Kara Krogh’s Journey to MSE: From Middle School Inspiration to Nuclear Materials Specialist
Kara’s path to Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) began in a middle school classroom, where a project on college majors introduced her to the field. “I thought it was a really interesting field, and it fits with my love of chemistry,” Kara explained. As she continued her education, her passion for MSE only grew. In high school, she was introduced to a senior MSE student at NC State, who gave her a tour of the campus and the undergraduate labs in Engineering Building 1 (EB1). After that visit, Kara knew MSE was the path she wanted to follow.
Initially, Kara had envisioned working in biodegradable plastics and sustainable materials. However, after taking the Introduction to MSE course, she discovered a deeper fascination with metals. “This led me to nuclear materials, where I found my passion for materials analysis,” she said.
“The MSE department at NC State has a close-knit community, and I’ve made amazing friends throughout my time here.”
Kara Krogh ’25
Her time at NC State’s MSE department has been filled with both academic growth and extracurricular involvement. Kara particularly enjoyed her classes, especially the introductory MSE course taught by Dr. Irving. “He made the class so fun with his stories, jokes, and demonstrations,” Kara recalled. Other favorite classes included Kinetics with Dr. Augustyn, Nuclear Materials with Dr. He, and Mechanics of Materials with Dr. Balke. Beyond the classroom, Kara has been an active volunteer for the department’s presence at the College of Engineering Open House since her sophomore year, where she’s had the opportunity to share her passion for MSE with prospective students.
“The MSE department at NC State has a close-knit community, and I’ve made amazing friends throughout my time here,” she said.
Looking to the future, Kara is excited to apply her MSE education in the professional world. She has secured a position as a Mechanical Properties Technical Specialist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) after graduation. “I’m excited to put my knowledge and research skills into practice and develop new skills as I grow in this position,” Kara said. Her job will involve working with a variety of metals for nuclear applications and performing mechanical testing and analysis.
Outside of her academic and professional pursuits, Kara is an avid hiker and mountaineer. She has hiked to the highest point in 44 states and is working toward her goal of summiting the highest peak in all 50 states. “The three peaks I’m most proud of are Mt. Hood in Oregon, Granite Peak in Montana, and Borah Peak in Idaho,” she said. “Each hike had its own challenges, and they’ve built my confidence for future hikes.”
In addition to her outdoor adventures, Kara also enjoys attending NC State sports events. Her favorite memory is attending the women’s basketball Play for Kay game against Duke. “I love the atmosphere of the women’s basketball games and being able to go with friends to root for the Wolfpack,” she shared.
Reflecting on her time in MSE, Kara appreciates the versatility of the field. “It’s so important to understand materials, no matter what field you go into,” she said. “Now that I’m concluding my undergraduate career, I have a much greater appreciation for MSE as a whole.”
Kara’s journey from middle school discovery to pursuing a career in nuclear materials analysis is a testament to her passion for learning and problem-solving, and her future in MSE looks brighter than ever.
