From Lab Coats to Career Goals: Aidan Hennessee’s Journey to MSE
When Aidan Hennessee first set foot on the campus of NC State, he was unsure where his passion for engineering would take him. Initially considering mechanical engineering as a broad and practical option, Hennessee’s true calling didn’t reveal itself until later. Now, as he prepares for graduation, Hennessee reflects on how Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) has become the perfect blend of his interests and aspirations.
“High school had me set on engineering, but I had no clear vision of what kind of engineering,” said Hennessee, who hails from Winston-Salem, NC. “At NC State, I realized chemistry was where I had the most fun, and that’s when I shifted my focus. MSE was the perfect fit: it’s a combination of everything I loved about chemistry and engineering.”
One of the standout experiences for Hennessee has been his involvement in undergraduate research under the mentorship of Dr. Gwalani. “Working on projects with Dr. Gwalani has been one of the most rewarding parts of my college experience,” Hennessee explained. “My poster on processing aluminum 6061 using friction stir welding was a huge accomplishment and gave me invaluable hands-on experience.”
“I’ll never forget putting on a lab coat, gloves, and goggles for the first time. That’s when it truly hit me that I was becoming a scientist.”
Aidan Hennessee ’25
Outside of the lab, Hennessee’s journey has been shaped by his extracurricular involvement. He assisted with summer camps under Dr. Gulyuk and served as an MSE ambassador alongside Undergraduate Academic Advisor, Hillary Stone, both of which enhanced his sense of community and gave him opportunities to give back to the department. “The people in MSE make it special,” he said. “It’s a small, tight-knit community where everyone supports each other, and I’m leaving with lasting friendships and professional connections.”
While Hennessee’s future plans don’t include graduate school, he’s eager to apply the skills he’s learned in the workforce. “I want to work on projects that let me continue my research on materials, especially in sustainability,” he said. “I’ve gotten really interested in material recycling and upcycling, and I’d love to continue that work as a hobby or through volunteer opportunities.”
Looking back, one of Hennessee’s fondest memories was the moment he realized MSE was the perfect fit for him. “I’ll never forget putting on a lab coat, gloves, and goggles for the first time. That’s when it truly hit me that I was becoming a scientist,” he recalled.
As he moves forward in his career, Hennessee remains excited about the opportunities ahead, carrying with him not only the knowledge gained from his studies but also a strong sense of purpose and belonging within the MSE community at NC State.
