IGNITE MSE at ICACC 2026
January 24-25, 2026 | Daytona Beach, FL
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 50th International Conference and Expo on Advanced Ceramics and Composites (ICACC).
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 at ICACC ’26 is open to undergraduate and graduate students registered for ICACC 2026.
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IGNITE MSE Dates: January 24–25, 2026
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Location: Daytona Beach, Florida
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Travel Support: Available for eligible students attending ICACC ’26
This professional development workshop is free to attend and requires pre-registration. Click the IGNITE MSE add-on option during ICACC registration.
Schedule
Saturday, January 24
Group student tour of the Kennedy Space Center (Optional)
Sunday, January 25
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12:00–1:20 pm: IGNITE MSE Industry Luncheon
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1:30–5:00 pm: Invited speaker sessions and student workshop
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6:00 pm: ICACC ’26 Welcome Reception
IGNITE MSE Guest Speakers
Michael D. Hill, Ph.D.
Technical Director, Research and Development
Trans-Tech Inc.
Michael D. Hill, Ph.D. is Technical Director of Research and Development at Trans-Tech Inc., leading innovations in microwave dielectric materials, magnetic oxides, and advanced ceramics. He began his career at NIST and has held senior R&D roles at Trans-Tech. Dr. Hill is a former Research Fellow of The American Ceramic Society and earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Maryland.
Russell Maier, Ph.D.
Materials Research Engineer
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
Russell Maier, Ph.D. is a Materials Research Engineer at NIST, where he investigates how point defects affect the performance and reliability of advanced materials. His work combines experimental techniques with modeling to guide the design of complex oxides. Dr. Maier has international experience in national labs and industry, including Sandia National Laboratories, Robert Bosch GmbH, and Murata Manufacturing Co., and earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science from Penn State.
Monica Ferraris
Full Professor of Science and Technology of Materials
Politecnico di Torino, Italy
Monica Ferraris is a Full Professor of Science and Technology of Materials at Politecnico di Torino, Italy. Her research focuses on advanced ceramics, glasses, glass-ceramics, and functional coatings for extreme environments, energy systems, biomedical applications, and joining technologies, including antimicrobial and antiviral coatings. Prof. Ferraris is a Fellow of The American Ceramic Society, has served as ACerS President, and has received honors including the ACerS Global Star Award and Bridge Building Award.
Kennedy Space Center Tour
January 24, 2026 | Daytona Beach, FL
All ICACC '26 attendees interested in participating in the Kennedy Space Center tour at Cape Canaveral are welcome to attend. The tour will take place on Saturday, January 24, one day prior to the start of the conference. The registration fee for the tour is $89 per participant and and includes one-day admission to the Kennedy Space Center, lunch, and round-trip transportation.
Please register using the following link:
Link to register for the Kennedy Space Center tour
Important: Registration for the IGNITE MSE workshop and the Kennedy Space Center tour are managed through separate registration links. Please be sure to register for both if you plan to attend.
Tour Itinerary
- 8:00 am: Bus departs from the Hilton Hotel
- 9:30 am: Bus arrives at the Kennedy Space Center
- 3:30 pm: Bus departs from the Kennedy Space Center
- 5:00 pm: Bus arrives at the Hilton Hotel
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does IGNITE MSE cost? - The IGNITE MSE professional development luncheon and workshop are free for students. The NASA KSC tour is $89.
What is the schedule for the NASA KSC tour day? - The tour takes place on Saturday, January 24th. The Kennedy Space Center is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes from the Hilton hotel and conference center at Daytona Beach. The bus will depart from the Hilton at 8:00 a.m. and return by 5:00 p.m. You’ll have from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to explore the museum exhibits, attractions, and gift shop. A $15 lunch voucher will be provided for use at the onsite cafeteria.
Is there a limited number of attendees that can sign up for the KSC tour? - Our maximum number of student attendees is 25 people, don't hesitate to sign up while we still have space! (No pun intended.) We have no maximum for the workshop.
What is the sign-up deadline for the tour? - December 31, 2025 is our initial sign-up deadline for the tour. All attendees who register before this date are guaranteed a spot (space permitting) and will receive a complimentary custom T-shirt!
What attire for the tour and workshop? - Attire for the tour will be casual, while business casual is recommended for the workshop.
If I want to attend the tour, when should I arrive to Daytona Beach? - Since the bus departs at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 24th, it is recommended to arrive Friday, January 23rd.
Can I attend both the NASA KSC tour and the IGNITE MSE workshop? - Yes!
Questions?
Contact Nathan at nmcIlwaine@ceramics.org.