As the curtains draw to a close on his undergraduate journey, Ian Mercer, a hometown hero hailing from Cary, North Carolina, is set to embark on a new chapter of his life. Graduating from NC State University’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE), Ian reflects upon his path, accomplishments, and aspirations with a sense of pride and gratitude.
Ian’s journey into the realm of MSE was a complex path. Beginning his academic foundation at Wake Tech Community College, Ian initially found himself navigating through a myriad of disciplines, each offering its allure. However, his innate love for physics, coupled with a thirst for creativity and hands-on problem-solving, led him to NC State. The interdisciplinary nature of materials science, its relevance across various engineering domains, and its capacity for creative problem-solving became the defining factors that drew Ian in to find a home at MSE.
“When I was a student at Wake Tech Community College, I unearthed a love for physics, being creative, and hands-on problem-solving,” shares Ian. “Realizing that many engineering disciplines can provide all of these, engineering at NC State was the obvious choice. Still, I couldn’t decide what area to pursue. Would it be mechanical, electrical, chemical, physics, nuclear, etc? After soul-searching for a bit and fear of closing doors in my career path, I stumbled across materials science. What sold me was how interdisciplinary materials science is and how relevant it is to arguably every other branch of engineering and science. Because materials science is so versatile, it allows me to find inspiration in odd places and provides a solid foundation to tackle many different problems in creative ways.”
“Because materials science is so versatile, it allows me to find inspiration in odd places and provides a solid foundation to tackle many different problems in creative ways.“
Ian Mercer
Throughout his time at NC State, Ian’s experiences in MSE have been nothing short of transformative. From engaging in cutting-edge research projects under the mentorship of professors like Professors Ruijuan Xu, and previously, Dr. Kaveh Ahadi, to honing his scientific communication skills in Professor Emeritus Lew Reynolds’ lab report course, Ian has embraced every opportunity for growth and learning. He attributes much of his personal and academic development to these experiences, alongside the unwavering support of his advisor, Hillary Stone.
Ian thoughtfully reflected on his time in MSE and gave praise to faculty and staff. “Dr. Lew Reynolds’ lab report course has helped me not only learn how to effectively read research papers but also improve my writing and science communication more than any other experience,” says Ian. “Professor Franky So has been impactful to me due to his wealth of electronic materials knowledge and ability to ask simple but challenging questions. Acknowledgement to the MSE undergraduate advisor Hillary Stone is also extremely deserved. Hillary works extremely hard to care for all of the MSE students and is a very kind person.”
Looking ahead, Ian sees MSE as an integral part of his future endeavors. With plans to pursue graduate studies post-graduation, he envisions the discipline continuing to shape his career trajectory and fuel his aspirations. Whether building his small lab in his garage, delving into research, or simply indulging in hobbies like astrophotography, Ian is certain that MSE will remain a constant companion, guiding him through professional and personal pursuits.
Reflecting on his proudest accomplishment, Ian highlights the collective growth and camaraderie shared among his fellow seniors in MSE. Their journey together, marked by mutual support and encouragement, fills him with immense pride and optimism for the future. For Ian, the true essence of MSE lies not just in its technical intricacies but in the community it fosters—the people who inspire, challenge, and uplift one another along the way.
Amidst the rigors of academia, Ian found solace and fulfillment in extracurricular pursuits, particularly through his involvement in the Astronomy Club for the past two years. Captivated by the mysteries of the cosmos, he found joy in capturing breathtaking images of the night sky and sharing them with fellow enthusiasts—a passion that transcends the boundaries of his academic pursuits and enriches his college experience.
As Ian Mercer prepares to bid farewell to his alma mater, his journey through NC State MSE stands as a testament to the transformative power of passion, perseverance, and community. Armed with a solid foundation in materials science and engineering, Ian is poised to embark on a future brimming with endless possibilities, guided by the stars and fueled by his unwavering dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and innovation.