Alex Uy, a second-year undergraduate in materials science and engineering at the University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science, spent the summer sharpening her skills as an experimentalist.Uy worked alongside members of the advanced high temperature materials research group led by Elizabeth J. Opila, professor of materials science and engineering with a courtesy appointment in mechanical and aerospace engineering.
“I really appreciate being seen as a researcher rather than a student who needs to be taught,” Uy said. “We help each other as we pursue our individual science. I can confidently say that I have learned so much about materials science and chemistry this summer. My future MSE classes will be more manageable, and I have learned how to contribute quality work and support a lab team.”
Uy conducted experiments to understand how protective coatings applied to a material substrate break down when exposed to extremely high temperatures and steam conditions. Uy is conducting a calcium-magnesium-aluminum-silicate (CMAS) study to determine the CMAS loading level that achieves a reasonable and measurable reaction depth.
Uy gained basic research skills, such as proper labeling and lab notebook keeping, and earned certifications on lab equipment including the x-ray diffractometer to analyze materials' structure.
“I use these seemingly small but incredibly important practices every day,” Uy said. “Working with the grad students, I have realized that science takes time. Running an experiment properly and following procedures is well worth it, when your results stand up without doubt or question, as you methodically work through a question and troubleshoot problems that may arise with samples or instruments.”
Uy is continuing her work in Opila's lab this fall with the support of her academic adviser Liheng Cai, assistant professor of materials science and engineering and chemical engineering who also holds a courtesy appointment in biomedical engineering. Uy plans to branch out from her summer project to answer more questions through independent research.
“I learned the importance of asking ‘why' and understanding as many elements in an experiment or results as one can. I will carry this lab experience with me, throughout my whole career in materials science.”