As Tori Crunkleton prepares to don her graduation cap in May at NC State’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE), her journey is a testament to curiosity, versatility, and a passion for pushing boundaries. Hailing from Edgemere, MD, and later Wilmington, NC, Tori’s path to MSE was a deliberate shift fueled by a quest for fundamental understanding and limitless possibilities.
Tori’s academic journey initially set sail with aspirations in Biomedical Engineering, driven by a profound interest in entering the medical field. However, upon closer examination of the curriculum and career prospects, Tori discovered that her true calling lay within the intricate realm of Materials Science and Engineering. A pivotal moment she arrived during an engineering informational session for MSE, where Tori found herself captivated by the boundless potential and versatility offered by the discipline. MSE became the unequivocal choice from that moment forward, empowering Tori to explore the world through an atomic lens and engineer solutions that resonate far beyond conventional boundaries.
Throughout her tenure at MSE, Tori’s experiences have been nothing short of transformative. She was engaging with distinguished professors such as Drs. Ramón Collazo and Yaroslava Yingling, Tori delved into a spectrum of research and coursework that broadened her horizons. From working on oxide thin films to exploring the intersection of medicine and MSE in Biomaterials, Tori’s journey was marked by profound discoveries and a growing passion for research and academia. The guidance and support of mentors like Professor Emeritus Lew Reynolds have played an instrumental role in shaping Tori’s academic trajectory, instilling in her a deep appreciation for the intricacies of materials science.
I love to learn, and I am happy that I gave myself the freedom to explore because my broad interests became tangible applications requiring a cyclical rewiring of my thought process. This curiosity and passion built across different domains in NC State MSE will continue to push me in grad school at Stanford.
Tori Crunkleton
Looking ahead, Tori envisions a future intertwined with MSE at Stanford University, where she hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in the groundbreaking field of photoacoustic neuromodulation. By exploring the nexus of brain matter and optical/mechanical inputs, Tori aspires to drive innovation in healthcare, ultimately carving a niche in academia that marries her diverse interests and expertise.
Reflecting on her proudest accomplishment, Tori highlights the diversified nature of her research experiences at NC State—a testament to her unwavering curiosity and commitment to holistic learning. From operating sophisticated machinery to conducting cell cultures and computational modeling, Tori’s interdisciplinary approach embodies the essence of MSE, preparing her for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
“I am the most proud of how diversified my research experiences were during my three years at NC State,” beams Tori. “When I started as a student, I thought that biological research would be my sole focus as an undergraduate student. During my time here, where I operated a sputter system, performed cell cultures, and used computational modeling, I did not stick to that original plan, and I am glad I did not. I love to learn, so I am happy that I gave myself the freedom to do so in a comprehensive manner because all of my broad interests became tangible applications that required me to cyclically rewire my thought process. This curiosity and passion built across different domains in MSE at NC State will continue to push me as a researcher at Stanford.”
According to Tori, one of the most captivating aspects of MSE is its pertinence and extensiveness, covering a vast array of topics and opening doors to diverse opportunities. Despite being a relatively small department, MSE fosters a close-knit community where shared experiences and diverse interests converge to redefine the boundaries of materials science.
Outside academia, Tori has been a dedicated member of InspirENGR, a mentorship organization that nurtures young girls’ interests in STEM fields. Volunteering with K-12 students and participating in events like Engineering Day, Tori has championed inclusivity and empowerment within the STEM community—a commitment she plans to carry forward into her future career.
As Tori bids farewell to NC State, she fondly reminisces about the spirited camaraderie of Wolfpack football games, sharing cherished moments with her roommate Zoe Sackfield. The thrill of cheering on the team and being part of the Wolfpack Nation will always hold a special place in Tori’s heart.
Tori Crunkleton’s journey through MSE exemplifies the spirit of innovation and exploration that defines NC State’s commitment to excellence. Armed with a passion for discovery and a thirst for knowledge, Tori is poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of materials science and engineering, inspiring future generations to dream big and push the boundaries of possibility. As she embarks on her next chapter, Tori’s unwavering determination is a beacon of hope for those who dare to dream beyond convention.
