MSE Visits Argonne National Lab

North Carolina State University undergraduates Rachel Beall, Leah Bellcase and Vedika Shaha visited Argonne National Laboratory from Nov. 17 to Nov. 20 under the supervision of Kobe Steel Distinguished Professor, Dr. Jacob Jones. At the Advanced Photon Source, located at Argonne National Lab, the students were given the opportunity to test ceramic capacitors in collaboration with experts from the University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada.

Working in 12-hour shifts, the team analyzed samples of dielectric and piezoelectric material for local and widespread crystal-structure changes after the application of electric fields. After long hours of coding experiments, changing samples, analyzing data and calibrating equipment, Bellcase said that her hard work paid off and the group learned so much. Along with their research, students got to explore the neighboring city of Chicago, Illinois.

About the Author

Mary Obiol is the assistant communicator for the department of material science and engineering. As an undergrad at NC State, she is pursuing a degree in communication media with a minor in journalism. In addition to writing for MSE, Mary is a published researcher in the field of communication, and seeks to help people through her written and communicative abilities. She also participates in University Theatre at NC State and is a member of the Ladies in Red, NC State’s all-female a cappella group.