Hey! My name is Jillian Campanella. I am a junior in Materials Science and Engineering. I was originally a chemical engineer; however, after taking MSE 201 and MSE 290, I realized that I loved learning the MSE curriculum. I then switched my major to Materials Science and Engineering. I have enjoyed getting to know the department and the people within it. I have been involved in various extracurriculars, including the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), AIChE, the Sailing Club, Summit, and more. I am currently working on research that consists of simulating defects, processing and interpreting the gathered data, and using these results to optimize energy storage within p-type semiconductors. My career goal is to research a material’s energy efficiency and its applications, specifically in batteries and semiconductors.  Outside of academics, I love to garden, read and write poetry, attend cycling and pilates classes, and explore new trails and parks.  I am excited to represent the MSE Department and cultivate curiosity for material science within others.  

My name is Amoha Srinivasan, I am a sophomore in Materials Science and Engineering with minors in Chemical Engineering and Data Science. MSE piqued my interest because of its wide applicability to many different engineering solutions that surround us daily, and taking classes and labs in the major has allowed me to apply my skills to creating these solutions. I am also super interested in the processes that make materials design efficient as well as being able to effectively communicate these designs to others which is why I am pursuing my minors. On campus, I am involved in Material Advantage, Consult Your Community (CYC), undergrad research, and the ASCEND mentorship program. I have loved being a part of the MSE department's tight knit community and am looking forward to watching it grow as an ambassador!

My name is Mason Kempf and I am a junior majoring in Materials Science and Engineering with a concentration in Nanomaterials. My interest in this area of study began when I was in middle school science class learning about how different atomic structures can wildly vary an object’s physical properties. I am further fascinated by the role of materials in the production of computer nano chips and hope to pursue a career in this field. 

Outside of MSE, I am an active member of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity and I enjoy playing pickle ball, walking my dogs, and going to the gym in my free time. I am excited to be an MSE Ambassador and getting new people excited about the awesome field as well.

My name is Garrett Wight, and I'm from Cornelius, North Carolina. I'm currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in Materials Science and Engineering with a minor in Mathematics. I'm passionate about material creation and design, especially in applications related to automotive, aerospace, and environmental sustainability. My research focuses on biomaterials as environmentally friendly alternatives to plastics, I've been involved in laboratory research analyzing the tensile properties of biodegradable plastics synthesized from biomass DNA, which has deepened my interest in material performance and fabrication. I'm also part of Pack Motorsports Baja SAE off road-racing team, where I serve as the Ergonomics and Composites Design Lead. In this role, I design and fabricate custom carbon fiber parts for the race car.

My name is Avery Smith and I am a senior majoring in Materials Science and Engineering with a concentration in Biomaterials and a minor in Data Science and Analytics. I chose MSE because I wanted to create new materials that work for the needs of people but do not harm the environment. At NC State I am an active member in the Society of Women Engineers and Engineers Without Borders. In Engineers Without Borders I work with my team to build a solar energy system for a school in Sierra Leone. This December, I actually traveled to Sierra Leone and helped install the first part of the system! Additionally, I am an undergraduate researcher in the Data-Driven Organic Materials Lab with Dr. Seifrid, where I combine my love of organic chemistry and my interest in data analysis to synthesize materials using automated systems. In my free time I love playing with my dog Olive, who I adopted this summer. I am excited to serve as an MSE ambassador and meet new people!

My name is Julia Kalinina, and I am a senior in Materials Science and Engineering. I was drawn to this field through my passion for sustainability and how engineering applications can be applied to make a significant impact in advancing materials. On campus, I’m involved in Society of Women Engineers, Materials Advantage, and volunteer with Camp Kesem. In Spring 2025, I studied abroad at the University of Wollongong in Australia, where I had the opportunity to explore how MSE courses are taught in a different academic setting. This fall, I will be conducting research focused on sustainability and nanotechnology with Dr. Jones. After graduating, I plan to pursue graduate studies through the ABM program at NC State. As an MSE Ambassador, I am excited to continue serving my community, all while learning more about the MSE department!