Materials and Metallurgical Engineering Department Hosts Seminar on Smart Materials by Dr. Reginald Hamilton, Pennsylvania State University
On May 29, 2025, the Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering had the privilege of hosting Dr. Reginald Hamilton, a distinguished materials scientist from Pennsylvania State University, USA. The seminar, held at the Levine Conference Hall, attracted faculty and students eager to engage with his expertise in multifunctional materials. Also present was Dr. Patrick Mensah from Southern University and A&M College, USA, further enriching the discussions with his insights.
Dr. Hamilton opened his presentation by outlining the purpose of his visit to the College, expressing his strong commitment to fostering enduring academic collaborations and identifying promising talent. He then provided an overview of Penn State University, renowned as a top-tier research institution in the USA, offering attendees valuable insights into its College of Engineering and the Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics.
The highlight of the session was Dr. Hamilton’s deep dive into the groundbreaking research conducted at the Multifunctional and Adaptive Materials Laboratory (MAML). He delivered a compelling overview of his team’s work on shape memory alloys (SMAs), a remarkable class of smart materials capable of altering shape or reverting to a predefined form when exposed to heat or stress. He elaborated on the engineering advancements that enable these materials to execute precise, on-demand functions in real-world applications, showcasing their potential across various technological domains.
Dr. Hamilton’s research operates at the dynamic crossroads of materials science, mechanics, and advanced manufacturing. His team leverages innovative techniques such as additive manufacturing (3D printing) and microwave processing to fine-tune the properties of these cutting-edge materials. Their goal is to engineer materials that not only provide structural support but also actively adapt and respond to environmental stimuli, paving the way for smarter, more resilient technologies.
Beyond the scientific discussions, Dr. Hamilton emphasized that his visit was equally about fostering future collaborations. He expressed a keen interest in identifying and recruiting talented, motivated students from the Department to join his lab at Penn State. His message was clear – students should see themselves not merely as learners, but as emerging contributors to global scientific progress, ready to push the boundaries of innovation.
The seminar concluded with a lively and thought-provoking Q&A session, where students posed insightful questions on smart materials, research methodologies, and career development in the field. Dr. Hamilton provided candid and enriching responses, offering both knowledge and inspiration. Dr. Mensah also contributed, addressing several questions and further deepening the discussion, making the session an invaluable learning experience.
Dr. Hamilton’s visit represented a significant step toward fostering global academic exchange and advancing research collaboration. His engagement with the Department not only enriched discussions on multifunctional materials but also opened doors for future partnerships. The department eagerly anticipates ongoing interactions with Dr. Hamilton and hopes to see its students contribute meaningfully to the groundbreaking research at MAML.
