Article written by Hannah Maeser, Clemson University, Materials Science and Engineering and IACMI Intern 2016-2018
I knew well before entering Clemson University that I wanted to study a field that best combined my passions for chemistry and engineering. Engineers are held in especially high regard in my hometown, Huntsville, AL, due to the presence of Marshall Space Flight Center, Redstone Arsenal, the University of Alabama, Huntsville and numerous engineering firms working in connection with the aerospace industry. I chose to go into Materials Science and Engineering (MS&E) at Clemson University because it offered me the chance to learn how to manipulate and design materials through the principles of chemistry to fit the needs of a potential application or to assess the limits of a current material. I also chose this particular engineering major for the diversity of the field. My course of study concentrated on polymeric materials such as fibers and films, but my curriculum gave me opportunities to learn about working with a wide range of materials, including inorganic materials like metals and ceramics.
I first heard about the internship opportunities with the Institute for Advanced Composites Manufacturing Innovation (IACMI) through the MS&E 
department at Clemson. As a long-time competitive rower in both high school and college, I was thrilled at the opportunity to get hands-on experience in current research efforts into carbon fiber composites, the main component of racing shells for rowing. I was fortunate to be accepted three times to the IACMI internship program: two summers with Dr. Dayakar Penumadu’s group at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and currently with Mr. Jesse Hartzell’s group at Chomarat North America. In my first summer internship, I built a foundation of skills in mechanical testing and characterization of materials, specifically carbon fiber composites and tows. I expanded on this foundation in my second summer internship by applying the skills to a specific case: characterizing the mechanical properties of a low-cost carbon fiber composite panel and comparing those properties against those of more conventional carbon fiber composite systems. During both IACMI summer internships in Knoxville, I had the opportunity to attend IACMI’s Summer Members Meeting where I presented my findings from each term’s project. I was able to network with representatives of the carbon fiber industry and to get a better idea of the broadening applications of this material.
I also learned several material analysis techniques during my internships, and devoted more time to practicing and applying each technique and analyzing the data for use in a final report than I would have had during a laboratory class during the school year. My internship with Chomarat is giving me great experience in connecting academic and industry research interests and resources to solve materials-related questions. Overall, my work throughout each experience in characterizing the properties of carbon fiber composites, and networking with composites researchers and industry professionals have influenced my decision to attend graduate school and to continue to research carbon fiber composite systems. I am grateful to have found a field that I have so much passion for.
My advice to younger students is to pursue a field that you are passionate about. My best work comes when I can apply both my mind and my heart to a project. I recommend not being afraid to try opportunities in different fields of study to find what is best for you, and to ask plenty of questions – especially of an expert in a field you are interested in. Networking throughout my college experience with fellow students, professors, and professionals in different industries helped me to set out a path to take after graduation, and prepared me for challenges and successes along the way.
Learn more about IACMI internships here.