IGNITE MSE at 2026 ACerS Spring Meeting
April 12-17, 2026 | Bellevue, WA
What is IGNITE MSE?
IGNITE MSE (International Gathering and Networking for Individuals to Explore Materials Science and Engineering) is a professional development program held in conjunction with the 2026 ACerS Spring Meeting.
The program is presented by the Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation (CGIF) in partnership with the President’s Council of Student Affairs of The American Ceramic Society (PCSA/ACerS) and is designed to support students pursuing careers in materials science and engineering. IGNITE MSE offers participants opportunities to engage with industry professionals and academic peers while exploring career pathways within the field.
Eligibility and Location
IGNITE MSE is open to undergraduate and graduate students registered for the 2026 ACerS Spring Meeting.
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IGNITE MSE Dates: April 12, 2026
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Location: Bellevue, Washington
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Travel Support: Available for eligible students attending the 2026 ACerS Spring Meeting
This professional development workshop is free to attend and requires pre-registration. Click the IGNITE MSE add-on option during ACerS Spring Meeting registration.
Schedule
Sunday, April 12 at Hyatt Regency Bellevue on Seattle's Eastside
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12:00–1:30 pm: IGNITE MSE Industry Luncheon, Evergreen
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1:30–3:30 pm: Invited speaker sessions and student workshop, Evergreen G&H
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1:30 PM – Welcome
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1:35–3:00 PM – Speakers + break
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3:00 PM – Networking activity
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3:20 PM – Wrap-up + raffle (stay to win prizes!🎁)
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- 3:45-5:00 pm: Glass Strengthening Competition, Cascade Tower, Cedar A (2nd Floor)
- 5:00-6:30 pm: Spring Meeting Welcome Reception
Guest Speakers
Yiquan Wu, Ph.D.
Inamori Professor of Ceramics and Materials Science
Alfred University
Yiquan Wu is an Inamori Professor of ceramics and materials science at the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. He is a Fellow of ACerS, an Academician of the World Academy of Ceramics, the Chair of ACerS’ BSD 2021-2022, and the President of ACerS’ Ceramic Education Council 2016. He is an Editor of the Journal of ACerS, and an Associate Editor of the International Ceramic Engineering and Science.
He received his Master’s Degree from the Shanghai Institute of Ceramics of Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Ph.D. from Imperial College London, England. His research focuses on transparent ceramic materials for optical and photonic applications, as well as the synthesis and characterization of nanostructured materials for energy and biomedical applications.
He is a recipient of several awards, including the NSF CAREER award, the US AFOSR Young Investigator Award, the Global Star Award of the ACerS’ ECD, an Empire Innovation Professor (NY), and the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities awards from the State University of New York, etc.
Todd Steyer, Ph.D.
Chief Engineer for Materials and Manufacturing R&D
The Boeing Company
Todd Steyer is currently the Chief Engineer for Materials and Manufacturing R&D at The Boeing Company, Huntington Beach, California. He earned a B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering & Materials Science from Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois.
An ACerS Fellow, he is a member of the Basic Science Division, Engineering Ceramics Division, Southern California Section, and was past chair and two-term trustee of ACerS Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation.
Sylvia Johnson, Ph.D.
Chief Materials Technologist, Entry Systems and Technology Division
NASA Ames Research Center
Dr. Johnson serves as the Chief Materials Technologist, Entry Systems and Technology Division at NASA Ames Research Center. From 2000-2009 she was Chief of the Thermal Protection Materials and System Branch. Prior to this, she was the Director of Ceramic and Chemical Product Development at SRI International.
Dr. Johnson received her Ph.D. in Materials Science from the University of California, Berkeley in 1983. She is a Fellow of the American Ceramic Society, has received the James Mueller award in 2011, and presented the Edward Orton Jr Lecture in October 2015.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does IGNITE MSE cost? - The IGNITE MSE professional development luncheon and workshop are free for students.
What attire is recommended for the workshop? - Business casual attire is recommended for the workshop.
What is the Glass Strengthening Competition? - Experience live testing of student-designed glass samples as teams put their materials to the test and compete for the best performance. Whether you’re participating or spectating, this hands-on event offers an engaging look at materials in action.
Questions?
Contact Nathan at nmcIlwaine@ceramics.org.