the opportunities are vast — from art to fashion, sport to business. I would have never imagined that my studies in MSE back then would be so helpful to my career in marketing/advertising today. Had I known, I would have been more purposeful and exploratory as a student. Learn from my mistake. There is SO much you can do with a MSE degree, you just have to be creative in regards to how you apply the concepts.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Family, family, family!

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Mark Nichols

  • Ford Motor Company Research and Advanced Engineering
  • Manager: Coatings, Surface Engineering and Process Modeling

University of Michigan, BSE Materials Science & Engineering, 1987
University of Illinois, MS Materials Science & Engineering, 1989
University of Michigan, PhD Materials Science & Engineering, 1992
Six Sigma Blackbelt certified
Career Summary

Mark has worked for Ford Motor Company for nearly three decades, both in the Ford Research Laboratory and as a Technical Leader in Coatings and Corrosion Research. Mark has also worked as the Editor-In-Chief of the Journal of Coatings Technology and Research and has had experience teaching as a Part-Time Professor at Wayne State University.

Honors and Awards
  • MSE Distinguished Alumni Lecture, University of Michigan, 2019
  • Industrial Excellence Award – American Coatings Association, 2014
  • Roon Award, American Coatings Association, 2010
  • Emerging Technology Award, Radtech 2008 Henry Ford Technology Award, 2008
  • Distinguished Lecturer, Federation of Societies for Coatings Technology, 2001
  • Technical Focus Lecture, Federation of Societies for Coatings Technology, 2000
Reflection on Time Spent at U-M

My degrees in MSE gave me the foundation upon which I built my career in organic coatings. While I learned almost nothing about coatings in school, the principles, experimental techniques, and theoretical background from my MSE education were easily applicable, and frankly, brought a new way of thinking into the organic coatings field. I was able to approach problems in a way that other coating scientists were not, and it allowed me to make progress on difficult problems. The other non-core classes I took in physics and chemistry also gave me skills and knowledge that enabled me to think about polymer problems from a different perspective and with a different set of base-skills.

Favorite Classes

As a graduate student, I particularly enjoyed my Mechanical Properties of Polymers class taught by Prof. Yee. My undergraduate Polymer Processing class taught by Prof. Filisko has proven to be invaluable in my work.

Favorite Events

Friday afternoon graduate seminars were always educational and helpful, as were the student/faculty mixer afterwards.

What advice/thoughts do you have for students considering an MSE major?

The way our society creates, uses, and re-uses materials will have an ever-increasing impact on our future. A degree in MSE can put you at the forefront of the issues confronting the sustainability of our society, and can enable you to make a meaningful difference in the important technical challenges we face.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I keep two honeybee hives at my house and enjoy observing and participating in that ongoing science experiment. When the weather permits, I enjoy riding my road bike in the country near my house.

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Rebecca Cohn

  • General Mills
  • Packaging Research & Development Engineer

University of Michigan, BSE Materials Science and Engineering, 2017
Packaging Trainings: Box 101 and Carton College
Career Summary

Rebecca currently works for General Mills supporting Old El Paso global packaging for innovation, renovation, & holistic margin management projects. Previously, Rebecca worked as an Adhesive R&D Intern at 3M’s Corporate Research Materials Laboratory, as a Bone Tissue Engineering Intern at the Warsaw University of Technology, and again for General Missla as a Thermal Process Packaging R&D Intern.

Career Timeline
  • 3M
  • General Mills
  • Warsaw University of Technology
Honors and Awards
  • College of Engineering Dean’s List, F13, W14, F15, W17, F17
  • Student Leaders and Honors Distinguished Achievement Award, 2017
  • CEDO ScholarPOWER Student Academic Achievement Award, 2014, 2015 & 2016
How did your MSE degrees prepare you for your career?

My MSE degree gave me a background understanding of engineering principles, material properties, and the testing available to investigate specific characteristics of a material. This information has helped me in my career because I work with food packaging and the material substrates used is critically important for food/package interactions, manufacturability, and barrier properties that ensure food quality and shelf life.

Favorite Classes

I actually loved taking Orgo, MSE 242 (quantum) & MSE 350 (thermo) – passionate professors and a great group of MSE friends made these classes some of the highlights in my undergrad.

Favorite Events

My first football game at the Big House – Norte Dame game 2013 under the lights (we won!), and the Fall Engineering Career Fairs – I loved everything about Career Fair season and was on the planning committee (chair or director) for 3 years.

Favorite Student Orgs

Society of Women Engineers (SWE) – I loved the variety of events, things they did on campus and in the community, and the friends I made there.

What advice/thoughts do you have for students considering an MSE major?

Embrace the large scope of subjects/materials you can study in MSE. One of the strengths of this major is how many different things you can learn about and ways to apply your engineering skill set. If you don’t love the heavy research or theory of some of the required classes, don’t worry – you can find an engineering job that doesn’t involve the deep technical details of college classes, but having a basic materials background really elevates your ability to do your job. Also, if you love learning more technical information on a specific material, there are careers for you – maybe its in academia (after a masters or PhD) or a job at a national lab, etc. Use internships/summer positions as a way to experience different work environments, industries, and really understand what career path interests you the most.

What do you like to do outside of work?

Biking around the lakes, kayaking and paddle boarding, hiking, playing with my dog, and trying out new recipes for my friends.

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Timothy Chan

  • Northrop Grumman
  • Materials and Processes Engineer

University of Michigan, BSE Materials Science and Engineering, 2016
University of Michigan, MSE Materials Science and Engineering, 2017
Career Summary

Timothy is currently a Materials and Processes Engineer for Northrop Grumman performing research and development of materials and processes to be used in next-generation aircraft. Previously, Timothy worked as a Supplier Development Engineer in Special Processes for SpaceX overseeing the performance, quality, and improvement of all SpaceX suppliers handling metallurgical treatment.

Career Timeline
  • Northrop Grumman
  • SpaceX
Honors and Awards
  • Dean’s Honor List (W’14, F’14, W’15, W’16)
  • University Honors, W’14, F’14, W’15
  • Michigan Materials Society Anvil Award, 2016
  • Materials Science and Engineering Department Distinguished Achievement Award, 2016
  • Jack J. Heller Memorial Engineering Scholarship, 2015
  • Michigan Marching Band Stout Family Scholarship, 2015
Reflection on Time Spent at U-M

The field of materials science and engineering is incredibly broad with many avenues for exploration. My MSE degrees taught me the fundamentals of the discipline and were paramount in acquiring the skills necessary to understand and dive deep into any new problem or topic that may come my way at work.

Favorite Student Orgs

During my time at Michigan, I actively participated in the Michigan Materials Society, BLUELab, and the Michigan Marching Band. All three of these organizations were filled with fantastic students, faculty, and staff. I would not be who I am today if it weren’t for the guidance, support, and community that these organizations provided.

What advice/thoughts do you have for students considering an MSE major?

As an MSE major, you’ll have an opportunity for the inner scientist in you to grow, exploring and understanding how and why the materials of our world behave the way they do. You’ll then be able to take this knowledge and apply it to reality, engineering next-generation materials that will make up the world of tomorrow. If you’re a scientist at your core, this is the field for you.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I’m currently training for my second marathon, I play violin in the Los Angeles Doctors Symphony Orchestra, I’m a member of the Northrop Grumman Dragon Boat team, and am always seeking to perfect my sourdough recipe.

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