Two doctoral students in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Texas A&M University won prestigious graduate fellowships this spring. Rebeca Gurrola received a National Science Foundation graduate research fellowship, while Ciera Cipriani won a NASA space technology graduate research fellowship.
Gurrola will work with materials science and engineering assistant professor Dr. Patrick Shamberger on developing energy-efficient electronic circuits that emulate neurons in the brain. “I am especially drawn to energy materials research as it has repercussions in all fields and to all in society regardless of their social standing,” said Gurrola.
Cipriani, who wanted to be an astronaut as a child, will work under the supervision of materials science and engineering assistant professor Dr. Emily Pentzer on 3D printing low-mass materials to lighten the load on spacecrafts. “I am grateful for the opportunity to merge my passions for materials science, 3D printing and space,” said Cipriani.