Senior Spotlight: Caitlyn Obrero

To Materials and Beyond: Caitlyn Obrero’s Unconventional Journey to MSE Success

Caitlyn Obrero, a senior at NC State University, never imagined that her journey would lead her to the world of materials science and engineering (MSE). A native of Durham, North Carolina, Caitlyn initially envisioned a career in the medical field, but her path dramatically shifted during her freshman year at NC State. Today, she is a standout student in the MSE department, a passionate advocate for the field, and an aspiring researcher at Stanford University.

Caitlyn’s discovery of MSE was a serendipitous turning point. “It wasn’t until halfway through my first year that I learned about MSE,” she recalls. Her curiosity about materials science began in her E102 class, where she eventually reached out to the president of the Material Advantage Club. “Talking to her about her experiences and attending club meetings made me realize how exciting and diverse the field of MSE is,” says Caitlyn. 

One of the defining moments in her academic journey was taking MSE 201 during her second semester, a course that profoundly impacted her. “It turned my world upside down,” Caitlyn shares. The class was the first of many instances that deepened her understanding of how fundamental subjects like physics, chemistry, and calculus are applied to the materials around us. This realization sparked her deep interest in exploring materials science further. 

Her involvement in research soon followed. Caitlyn worked with Dr. Karen Daniels in NC State’s Physics Department and Dr. Christopher Rock at the Center of Additive Manufacturing and Logistics (CAMAL), where she saw firsthand how materials science applies to diverse fields. Her hands-on research experience extended to working in photonics at the University of Maryland, College Park with Dr. Thomas Murphy through the Training in Research and Experiences in Nonlinear Dynamics (TREND) program. However, it was her most recent experience collaborating with Dr. Ray Unocic in the MSE department where she discovered her passion for microscopy and its potential to drive innovation, which she would eventually pursue in graduate school.

“If I could travel back in time and tell my younger self about the person she’d end up becoming, I hope to let her know that I am proud of her for always working hard and believing in her choices.”

Caitlyn Obrero ’25

“I feel like MSE has given me so many opportunities to explore different areas,” says Caitlyn. She credits her time working with Toby Tung at NC State’s Analytical Instrumentation Facility (AIF) for shaping her work ethic and problem-solving skills. “It’s these soft skills that make all the difference in research and life,” she adds.

A strong sense of community has marked Caitlyn’s academic journey. She cites the MSE department’s close-knit environment and the support from professors and peers as integral to her success. “The diversity within MSE is amazing,” she says. “No matter your niche, you’ll find a community in MSE that shares your passion.” She also notes how interconnected the sub-communities within MSE are: “You’ll find this in both academia and industry because of the inherent nature of being a material scientist or engineer in training; you’re trained to be multidisciplinary.”

Looking ahead, Caitlyn is eager to continue her work in materials science at Stanford University. There, she will explore atom-by-atom kinetic mechanisms using advanced scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) techniques. Through outreach and mentorship, she hopes to contribute to groundbreaking research and inspire others to pursue materials science.

Reflecting on her accomplishments, Caitlyn proudly shares the moment she took her first atomic-resolution STEM image. “Finally being able to operate a TEM and see atoms on my own was the culmination of all my hard work,” she says, a clear testament to her passion and dedication.

Caitlyn’s story demonstrates the power of exploration, curiosity, and the transformative impact of finding the right path. She reflects on her time over the past few years and how far she has come. “If I could travel back in time and tell my younger self about the person she’d end up becoming, I hope to let her know that I am proud of her for always working hard and believing in her choices.” She encourages others to be open to change and pursue their interests wholeheartedly. “I have no regrets,” she says. “Every decision has led me to amazing opportunities and wonderful people and I’m glad to continue my journey!”