Jillian Porter, University of Southern Mississippi
What drew you to study coatings or materials science specifically?
I was first drawn to materials science as a freshman in high school sitting behind a camera during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. In my high school technical center’s polymer science class I learned the basics of the chemistry and physics behind polymeric materials. I went on various trips to plants and to the University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) facilities, which piqued my interest in the field. Currently, I am enrolled at USM in the polymer science and engineering department and continue to love what I am learning!
What’s been the most interesting lab or project you’ve worked on so far?
The most interesting part of my university experience has actually been my work with the Clemons Lab research group. Here, I have worked with graduate students to study drug delivery methods and RAFT polymerization.
Have you met people in the industry who’ve influenced or encouraged your path?
The most prominent part of my journey in materials science was my high school polymer science teacher, Leah Ann Peavey, who previously worked in the industry. She gave me and my classmates valuable insights into the world of polymers. Through programs at USM and Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) there I have also been able to meet many others within this field and industry.
Do you have a dream application or product you’d love to work on someday?
I would love to hopefully work on cancer drug delivery treatments someday. This kind of treatment is very near to my heart, as my family as a history with cancer. Being able to advance research for this or other terminal illnesses would be especially meaningful.
What advice would you give a high school or first-year college student curious about this field?
Make sure you love what you do. If you go into this field strictly for prestige or money you will likely not have good time at all. This field is incredibly fun yet challenging and must be done with full devotion to the learning process. And if you are interested in this field and decide to keep going, never get discouraged. Mistakes are bound to happen, and all you can do is grow from them.
Jillian Porter is a sophomore and Polymer Science and Engineering student at the University of Southern Mississippi. Currently, Porter works in the Clemons Lab at USM and is a part of the USM Honors College as well as the Polymer Science Association. Her favorite subject has always been science and Porter is excited to continue working in this field!