Smarika Neupane, Univeristy of Southern Mississippi
What drew you to study coatings or materials science specifically?
I was drawn to coatings and materials science because of their versatility in solving real-world challenges. A single coating can transform a material—improving durability, adding barrier properties, or even enabling smart functions like self-healing. Coming from a polymer science background, I’ve found it fascinating how surface properties can dictate performance, and coatings provide the perfect intersection of creativity, engineering, and impact.
What’s been the most interesting lab or project you’ve worked on so far?
The most exciting project I’ve worked on focuses on sustainable plastics and polymer blends. I’m currently contributing to research aimed at improving recycling strategies, and this work is in the process of being patented. It’s rewarding to see how fundamental polymer physics can translate into environmentally meaningful innovations, and it deepened my appreciation for how coatings and interfaces play a central role in modern materials challenges.
Are there specific roles or companies you hope to work for after graduation?
Yes, I hope to work in research and development roles at companies known for innovation in coatings and materials, such as 3M, BASF, PPG, or Sherwin-Williams. I’m also interested in industries like aerospace, energy, and healthcare, where advanced coatings have transformative applications. Long term, I aspire to combine technical expertise with business leadership by pursuing both a master’s in engineering and an MBA.
What kind of impact do you hope to make through your work in coatings?
I hope to design coatings that are both high-performing and sustainable. Many industries rely on coatings to extend lifetimes and improve efficiency, but there’s a growing need to do this responsibly. My goal is to contribute to technologies that not only meet demanding performance standards but also reduce waste, enable recyclability, and align with a future that balances innovation and environmental stewardship.
What advice would you give a high school or first-year college student curious about this field?
Explore materials science with an open mind—you’ll be surprised at how coatings touch everything around us, from paints to medical implants to aerospace technologies. Strengthen your fundamentals in chemistry, physics, and math, but also seek out lab opportunities early. Most importantly, stay curious and keep asking “why” and “what if.” This field rewards those who combine technical skills with creativity and imagination.
Smarika Neupane is an undergraduate student at the University of Southern Mississippi, majoring in Polymer Science and Engineering with minors in Chemistry and Mathematics. She currently works as an undergraduate research assistant on sustainable polymer recycling, contributing to projects in the process of being patented. Beyond academics, she is active in professional organizations such as the American Chemical Society and Women in Science and Engineering. Neupane aspires to pursue graduate studies in engineering, combine her technical expertise with business leadership, and work in R&D roles where coatings and materials innovation intersect with sustainability.