MICRO Summit ‘26
The NU MICRO Summit returned to Northwestern University this May 2026, welcoming undergraduate researchers from across the country for a multi-day program of scientific exchange, facility tours, and career conversations in materials science and engineering.
Held May 8–10 in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE), the summit gathered students participating in the NU MICRO program to present their research, connect with mentors, and explore pathways in graduate school and industry. The event highlighted both the breadth of materials research and the collaborative community that supports early-career scientists.
Showcasing Undergraduate Research
The summit opened with a full day of student presentations, where participants shared progress on projects spanning biomaterials, computational modeling, and advanced characterization techniques.
Students presented research across a wide range of topics. Michael Angelo San Juan (University of Texas at San Antonio) discussed the use of machine learning to segment micro-CT images of mutant mouse enamel, while Ana Colliton (Oak Ridge National Laboratory/Northwestern University) explored mesoscale structural and compositional gradients in human enamel using microXRD. Additional presentations included Anzheng (Alex) Tang (Carleton College), who examined grain boundary segregation beyond dilute limits using spectral modeling, and Alana Canty (Old Dominion University), who presented a computational approach to understanding biopolymer fiber spinning. Chi Nguyen (Davidson College) shared work on cryo-electron microscopy reconstruction of peptide amphiphiles, while Jessica Shrestha (University of Southern Mississippi) discussed coarse-grained molecular simulations to model supramolecular copolymerization. Each presentation emphasized both scientific motivation and emerging results, encouraging discussion across disciplines and helping students build confidence in communicating their research.
Experiencing State-of-the-Art Facilities
In addition to research talks, students toured the Northwestern University Atomic and Nanoscale Characterization Experimental (NUANCE) Center, one of the university’s premier shared research facilities. The tour was led by Dr. Chris Sharpe, an MSE PhD alumnus, who guided participants through instrumentation used for nanoscale imaging and materials analysis. The experience provided students with a firsthand look at how advanced characterization tools enable discovery across materials science.
Building Community and Mentorship
A central goal of the summit was to foster connections among students, faculty, and mentors. Shared meals, informal breaks, and group activities created opportunities for participants to exchange ideas and build lasting relationships.
Students also had the option to take part in the Materials Science Student Association (MSSA) 5K, offering a casual setting to interact with graduate students and faculty outside of the lab.
Exploring career pathways in MSE
Career exploration remained a core focus of the program. A panel on careers after a PhD featured speakers from diverse professional paths, including Chris Hareland of QuesTek Innovations, Northwestern PhD candidate John Misiaszek, and Tammy Lai of Nalco Water. Moderated by Cécile Chazot, the discussion gave students insight into industry roles, academic trajectories, and the skills needed to transition beyond graduate school. A second panel focused on graduate school experiences, with current Northwestern PhD students Natalie Fisher, Sebastian Marini, Abhiram Devata, and Ryan Zhou sharing perspectives on research life, coursework, and choosing a lab. Together, these conversations helped demystify next steps and provided practical guidance for students considering advanced study in materials science and engineering.
Supporting the Next Generation of Materials Scientists
The NU MICRO Summit reflects the program’s mission to provide undergraduate students with meaningful research experiences and professional development opportunities. By combining student-led research presentations with mentorship, facility access, and career guidance, the summit offers a comprehensive introduction to the field. The NU MICRO program is supported by the 3M STEM and Skilled Trades Program, enabling students to engage in cutting-edge research and connect with leaders across academia and industry. As the summit concluded, participants left Northwestern with new insights, expanded networks, and a clearer vision of their future in materials science and engineering.
