In a recently-published Boise State update, three graduate students from the Advanced Materials Laboratory share how access to hands-on research has impacted their education and career paths. Visit the Boise State News website or keep scrolling to read what Jennifer Watkins, Samuel Pedersen, and Addie Lupercio had to say about their experience!
“We have so many instruments and tools at our disposal to conduct state-of-the-art research and experts in many areas of materials research that are approachable and eager to share their expertise. It’s exciting to think of all of the potential discoveries that can, and are, happening right here in our labs.”
ADDIE LUPERCIO
third year doctoral student and Nuclear Energy University Program Fellow.
“My alma mater was Purdue, which is twice the size of Boise State. That sounds great since you get the latest and greatest but there’s a huge downside – these places don’t always allow students to really get trained hands on for the instruments. Boise State on the other hand, gives grad students and undergraduate students alike, the opportunity to really get to know the technology they are working with.”
SAMUEL PEDERSEN
fourth year doctoral student.
“Our program is driven to involve undergraduates in research early on in their college experience. I was no exception and was fortunate to be involved in nuclear fuel research as well as archaeological and art projects, all of which I’ve had the opportunity to publish on as a first and co-author as an undergraduate. I fully believe it was my research experience as an undergraduate which led to my fellowship awards and, ultimately, being able to complete my PhD research at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL).”
JENNIFER WATKINS
fifth year PhD student and INL Graduate Fellow.