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 Sharon Park ([email protected]) or Alexandra Patterson ([email protected]).
MGS Leadership 2024-2025
Email:
[email protected]
Sharon Park is currently a fourth 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!
Email:
[email protected]
Alex Patterson is a second year PhD student in James Spicer’s group. She obtained her bachelors 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, bullet journaling, and spending time with her dog.
Email:
[email protected]
Jalyn-Rose Clark is a second year masters student and engages in research with the Weihs group. She was born in Covington, LA and raised in Winston-Salem, NC. She received her bachelors degree in Chemistry with a minor in Physics from Norfolk State University. Her research is on developing a biodegradable polymeric drug delivery device to prevent osteomyelitis. Jalyn-Rose enjoys thrift shopping, traveling, and trying new coffee shops and restaurants.
Email:
[email protected]
Aku Saraf is a first-year Materials Science PhD student under Regina García-Méndez, with his research focusing on recycling and increasing the longevity of solid-state batteries. Born in New York, raised in Nebraska, and having studied in California, he has a passion for travelling and meeting new people. Outside of academics and research, he spends his time composing music, spinning fire poi, and practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Email:
[email protected]
Kevin is a PhD student in Professor Hufnagel’s lab where he studies the dynamic fracture of geomaterials and engineering ceramics under extreme loading. He also conducts 3D microstructural characterization of materials using X-ray techniques. Outside of the lab, Kevin enjoys hiking/mountaineering, ultimate frisbee, photography, and board games. He’s also a wicked goalty player.
Email:
[email protected]
Jackson Goedjen is a second year PhD student in the Weihs Group. His current research focuses on structural reactive materials for chemical and biological agent defeat applications. Prior to joining the Weihs Group, Jackson completed degrees in Materials Science and Engineering (B.Sc.) and Arabic Language and Culture (B.A.) at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. Outside of academics, Jackson enjoys rock climbing, ultimate frisbee, data science and visualization, and playing chess.
Michael Flickinger
Social Chair
Email:
[email protected]
Michael Flickinger is a second 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.
Email:
[email protected]
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.
Email:
[email protected]
Jeevan Dalip is a second year PhD student in Professor Todd Hufnagel’s group. His research focuses on extracting quantitative microstructural information from x-ray phase contrast images to study the deformation of geomaterials. He was raised 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. He is always open to trying new games and sports.
Email:
[email protected]
Alex deJong is a third 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.