Senior Spotlight: Sofia Antinozzi

From Rocketry to Materials Science: Sofia Antinozzi’s NC State Journey

Sofia Antinozzi, a senior at NC State, has had an inspiring journey through Materials Science and Engineering (MSE). When she first entered college, Sofia wasn’t sure which engineering major to pursue, though she knew she wanted something chemistry-focused. “In high school, my most interesting and challenging class was chemistry, so I knew I wanted a chemistry-heavy major,” Sofia shares. “After experiencing MSE 201 with Dr. LaBean, I was hooked on the subject and decided to commit to MSE.”

Sofia’s time in the MSE department has been defined by both academic success and extracurricular involvement. She recalls her Thermodynamics class as a standout experience: “The content was fascinating, but the classroom environment was probably the most fun out of all the STEM classes I’ve taken at State,” she says. “It was a great mix of challenging material and a positive, engaging atmosphere.” This semester, Sofia is excited about her electives in composite and polymer processing, finding them both interesting and rewarding.

“The content was fascinating, but the classroom environment was probably the most fun out of all the STEM classes I’ve taken at State. It was a great mix of challenging material and a positive, engaging atmosphere.”

Sofia Antinozzi ’25 on MSE Thermodynamics course

In addition to her academic pursuits, Sofia has contributed to NC State’s research community. During her undergraduate years, she worked in Dr. Gupta’s Advanced Materials and Corrosion Lab, focusing on corrosion patterns in additively manufactured steel. “I learned a lot about material degradation and the academic research process,” she says. “It was fascinating to understand the complexities of how materials break down and to contribute to such an important area of study.” This research experience solidified her interest in the field and led to her next step after graduation: working as an engineer for ExxonMobil, focusing on material degradation.

Beyond her studies, Sofia has made a lasting impact through her leadership roles. As an officer for the Material Advantage Club for the past two years, she has helped the NC State chapter grow from a small group into a thriving organization. “When I first joined, we were a two-person club with almost no activities,” she recalls. “Now, we have a full team of members attending, presenting, and competing in MSE conferences. The growth has been incredible, and I’m so proud of what we’ve accomplished.” Dr. Gwalani, the club’s advisor, has been a huge supporter, and Sofia values the opportunity to lead such an engaged and passionate group.

Sofia has also played an active role in NC State’s High-Powered Rocketry Club, where she has served as an officer for three years. “Each year, our designs get more advanced, and we’re becoming more successful,” she says. “I love the STEM outreach and leadership aspects of the role, and the Huntsville competition is always a highlight.”

One of Sofia’s favorite things about being a part of NC State’s MSE program is the quality of guest speakers. “The department brings in amazing speakers every week, which keeps new ideas flowing,” she says. “It’s a fantastic resource for students, especially for those considering graduate school.”

As graduation approaches, Sofia reflects on her time at NC State with gratitude: “The experiences I’ve had here, both in the classroom and outside, have shaped who I am today. I’m excited to take everything I’ve learned into the next chapter of my career.”