Webinar Description
Hosted by: President’s Council of Student Advisors (PCSA)
Tuesday, April 1, 2025; 12p.m. – 1p.m. Eastern US time
Sponsored by the ACerS President’s Council of Student Advisors (PCSA), the April webinar will feature a panel style discussion: Beyond the Degree: Careers in Ceramics & Glass
DESCRIPTION
Beyond the Degree: Careers in Ceramics & Glass
This webinar aims to help students explore career opportunities in glass and ceramics after earning their terminal degree. Guest speakers from industry, national lab, and academia will share insights into their career paths and the various opportunities available.
BIOGRAPHIES
Dr. Olivia Brandt, US Naval Research Laboratory
Dr. Olivia Brandt is a materials engineer in the spacecraft engineering division at the Naval Research Laboratory. Her work focuses on maturing technologies for near-net-shaped fabrication of ceramic matrix composites. Prior to joining NRL in 2024, Olivia completed her Ph.D. at Purdue University under the advisement of Profs. Rodney Trice and Jeffrey Youngblood in 2023. While in grad school, Olivia served as the 2021-2022 PCSA chair and has continued to be an active member of ACerS serving as the current vice chair for the DC/VA/MD section.
Dr. Fox Thorpe, Calectra Company
Dr. Fox Thorpe is a materials scientist at Calectra, an Oakland based start-up aiming to decarbonize high temperature industrial heating. Fox recently completed his PhD in Chemical Engineering from the McCormack lab at UC Davis studying the thermophysical properties of UHTCs. During his research, he collaborated with Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. As a student, Fox was heavily involved with ACerS and PCSA.
Dr. S. Manisha Vidyavathy, Anna University
Dr. S. Manisha Vidyavathy is working as a Professor in the Department of Ceramic Technology, Alagappa College of Technology, Anna University, Chennai – 600 025. She is heading the Department of Ceramic Technology since June 2022. She graduated in Physics from the University of Madras. She holds a post-graduation degree in Material Science and Ceramic Technology from Anna University. She obtained her PhD in Ceramic Technology from Anna University in the year 2009. Her research was on the development of niobium co- doped cubic zirconia by conventional and microwave sintering.
The current area of research is in advanced ceramics. She is working on high temperature coatings, ceramic 3D printing, ceramic membranes, and photovoltaics. She has produced 7 Ph.D. scholars and 1 MS by Research and presently five students are working under her guidance. She has 30 publications to her credit. She has attended various National and International Conferences, Seminars and Workshops. She has organized 5 workshops and seminars as Co-coordinator. She is also working on various Industrial Consultancy Projects.
She is a member of the Syllabus Sub Committee (UG and PG Programmes) and Board of Studies under Faculty of Technology of Anna University. She is also acting as a Subject Expert Member and Academic Council Member for Dr J Jayalalitha Music and Fine University, Chennai. She also serves as the Subject Expert for Government Polytechnic College, Gudur, and Government Diploma College Virudachalam.
She has served in various academic and administrative responsibilities at the College level and University Level. She held various responsibilities like Deputy Director in the Centre for Academic Courses, Anna University, Programme Officer for YRC, ACTech Campus. She has also served as a Doctoral Committee Member for PHO students at SRM University, VIT Campus and University Constituent Colleges
She has visited countries like New Zealand, USA and Japan. She is the Life member of the Indian Ceramic Society and Individual Member of the American Ceramic Society.
REGISTRATION
If you have any questions, please contact Vicki Evans.
This webinar is brought to you by the ACerS President’s Council of Student Advisors.
To view past ACerS webinars, click here.
