Jacksonville, AL – As originally reported by Brett Buckner of JSU’s Media Department, when Hunter Ballard received an email in November informing him of his acceptance into the 2nd MateriAlZ Winter School, he was thrilled. The five-day event, held January 5–9 at Biosphere 2 in Oracle, Arizona, is a competitive program hosted by The University of Arizona and Arizona State University to introduce undergraduate students to the diverse applications of materials science and engineering (MSE).
Ballard, a 22-year-old biology major from Oxford, Alabama, stood out among the 29 students selected from across the country. Unlike many of his peers, who are studying chemistry, engineering, or physics with plans to pursue MSE in industry or academia, Ballard is preparing for medical school.
“By the standards of the event, I am not a traditional applicant,” Ballard said. “I’m studying biology and planning to pursue medical school after graduation. Most people interested in Materials Science and Engineering are majoring in chemistry, engineering, or physics, and they generally want to work in industry or academia after completing a master’s or Ph.D. in the field.”
Despite this, he fully embraced the experience, diving into the lectures, tutorials, and panel discussions that covered topics such as nanomaterials, quantum materials, semiconductors, and biomaterials.
“It was an incredible opportunity and an honor to be selected to represent Jacksonville State University and the state of Alabama at this event,” Ballard said. “I had the pleasure of meeting an outstanding group of brilliant and outgoing people—both students and faculty. I learned so much about the fascinating field of MSE from the lectures and from the people I met that I otherwise would have never known. Plus, I got to experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert and the Biosphere 2.”
The MateriAlZ Winter School is designed to expand students’ understanding of MSE, provide opportunities to network with experts, and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration. Students were also given a platform to present research for peer review and feedback.
Ballard presented his research project, “Exploration of Transition Metal Complexes for Use in Photoinduced Electron Transfer (PET) Pathways,” which he completed under the mentorship of Dr. Anusree Mukherjee, assistant professor of chemistry at Jacksonville State University, in collaboration with his peer Victoria Bamigboye.
The research focuses on developing sustainable energy alternatives beyond traditional sources like fossil fuels, solar, hydropower, wind, or nuclear energy.
“To put it simply, we’re trying to capture and reuse the same mechanism that plants use to make energy during photosynthesis,” Ballard explained. “We’re starting by investigating which molecules—such as transition metal complexes—could work effectively for this application.”
While the Winter School was academically rigorous, it also included interactive activities such as games, an art night, telescope visits, and tours of Biosphere 2—a research facility originally designed as a closed ecological system.
“The Winter School wasn’t all business, though,” Ballard said. “There were plenty of fun activities, including games, an art night, tours of the Biosphere 2 facility, visits to on-site telescopes, and more.”
Reflecting on the experience, Ballard emphasized how the program expanded his perspective on how materials science connects to different fields, including medicine.
“It helped me understand how materials science and technology can be applied in a variety of contexts,” he said. “This experience will help me stand out when applying for jobs or professional programs because I can offer a unique perspective on how to positively impact the field using what I’ve learned about MSE.”
He also expressed gratitude for his mentor, Dr. Mukherjee, acknowledging her dedication to student success and scientific advancement.
“She’s dedicated to her students’ education and to advancing the field of chemistry,” Ballard said. “It was a privilege to have her as both a professor and a mentor.”
Summing up his experience, Ballard shared with the Calhoun Jouranal: “It was an honor and privilege to attend the 2nd MateriAlZ Winter School. The event was hosted by The University of Arizona and Arizona State University at the Biosphere 2 in Oracle, AZ. The Winter School gave students interested in the applications of materials sciences an opportunity to learn about innovative topics, network with peers, and share their research with other students, professors, and industry experts from across the U.S.”
For Ballard, the weeklong conference was more than just an academic experience—it was an opportunity to explore new ideas, form valuable connections, and gain knowledge that will continue to shape his future.
