Senior Spotlight: Mason Shaffer

Mason at the MAT-DAT REU Symposium, 2024.

Shaping the Future: Mason Shaffer’s Journey in Materials Science

NC State’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) is proud to highlight Mason Shaffer, a dedicated student from Greensboro, NC, whose passion for materials science has shaped his academic journey.

From the start, Mason sought an MSE department, drawn by the essential role materials play across countless fields. His decision to pursue materials science was fueled by the realization that advancements in this discipline drive progress in technology, medicine, and engineering.

Mason’s experience in the MSE department was marked by a strong sense of community fostered by the department’s smaller size. He valued the connections built with classmates, graduate students, and faculty. Some of his favorite courses included Introduction to Materials Science, Thermodynamics, and Kinetics: subjects that remained relevant throughout his studies and research. He credits Professors Veronica Augustyn and Doug Irving for making these courses both engaging and impactful. Additionally, he highlights Hillary Stone as an outstanding advisor, praising her dedication to guiding students through academics, professional opportunities, and department events.

One of Mason’s proudest accomplishments was his work in the Augustyn Lab, where he helped develop methods to observe electrochemical systems using operando optical microscopy. This experience deepened his understanding of the relationship between materials and electrochemistry, while also allowing him the freedom to explore intriguing experimental variables. The hands-on nature of his research sparked his enthusiasm for problem-solving in the lab.

Currently, Mason is searching for a full-time position where he can apply his materials science expertise. He is particularly interested in roles that focus on material testing, development, and research.

For Mason, the most exciting part of MSE is its broad impact—what students learn in materials science is intricately connected to various fields of science and engineering, influencing innovations that affect everyday life.

One of Mason’s most memorable experiences was visiting the NC State Clay Studio in The Crafts Center during his ceramic processing course. Seeing the parallels and differences between ceramics in scientific research and artistic craftsmanship provided him with a fresh perspective on materials science.

Mason’s journey exemplifies the depth and versatility of an MSE education. As he embarks on the next chapter of his career, we look forward to seeing how he applies his knowledge and passion for materials science to real-world challenges.