MSE Senior and Pathways Intern, Ashley Wissel recognized by Air Force Research Lab
MSE senior Ashley Wissel interned at the Air Force Research Laboratory - AFRL Materials and Manufacturing Directorate at Wright-Patterson AFB. She contributed to the optimization and characterization of BaTiO3 thin films grown on SrTiO3 substrates by pulsed laser deposition and presented her work at the 2019 MS&T Conference as well as the Fall 2019 MRS meeting.
Wissel's mentor, Dr. Shanee Pacley, said that mentoring a student is a rewarding experience for everyone involved. She explains that students benefit by gaining experience working for the Air Force on research that directly supports warfighter needs.
"Ashley did a super job this summer," said Pacley. "She is one of the most independent, self-motivated students that I have had the opportunity to mentor."
Wissel asserts that the internship far exceeded her expectations. She met researchers who were more than willing to answer questions, and said she felt empowered to work independently in the lab.
"Networking and becoming friends with other students is great because you get to learn about projects going on in the directorate and you can share advice and ideas with each other," Wissel said.