Materials research has the potential to make a difference in people’s lives, which is why Rachel Harris plans to pursue graduate studies in materials science and engineering after completing her undergraduate work.
Her time at UConn helped her discover a passion for research that she says she feels both prepared for and qualified to pursue as she embarks on the next stage of her educational journey.
Why did you choose UConn?
I chose to go to UConn because of the people I met when I visited in 2022. That morning, I was still unsure of where I wanted to go, so my mother suggested I visit UConn and see if anyone on campus would talk to me about their experiences. When I did just that, I met two engineers near Werth who told me about their experiences and how much they loved it here. That was enough to spur my decision to commit to UConn.
What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it?
I am a materials science and engineering student. I was drawn to it initially by the biology-inspired materials shown to first-year engineers in ENGR1000. As I have kept learning, I would say the biggest draw for me to continue studying materials science is that materials make up everything that we use every day. Making progress in materials research or sustainable usage makes a difference in people’s everyday lives.
Did you have a favorite professor or class?
The two favorite classes I have taken bridge the gap between materials science and materials engineering. Respectively, the first is Mechanical Behavior of Materials, taught by professor Seok-Woo Lee, and the second is Thermal & Mechanical Processing of Materials, taught by professor Lesley Frame. Together, both classes taught me so much about microscale properties of materials and how they inform processing methods and final use.
What activities were you involved in as a student?
For much of my time here at UConn, I have been involved in a cappella, undergraduate research, undergraduate teaching assistantship, the UConn chapter of Material Advantage (an organization composed of four materials-based professional societies), and several materials science competitions at the IMAT conference.
What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
Not being a sports fan, I was surprised by how much I felt like I fit in. Though, of course, lovers of sports, especially basketball, are quite common on campus, there are just as many students who are more casual fans or not interested at all. I will always be grateful for the friendships I have made with the people I met here.
What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree?
I will be pursuing a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering at WPI.
How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?
The ability to do research as an undergraduate has truly been transformative for me. At the start of my undergraduate career, research was an avenue that I didn’t think was even available to me. Learning all that I have both in my major’s curriculum as well as in the lab, I have discovered a passion for research that I am both qualified for and feel ready to pursue.
Any advice for incoming students?
My advice is to give yourself time to adjust. College is a very different experience than you are used to, and it will take time to feel comfortable. For me, I gave myself a bit of a break from extracurriculars in my first semester, then started to become more involved as time went on.
What’s one thing everyone should do during their time at UConn?
I think everyone should get involved in research somehow. Whether that means participating in research studies as a subject or a researcher, involving yourself is a valuable experience and part of what makes UConn special as an R1 designated school.
What will always make you think of UConn?
Seeing a husky! Since both Jonathan XIV and Jonathan XV have been our school’s mascots in the time I have been enrolled, both dogs’ distinctive markings will always remind me of UConn.
