Chase Katz '25, a recent Texas A&M University graduate and current Ph.D. student in materials science and engineering, is no stranger to discovery — both in the lab and within himself. As he transitions from undergraduate studies into a summer internship and graduate research, he reflects on what inspired his path, the impact he’s made within the department, and his vision for the future of materials science.
Background and journey
Q: Where did you grow up, and how did you first become interested in science or engineering?
A: I grew up in San Antonio, Texas, and became interested in engineering while taking engineering classes at my high school. These classes taught me how to use CAD software, and I knew I wanted to pursue a career with computational modeling.
Q: What made you choose materials science specifically?
A: I chose materials science specifically because I have always been interested in learning about the small scales of the universe. I felt that this major gave me the best opportunity to pursue this interest and make a meaningful career out of it.
Q: Was there a “spark” moment when you realized this was the field for you?
A: I realized this was the field for me while taking the structures of materials course. Learning about crystallography sparked a genuine interest, and I knew I wanted to keep exploring topics like that and learn about as many different areas within the field as I could.
Q: Who or what has inspired you the most along the way?
A: Dr. (Tahir) Cagin and the research I have done under him has inspired me the most. He has been a great mentor for me, and I find the research we have done to be very exciting. His wisdom and passion for the field has always motivated me to keep learning and growing.
Impact in the department
Q: How did you get involved with the Materials Advantage?
A: I got involved with Material Advantage when Dr. (Brady) Butler reached out to me and asked if I would like to be an officer. I had been wanting to join an MSEN organization and saw this as the perfect opportunity.
Q: What has been your proudest achievement or moment in the organization?
A: My proudest achievement has been seeing students in our major secure internships and job opportunities through Material Advantage events with industry partners. It's incredibly rewarding to know that the efforts of the officer team have directly contributed to valuable opportunities and professional growth for students in the major.
Q: How do you think you’ve grown as a leader or contributor through this experience?
A: I think I’ve grown as a leader through this experience because I have learned how to utilize people’s strengths, coordinate tasks and manage the pressure that comes with this important responsibility. Balancing high expectations alongside classes, research and involvement in other organizations has taught me valuable lessons in perseverance and resilience.
Q: What advice would you give to new students who want to make an impact here?
A: Don’t be afraid to be yourself and put yourself out there. Get involved within MSEN, whether it be through organizations, research or going to tutoring. Getting to know your classmates and building connections is, in my opinion, the most important aspect to being a student in the major. I truly don’t think I would have graduated without learning from my friends, bouncing ideas off them and chatting about random topics from time to time. Connecting with more people opens up exponentially more opportunities to grow your career.
The meaning of materials science
Q: What excites you most about the field of materials science?
A: The field of materials science is vast, with opportunities for innovation across many areas of engineering. There are countless discoveries yet to be made, and I believe the future of the field holds incredible potential to transform technology and improve our daily lives.
Q: How do you think materials science can change the world?
A: Materials science has the ability to be at the forefront of innovation in important global areas such as renewable energy, defense and exploration.
Q: What motivates you to keep pushing forward in this field?
A: What motivates me to keep pushing forward in this field is imagining the positive impact I could make. I want to contribute to advancing the field and help shape a better future. I’m also driven by a passion for exploration and learning, and want to discover new knowledge and possibilities.
The future and graduate school
Q: Why did you decide to continue your graduate studies at Texas A&M?
A: I decided to continue my studies because I want to keep learning and prepare myself to innovate and make discoveries in the future. I have built great relationships with professors and students and feel that Texas A&M is the perfect environment for me to grow.
Q: What are you most excited to explore or accomplish in grad school?
A: I’m excited to dive deeply into a topic and work on a project over an extended period. I’m passionate about driving innovation within the field and eager to make meaningful contributions. I also look forward to learning from and collaborating with others who share a similar academic background in computational materials science.
Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years, and what dreams are you chasing?
A: I’m still unsure whether I want to stay in academia or transition to industry, but my goal is to contribute to advancing the prediction of material behavior through computational methods rather than relying solely on physical testing. I believe this will become possible in the future, and I’m eager to be part of making that vision a reality.
Financial support
Q: Has financial or program support played a role in your journey?
A: ASM Houston has generously provided me with a scholarship, which has been an immense help throughout my academic journey. Their support has eased financial burdens and allowed me to focus more fully on my studies, research and involvement.
Q: What would you say to someone who helps support students like you through donations?
A: I would like to sincerely thank everyone who supports students financially, as financial stress is one of the biggest challenges many of us face. Your generosity allows students to focus more comfortably on learning and to strive for innovation.
As Chase’s next chapter of his academic journey begins, he continues to find purpose and inspiration in the community that helped shape him.
“Texas A&M is where I’ve grown — and where I’ll keep pushing myself to discover what’s possible,” he said.
With a deep passion for innovation, a heart for mentorship and a drive to advance materials science, Katz is not just studying the future — he’s helping to build it.