Material Advantage

About Material Advantage

From Anne, our President

"The purpose of the ISU Material Advantage Chapter shall be to promote among its members a self-sought increasing knowledge of metallurgy, ceramics, materials science and engineering and all its branches and to instill a professional pride in their chosen life work."

So what does that mean for you? Simply put, the ultimate goal of Material Advantage is to build connections. Whether they be personal, professional or academic, Material Advantage (MA) will get you more involved within the exciting world of Materials Science and Engineering. From attending national conferences like Materials Science and Technology (MS&T), where you get to meet and listen to the most influential people in industry/academia, to getting to know your classmates at an F.A.C. or getting the chance to tour companies (like CAT, 3M, Boeing, etc.), getting involved with MA is one of the best things that you can do on campus to get connected.

Engineering aside, MA also does things for the community like Adopt-a-Family around the Holidays or Habitat for Humanity,as well as fun things like sponsoring the concert, "One Hundred Years Under the Water Tower", during VEISHEA in 2006. In the end, MA is what you make of it, and the more of you and your friends that join, the more fun and connections you can have.

If you have any questions, just ask somebody in the Student Room or message any officers.

Mission statement

The purpose of this chapter is to promote among its members a self-sought increasing knowledge of metallurgy, ceramics, materials science and engineering, and to instill a professional pride in their chosen life work.

To that end, the chapter will provide opportunites of professional development, further the understanding of material science through educational outreach and community service, and facilitate the dispersion of members' knowledge and experience throughout the chapter body by sponsoring forums and events both professional and social.

Membership

Material Advantage currently has over 40 active members from the department of Materials Science and Engineering.

Excellence

The Iowa State chapter of Material Advantage has won Most Outstanding Chapter five years in a row!

Why become a member?

-Stay up-to-date on partner society up-dates about events and activities
-Get the needed edge in the global job market
-Learn and sharpen skills necessary for a successful engineering career
-Develop leadership skills

How do I become a member?

Go to the registration page here. This is the TMS website which allows you to sign up for Material Advantage. The cost is $25 payable by credit or debit card. If you would like to write a check, you must print and fill out the paperwork and send it in to the address on the screen. Just follow the instructions and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact any officer (email addresses can be found on the "officers" page on this website.

What are the Advantages?

Networking
	-Take advantage of all networking opportunities at MS&T and individual partner conferences and meetings -Meet future employers and learn about career possibilities in the materials community -Meet fellow students who will make a difference now and in your future From the Material Advantage presentation, one of our own, Nate Oster networking!
Information/ Resources
	-Electronic access to monthly magazines and rotating mailed edition; American Ceramic Society Bulletin, Iron & Steel Technology, Advanced Materials & Processes, and JOM -Material Advantage Newsletter -On-line access to publications, libraries, technical papers and reference sources -Unlimited, free use of Linda Hall Library, the largest technical library in the world
Financial
	-Access to over $600,000 in scholarships and grants annually -Discount on conference registration fees -Win cash prizes in Material Advantage and partner society contests -Travel grants for chapters to MS&T and partner society conferences and events -Earn money as a session monitor at conferences
Future
	-One year complimentary membership to each partner society following graduation -Internship and employment opportunity Web sites offered by each partner -A life time of success

What does the chapter do?

-Meet other engineering students in your school and at conferences
-Start forming a network of contacts now
-Enter Material Advantage contests and challenges
-Mentor K-12 future materials science engineers
-Travel grants available to chapters
-Hold meetings and activities, technical or social
-Recruit new members
-Chapter recognition through Material Advantage awards and challenges; Chapters of Excellence, Membership Challenge, Conversion Challenge