(picture courtesy of Phoenix X-ray)A materials scientist is a scientist who works with, combines and experiments with different materials to create an end product with certain desired features. This type of scientist usually works in specific fields such as: metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, semiconductors, biomaterials, nanotechnology and films, ETC. This science field is relatively new and a hybrid of biology, chemistry, physics and engineering.
(picture courtesy of Southwest Research Institute)
A materials scientist would be able to explain why an oil pipe in Alaska might break, or why the Titanic sunk. They would also think about how to make the materials for those "products" stronger and more durable. This type of scientist looks at the problems in everyday items and thinks about what materials have the features that are needed to make that product better and how to combine the two or more materials to create the perfect product.
The requirements to be a materials scientist are to have a bachelors degree in biology, chemistry or physics although, because the fields are always changing and progressing one should have a master's or Ph. d in materials science.
This science field appeals to me because I have always been interested in what materials mix well and what materials don't. Also, I have always been fond of hands-on projects and experiments.This particular profession matches my learning style because I have always believed that I learn by doing, and I still believe that, and in this science field there are many experiments that need to be done. This scientific field also matches my interests because longboard and snowboard companies are always looking for new materials and experimenting with new materials to give their products more "pop" and "flex".
(picture courtesy of ImageShack)
Take Insect Longboards for example, they are one of the only longboard companies that uses "carbon nanotechnology" to make their longboard skateboards. In their description on their home page they talk about how they made their boards too stiff and brittle and how they learned from that mistake to produce the type of board they are famous for.
There are many other applications for a materials scientist such as aerospace technology. A materials scientist was needed to discover a way to keep the space shuttle from bursting into flames upon its re-entry on Earth, thus the material on the wings and body were created.
More information can be found at the following websites: Career Planner, Newton Ask A Scientist and OSU Materials Science.
4 comments:
I really liked how you explained what the career was, and then you gave examples of what situations a materials scientist would be involved in. I liked how you brought in your hobby of longboarding, to show how this job appeals to you.
Until reading this post, I never really understood what a materials scientist did so thanks for the insight. It was nice to read a post about a more unique career. I also enjoyed reading about longboards, it was quite unexpected from the title but it connected well to the material. Good work!
I agree with Roberta, you did a really nice job explaining what all there is to know about what a materials scientist is. I also agree that talking about your hobby of longboarding added a good personal touch to your post and connected well with the information.
Materials scientist sounds like a cool profession. Nice job on how you applied it to your hobbie.
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