IGNITE MSE at MS&T 2026
October 5, 2026 | Pittsburgh, PA
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 Material Science & Technology technical 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 MS&T 2026.
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IGNITE MSE Date: October 5, 2026
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Location: David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Pittsburgh, PA
Schedule
Monday, October 5 at David L. Lawrence Convention Center
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8:30 - 9:00 AM: Check-in for IGNITE MSE
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9:00 - 11:15 AM: IGNITE MSE Professional Development Symposium
- 9:10 - 9:40 AM: Caio Bragatto
- 9:40 - 10:10 AM: Klaus-Markus (Mark) Peters
- 10:30 - 11:00 AM: Jonathan Volk
- 11:05 AM: iPad & Apple Pencil prize drawing — must be present to win
Guest Speakers
Caio Bragatto
Assistant Professor of Ceramic Engineering
Alfred University
Caio Bragatto is an Assistant Professor of Ceramic Engineering at Alfred University. Bragatto earned his B.S. degree in Industrial Chemistry from the Universidade de São Paulo (São Paulo, Brasil), and his Masters and Ph.D. degree in Materials Science and Engineering from the Universidade Federal de São Carlos (São Paulo, Brasil). Before being hired as an Assistant Professor, Bragatto worked as a research assistant at the Otto-Schott Institut für Materialwissenschaft (Thüringen, Germany). He specialized in ionic conductivity of glasses, focusing especially on unveiling the mechanisms behind the phenomena and working on a universal model to predict this property. Ionic conductive glasses are used mainly as electrolytes in solid-state batteries and sensors. To do so, Caio conducts both laboratory and computational experiments, complementing one part with the other.
Klaus-Markus (Mark) Peters
Director of Engineering and General Manager - TCON Division
Fireline, Inc.
Klaus-Markus (Mark) Peters brings over 40 years of managerial expertise in industrial R&D, process and product engineering, and technical sales within the fields of refractory and technical ceramics, fused quartz glass, and cermet composites. His career spans diverse industries, including molten metal casting, semiconductor fabrication, and machining tools. Mark holds over seven patents and has authored numerous technical papers and presentations. He has extensive experience in intellectual property management, real estate acquisitions, facility expansions, capital equipment projects, and contract management. An accomplished collaborator, Mark has established business partnerships and academic collaborations, secured competitive grant funding, and negotiated technology licensing agreements. Additionally, Mark has over 15 years of nonprofit board experience, serving in various leadership roles and demonstrating his commitment to community engagement and organizational governance.
Jonathan Volk
Director, Advanced Materials Applications
Starlab Space
Dr. Jonathan Volk is the Director for Advanced Materials Applications for Starlab Space, a joint venture of Voyager Technologies and other international partners, which is developing a next-generation commercial space station. His focus is on driving utilization of the Starlab platform, in the areas of in-space manufacturing, and advanced materials & physical sciences research. He also serves as the Director of Growth for the Voyager Institute for Space, Technology, and Advancement (VISTA).
Volk earned his B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Notre Dame and his Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Florida. He began his career as a research scientist at Quantum Technology Sciences, then moved into the space sector at the International Space Station U.S. National Laboratory serving as the Commercial Innovation Manager for Physical and Materials Sciences. He served in similar roles from the commercial side with Space Commerce Matters and Sierra Space, before joining Voyager in January 2024.
Register for IGNITE MSE in advance for a free swag bag and a chance to win an iPad and Apple Pencil!
Registration is free, and it helps CGIF plan for materials and attendance, plus you'll get event updates ahead of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How much does IGNITE MSE cost?
The IGNITE MSE professional development workshop is free for students.
What attire is recommended for the workshop?
Business casual attire is recommended for the workshop.
Do I have a chance to win a prize at IGNITE MSE?
Yes. CGIF is giving away an iPad and Apple Pencil during IGNITE MSE. The winner is chosen at random from eligible attendees who check in before 9:00 AM. Registering in advance using the form above gives you an additional chance to win.
Do I have to be present at 11:05 to win the prize?
Yes. The winner must be physically present at the drawing near the end of the program to claim the prize.
How do I enter, and how many chances can I get?
You can earn up to two entries:
- Attend only: Check in at the registration table by 9:00 a.m. and be present at the drawing at 11:05 a.m.
- Register in advance: Registering online before the event, with the sign-up form on this webpage, will give you an automatic 2nd entry. You must still check in at the registration table (by 9:00 a.m.) and be present at the drawing at 11:05 a.m. If you do this, you will have 2X entries for the giveaway!
How will the winner be chosen?
The winner is drawn at random from all eligible entries. For your entry to be selected, you must check in by 9:00 a.m. and be physically present at the drawing. If the name drawn is not present, another name is drawn right away.
Do I have to check in by 9:00 a.m.?
Yes. Check-in at the registration table by 9:00 a.m. is what makes you eligible. Being on the advance registration list is not enough on its own, and the prize will not be mailed.
What if I arrive after 9:00 a.m.?
You are welcome to attend IGNITE MSE, but students who check-in after 9:00 a.m. are not eligible for the drawing.
Questions?
Contact Nathan at nmcIlwaine@ceramics.org.