Students gather for a group photo during the 2026 Kennedy Space Center tour.
During the International Conference on Advanced Ceramics and Composites (ICACC), students had the opportunity to step beyond traditional conference sessions, with a professional development workshop and museum tour at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. These student-focused experiences were organized by the Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation (CGIF) in collaboration with the American Ceramic Society’s President’s Council of Student Advisors (PCSA), with the shared goal of bridging the gap between materials science education and a career in ceramic engineering with real-world applications.
The program began on the Sunday prior to the official start of the conference with a full-day tour of the Kennedy Space Center. During the visit, students explored how ceramics and advanced materials enable aerospace innovation, including their use in applications designed to withstand the extreme conditions of space and atmospheric reentry. Participants had the opportunity to see retired space vehicles from NASA’s Apollo and Space Shuttle programs, offering a tangible connection to the materials that made historic missions possible. For many students, seeing these technologies firsthand deepened their appreciation for the role of materials science in space exploration and sparked excitement for future missions, including the upcoming Artemis II launch.
For many attendees, the experience left a lasting impression. “Visiting the Kennedy Space Center was an unforgettable experience,” shared Annalaura Zilio, a PhD student at the University of Padova. “Seeing how materials science and space exploration intersect deepened my appreciation for the field.”
The tour also brought together students and early-career researchers before the conference officially began, helping establish connections that carried through the week. Ana Feltrin, a post-doctoral fellow at Missouri University of Science and Technology, noted that the experience made ICACC feel more welcoming. “From the moment we met, I was able to connect with people I later saw presenting and speaking throughout the conference,” she said. “Overall, I’m really glad I joined and would absolutely participate again.”
Guest speaker Monica Ferraris shares insights with students at IGNITE MSE.
Additionally, CGIF supported the International Gathering and Networking for Individuals to Explore Materials Science and Engineering (IGNITE MSE), held alongside ICACC. The event brought together students and postdoctoral researchers for a full day focused on professional development and connection. A luncheon with professionals from industry, academia, and national laboratories allowed participants to ask questions about career paths, research experiences, and life beyond the classroom. The day continued with professional development talks led by ACerS members, paired with structured networking activities that encouraged meaningful conversation and connection. Together, these sessions offered insight into research and career pathways while helping students build connections with peers from a wide range of institutions across the materials science community.
For many participants, IGNITE MSE offered valuable perspectives on life after graduate school. “The IGNITE MSE workshop was especially inspiring, as it showed how former PhD students navigated challenges and built successful careers,” shared Dirk Mühmer, a research assistant at RWTH Aachen University.
The sense of community extended beyond the scheduled programming. Martyna Czudec, a PhD student at Gdańsk University of Technology, described the experience as transformative. “From the moment we met in the hotel lobby, I felt like I was among friends,” she said. “I’m very grateful that we formed such a strong group of young scientists who will stay in touch even after the conference. It was truly my best conference experience.”
The week concluded with the Shot Glass Competition, a hands-on design challenge that encouraged creativity, teamwork, and time-sensitive problem-solving. Participants used pipe cleaners to build protective structures around ceramic shot glasses, which were then tested by dropping them from increasing heights. The friendly competition allowed students to apply materials engineering principles in a fun and engaging way. The event drew a strong audience and featured 10 teams, with the winning design protecting its shot glass from a drop at the maximum height of the 32-foot scissor lift.
Milos Dujovic, a PCSA representative, celebrates the winning team at the Shot Glass Competition.
The winning team of the Shot Glass Competition poses for a photo with ACerS President Mario Affatigato.
Together, these ICACC events highlight CGIF’s commitment to creating meaningful professional development and networking opportunities for students and early-career professionals at ACerS conferences. By bridging education, research, and industry, the momentum from these programs will continue throughout the year through additional CGIF-supported initiatives.
In April, CGIF will take part in the ACerS Spring Meeting in Bellevue, Washington, where IGNITE MSE will again offer students a day of presentations, professional development, and networking. The meeting will also debut a new Glass Strengthening Competition, giving students another chance to engage in hands-on experimentation and collaboration.
By connecting experiences across conferences and events, CGIF helps students build confidence, develop practical skills, and form lasting professional relationships as they advance in their academic and career journeys within the ceramic and glass community.
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