Thank you for your interest in volunteering with ACerS.
One of the best ways to get connected is by volunteering. If you're wondering what opportunities might be available, or have questions as a prospective volunteer, please review the tools below. Please note that, for the most part, volunteering does require that you be a member of ACerS.
Lunch with a Pro
The Young Professionals Network (YPN) aims to help foster relationships between students and professionals in the field by planning a “Lunch with a Pro” event.
The YPN pairs off industry/national lab professionals with students at ACerS sponsored meetings to give students a chance to ask candid questions about careers in materials science in an informal, intimate setting.
Welcome Ambassadors
The Member Services Committee seeks Welcome Ambassadors for the EMA (Orlando) and ICACC (Daytona Beach) conferences annually in January and at ACerS Annual Meeting with Materials Science & Technology.
The role of a welcome ambassador is to spend time in the ACerS lounge greeting new members, answering questions, and helping them gain the most value possible out of their meeting and ACerS membership experience.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Kevin Thompson, membership director, 614-794-5894.
Materials Science & Technology Student Experience
The American Ceramic Society, TMS and AIST host the Materials Science & Technology Student Experience at ACerS Annual Meeting with MS&T each year. The one-day event takes place on the exhibit floor during MS&T and features two 2-hour sessions which enable the students to rotate among eight demonstration tables while interacting with experts in the materials field.
Middle and high school students and their teachers are invited to participate to learn how important materials are to our everyday lives and hopefully be inspired to pursue careers in materials science or engineering.
Volunteers and sponsors are needed to perform hands-on demos in any area dealing with materials (ceramics, glass, polymers, metals, composites).
If you or your company/organization are interested in participating, contact Amanda Engen at aengen@ceramics.org.
Competition Judges
Are you planning on attending MS&T? Each year we are in search of a number of volunteers to help us judge various student contests!
MS&T hosts the Material Advantage Undergraduate Student Speaking contest that includes both semi-final and final rounds. The purpose of the contest is to encourage undergraduate students to present technical papers and to improve their presentation skills. The presentation subject must be technical but can relate to any aspect of materials science and engineering. One contestant from a university is able to compete in this contest.
MS&T hosts the Material Advantage Undergraduate Student Poster contest. The purpose of the contest is to encourage undergraduate students to present technical papers and to improve their presentation skills. The presentation subject must be technical but can relate to any aspect of materials science and engineering. One contestant from a university is able to compete in this contest.
Finally, the Material Advantage Graduate Student Poster contest is open to current graduate students pursuing M.S. or Ph.D. degrees, with the purpose being to recognize superior research performed during graduate study. Eligible posters must be accepted for the MS&T technical program to be entered into the contest. Entries will be displayed in the general poster session.
If you are willing and able to volunteer to be a student contest judge at MS&T, please contact Yolanda Natividad. Volunteers will be provided with further details and judging guidelines.