Ayda Dadras, North Dakota State University
What drew you to study coatings or materials science specifically?
My passion for chemistry began in high school, when I realized it is the science of life, present in everything from the food we eat to the water we drink. This curiosity grew into a passion that led me to study polymer science. Every experiment, every challenge has deepened my appreciation for how coatings and polymers improve our lives: from safer, biobased paints that protect human health to the simple joy of staying dry in a raincoat. This journey has not only taught me science but also patience, resilience, and purpose. It reminds me every day that the work I do can make a real difference
Have you met people in the industry who’ve influenced or encouraged your path?
During the CoatingsTech Conference poster session, I had the opportunity to speak with industry professionals who shared their insights about current innovations and challenges in the coatings field. Their feedback on my work and their passion for advancing sustainable technologies were so inspiring. I also follow their articles in CoatingsTech magazine, which keep me motivated and help me see how research can directly impact the industry. These interactions have encouraged me to stay committed to contributing meaningful solutions through my own research.
Are there specific roles or companies you hope to work for after graduation?
I am very interested in R&D or product development roles in the coatings and polymer industry, where I can apply my experience in polymer synthesis and coating formulation. I would like to contribute to developing sustainable polymers and innovative coating technologies. Companies like PPG, Sherwin-Williams, or BASF are particularly appealing to me because of their focus on research and innovation, where I could bring value through my background in plant oil-based polymer synthesis and advanced coating development.
Do you have a dream application or product you’d love to work on someday?
In my earlier research, I worked on developing yellow road marking paints using hybrid dye–clay nano-pigments as an environmentally friendly alternative to lead-based pigments. This project showed me how innovative chemistry can solve real public health challenges while maintaining performance standards. My dream is to continue advancing such technologies, creating high-performance, sustainable road marking coatings that improve safety, last longer, and eliminate harmful materials from our environment.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received about pursuing a career in coatings?
The best advice I have received about a career in coatings is to “never underestimate the power of a good test panel!” It reminded me that even small experiments, like a scratch test or gloss measurement, can reveal so much about formulation. In coatings, attention to detail, hands-on experimentation, and a bit of curiosity can turn an ordinary painting into a high-performance, sustainable solution, and that is what makes this field so exciting!
What advice would you give a high school or first-year college student curious about this field?
I would tell them to stay curious and explore chemistry in everyday life, from the materials around them to the products they use daily. Do not be afraid to experiment, ask questions, and even fail, because that is how innovation happens. Learning the fundamentals of polymers and coatings early and getting hands-on experience whenever possible can give them a huge advantage. Most importantly, I would encourage them to pursue what excites them: the field is full of opportunities to create materials that make a real impact on people’s lives.
Ayda Dadras is pursuing her Ph.D. in Coatings and Polymeric Materials (CPM) at North Dakota State University. Her research focuses on the synthesis and development of plant oil-based polymers for diverse applications, including coatings, adhesives, and food packaging. She is particularly interested in creating sustainable, biobased materials that combine high performance with environmental friendliness, aiming to address real-world challenges through innovative polymer chemistry.