October 2019 Student of the Month

Logan White

Junior

When and where was your research experience?

I began my current undergraduate research position during the spring of my first year. The majority of my work is done on campus, but I have gotten to travel to Argonne National Lab in Chicago to conduct experiments.

Tell us about your research.

My work is based upon investigations of 3-D printed metal characteristics using high energy synchrotron x-rays. We gather tomography, diffraction, and radiography data at national labs, such as Argonne National Lab or Oak Ridge National Lab. I am then tasked to manipulate the raw data into meaningful representations such as tomographic images, texture maps, or data plots, and explain any trends or physical phenomena using my background in MSE.

How did the experience benefit you?

In my experience, I was given a wide range of freedom with how I completed tasks as long as I could defend the validity of my methods. This freedom helped me develop my problem-solving skills and scientific creativity that is necessary as a researcher. I also have more tangible skills such as how to write research papers and proposals for National Labs, give talks at conferences, and professional lab etiquette.

Do you have any advice for other students considering undergraduate research?

For our department, it is not difficult to get involved in research. Almost every professor knows someone who has an open position or will have one in the future. Internships can be more competitive, but if you are involved in the materials science community then opportunities will open themselves up to you.

What else are you involved in?

I am involved in Materials Research Society and the local ASM international chapter, both which promote undergraduate research. I also participate in intramurals with my classmates whenever we want to get together and have some fun outside of class.