About YPN+1
The YPN+1 program helps to provide leadership opportunities to ACerS Young Professionals Network (YPN) members within ACerS and their ACerS Divisions.
This program has been organized by the ACerS Young Professionals Network (YPN).
YPN Division Liaison
The opportunity to become a YPN Division Liaison will provide the ability for YPN members to connect in a meaningful way to their ACerS Division, learn how the Division operates, contribute to Division decisions, help promote engagement with other young professionals, and more.
YPN Division Liaisons must be a member of ACerS Young Professionals Network (YPN) and a member of the specific ACerS Division.
The YPN+1 program is open to all eligible YPN members, although preference will be given to those who are not currently enrolled students.
YPN Division Liaison expectations
- Take part in division leadership conference calls (3-6 times per year).
- Identify and coordinate opportunities for YPN members to be involved in various Division activities.
- Take initiative to develop new activities and programs that support overall Division goals.
- Meet with other YPN Division Liaisons to share successes and challenges (3-4 times per year).
- Provide collective feedback, along with other liaisons, to the YPN Steering Committee.
Hear from some past YPN Division Liaisons
Caio Bragatto
Glass and Optical Materials Division Liaison, 2022-2024
Being a liaison changed my understanding of ACerS – through the program, I had a peek behind the curtains on how the volunteering work is done, how the decisions are made, and had the opportunity to help with them as well.
Rebecka Annunziata
Refractory Ceramics Division Liaison, 2022-2024
In this role, I worked to connect RCD and refractory industry professionals to determine how to encourage interest in the refractory industry, connect with current materials science students, and spread industry information through roundtable discussions.
Lavina Backman
Basic Science Division Liaison, 2023-2025
I very much enjoyed finding ways to connect early career professionals to opportunities for leadership within the organization. I found this to be an invaluable professional growth experience, from gaining more leadership experience to growing my professional network.
Qiance "Quincy" Zhang
Engineering Ceramics Division Liaison, 2024-2026
I grew professionally through division outreach and cooperation, making this role an invaluable experience for my career development, global connectivity, and long-term community involvement.
Alessandra Yamagata
Cements Division Liaison, 2024-2026
What stood out most was the opportunity to bridge early career professionals with real, tangible entry points into leadership, and reinforced the value of being actively involved in shaping the future of our field through the society.
Current calls for YPN Division Liaisons
Apply for the YPN Division Liaison position that is currently available for one of the following ACerS Divisions.
Applications are now open for the 2026-2027 cohort of YPN Division Liaisons.
The deadline to apply is July 17, 2026.
The YPN+1 sub-committee will review applications and notify selected liaisons for the 2026-2027 cohort on or before August 15, 2026.
Join the growing YPN community
If you have completed your university career and/or are between the ages of 25-40, you are encouraged to join the ACerS Young Professionals Network (YPN).
You may join this growing community by logging in to your ACerS Personal Snapshot and marking "Young Professionals Network (YPN)" under the Interest Groups and Communities tab.