Mackenzie E. Jones - 2016 Intern Scholar
This past summer I worked as a research assistant at the Center for Electrochemical Science and Engineering at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Va., USA. This was my third summer working under the supervision of John R. Scully, with the support of Lena Wegrelius at Outokumpu Stainless AB on a project contracted by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). The project dealt with the susceptibility of cold-worked duplex and austenitic stainless steel alloys to pitting-induced stress corrosion cracking, and I worked on finalizing the creation of pitting susceptibility maps under paramount environmental conditions that simulate field service under applied stress. This research will help VDOT evaluate the cost-effectiveness of using these stainless steel alloys rather than traditional carbon steel to reinforce concrete in highway infrastructure projects, and will augment knowledge related to the corrosion of stainless steel utilized by the industry at large. It has been rewarding to gain relevant, firsthand experience with research that intersects with academia, private industry and government.
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Mackenzie Jones completed her internship at the Center for Electrochemical Science and Engineering at the University of Virginia. |
My work this summer has solidified my decision to remain at Virginia Tech after earning my B.S. degree in materials science and engineering to complete a related M.S. program as the premier Charles Blankenship Scholar. Upon graduation in spring of 2018, I hope to pursue a Ph.D. and continue to work on major research projects in a national laboratory or private R&D department. The generous AIST Steel Intern Scholarship I received will significantly reduce the cost of completing my undergraduate degree, allowing me to save more for continuing my education. I am so grateful to AIST and my colleagues for helping me discover my passion for research-driven innovation as I embark on my career.