The Materials Graduate Society (MGS) focuses on the advancement of materials scientists and researchers at the graduate and post-graduate levels. Through professional and social development events, the graduate student organization strives to improve department camaraderie, academic excellence, and professional advancement for future scientists. The MGS aims not only to help build lifelong friendships among its members, but also a solid professional network, along with opportunities for those involved to expand their communication, social, and networking skills for the workforce.

Get involved
Keep up to date with upcoming MGS events by following us on Instagram. If you’d like to speak at our weekly seminars or co-host future events, please contact Matthew Engquist (mengqui1@jh.edu) or Alexandra Patterson (apatte50@jh.edu).

MGS Leadership 2024-2025

Matthew Engquist

Co-President
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Matthew is a 2nd year PhD student in the Hemker group. His educational background includes a BS in Materials Science from UC Davis and an MS from Cal State LA. Before coming to Baltimore, he worked as a Materials & Processes engineer for 3.5 years in the aerospace & defense sector supporting the valves on NASA’s SLS program and commercial satellites. His current research is now more aero- and less -space as he works with Pratt & Whitney on developing the next generation of thermal barrier coatings for jet engines.

Alexandra Patterson

Co-President
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Alex Patterson is a third year PhD student in James Spicer’s group. She obtained her bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, College Park in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Sustainability Studies. Her current research involves the synthesis and characterization of polymer matrix nanocomposites for retinal implant application. In her free time, Alex enjoys yoga, rock climbing, travelling, and spending time with her dog.

Sophia Isacco 

First Year Representative
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Sophia Isacco is a first year PhD student in the Weihs group. She graduated from NC State with a bachelors in Material Science and Engineering. Her current research focuses on bioabsorbable metals. In her free time, Sophia enjoys reading, arts and crafts, and spending time with family and friends!

Jeevan Dalip

Vice President (Marketing Director)
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Jeevan Dalip is a third year PhD student in Professor Todd Hufnagel’s group. His research involves temperature measurements during dynamic compression of Aluminum alloys to enhance our understanding of aluminum’s extreme condition behavior. He grew up in Georgetown, Guyana and completed his B.S. in Physics at Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY. In his free-time, Jeevan enjoys traveling, and playing both tennis and table tennis.

Christian Zhang

Secretary
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Christian is a first-year PhD student working with Prof. Regina García-Méndez in the department of materials science and engineering. His research centers on advancing solid-state battery technologies, with a particular interest in mechanisms of ion transport and mechanical properties of solid-state electrolytes. Originally from Yantai, China, Christian earned his master’s degree at Hopkins before starting his PhD. He is passionate about bridging fundamental materials science with practical energy solutions. Outside the lab, he enjoys traveling, reading, and unwinding through video games.

Harrison Park

Director of Department Engagement
More information coming soon.

Michael Flickinger

Treasurer
Michael Flickinger is a third year PhD student in Dr. Timothy Weihs’ lab. Before coming to JHU, Michael received a B.S. in Material Science & Engineering from the University of Maryland, College Park in 2020. A lover of all things fun, Michael enjoys soccer, bar trivia, and reading. He also moonlights as a Michelin star chef and budding guitarist when time permits.

William Murphy

Social Chair
Will is a second year PhD student in the Weihs Research Group currently doing research on on the development and characterization of reactive metal powders. Will Graduated from Lafayette College in 2022 with degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Mathematics. During his free time, Will enjoys exercising, reading, drawing, and woodworking.

Kumar Purshottam Miskin

International Representative
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Kumar currently thrives in the stimulating realm of algorithm development for materials discovery and computer simulations within Prof. Clancy’s prestigious laboratory. Hailing from the vibrant city of Bangalore, India, he embarked on their academic journey at the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, India, where he honed his skills and passion for computational materials science.

Sharon Park

Seminar Coordinator
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Sharon Park is currently a fifth year Ph.D. student working with Professor Kevin Hemker in the Mechanical Engineering department. Her research focuses on elucidating the structure-property relationship for various additively manufactured refractory metals and alloys, including tantalum, C103, WC3009 and W-based alloys. In 2021, she was selected as a graduate research fellow at the Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), where she is mentored by APL scientists and collaborates on various projects in the Research and Exploratory Development Department (REDD). In her free time she enjoys cooking, playing the drums and doing polymer clay art. Feel free to ask her about any of these!

Christopher Erb 

Biomaterials Representative
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Chris Erb is a second year Ph.D. student in Dr. Hai-Quan Mao’s lab studying biomaterials for peripheral nerve repair. His research is done in close collaboration with Dr. Sami Tuffaha in the Department of Plastic Surgery at the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Chris received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maine.

Jonathan Galati

Professional Development Chair
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Jon is a 2nd year PhD student in the Taheri Group studying the recycling of aluminum alloys and the corrosion properties of additively manufactured materials. He completed his undergraduate education at Ohio State in 2020 with a degree in Materials Science and Engineering focusing on ceramic and electronic materials. Following graduation, he moved to Michigan to work as a Materials and Processes Engineer for 4 years where he was responsible for the additive manufacturing cell and led a materials research program.

Alexander deJong

GRO Representative
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Alex deJong is a fifth year PhD student in Professor Hufnagel’s group. Alex’s research is focused on quantifying lattice distortions in concentrated metallic alloys through the use of x-ray characterization techniques and simulations. In his spare time, Alex enjoys going on runs, playing board games, going on hikes and playing tennis. 

Elisa Zeng-Mariotti 

GRO Representative
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Elisa Zeng-Mariotti is currently a first year Ph.D. student working with the Spicer research group at JHU. She is a local Marylander, and previously graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a bachelors degree in Chemical Engineering with a minor in Sustainability Studies. Outside of academics, Elisa enjoys reading thriller novels, cooking new recipes, running, and thrifting cool clothes.