In the whirlwind of student life—where assignments, exams, and looming deadlines often dominate—it’s easy for students to become so focused on academics that they miss out on the full experience of college life. Recognizing this, undergraduates Tony Tian and Justin Wang of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) have taken the initiative to foster a sense of community within the department by organizing “coffee chats.”
These informal, two-person gatherings involve students sharing coffee while recording their conversations, which are then shared with a wider audience. This unique initiative provides a valuable opportunity for students to connect, share insights about the MSE department, and navigate the challenges of student life from a broader perspective.
“This effort was entirely student-driven,” said Vicky Lee, Undergraduate Coordinator, MSE. “Justin and Tony approached us with their idea of bringing students together through coffee meetups. We recognized the potential for this initiative and decided to involve our PhD students, who were eager to participate and share their experiences as well.”
Irene Clements, Graduate Coordinator in MSE, added, “When you listen to these conversations, you hear not just academics, but engagement, discovery, and the journey each student is on. We we felt that, especially in times when solidarity is needed on campuses, this initiative would create connections through shared interests, stories, and experiences. It’s about forging bonds in ways that go beyond the classroom.”
Clements further emphasized, “It’s a testament to Justin and Tony’s commitment to their peers. Rather than looking outward, they chose to look within and create an opportunity for connection. This isn’t just about offering advice—it’s about creating opportunities to forge lifelong bonds.”
By sharing these experiences, the coffee chats aim to provide a deeper understanding of student life in the department and to remind everyone, regardless of their class year or program, that they are all part of a shared journey. The goal is to create a space where mutual support, dialogue, and connections are just as essential to success as technical expertise.
These gatherings foster a sense of community and are more than an academic exchange. Students are paired based on their academic standing—seniors with second-year undergraduates, and fourth- and fifth-year PhD candidates with first- and second-year PhD students. These conversations go beyond coursework to offer insights into the paths that led students to MSE and provide guidance on the road ahead.
In one recent gathering, Benjamin Ferko, a fourth-year PhD candidate, and Sophia Jackson, a first-year PhD student, shared a coffee and exchanged stories about their journeys in materials science. Despite their differing academic standings, their conversation touched on similar themes: curiosity, mentorship, and the drive to innovate.
Benjamin spoke about his initial fascination with materials and their potential to change the future, while Sophia shared her excitement for the research opportunities ahead and her curiosity about how interdisciplinary collaboration could advance the field. As the conversation unfolded, Benjamin’s advice helped Sophia gain a clearer sense of her future path, while Sophia’s fresh perspective reignited Benjamin’s enthusiasm for his research.
“This wasn’t just an academic discussion,” said Clements. “It was an opportunity to reflect on their journeys, connect on shared ambitions, and support one another, regardless of their academic stage.” They are an essential part of building a community where students can connect, support one another, and learn from shared experiences. In a field where collaboration is vital, these interactions help lay the groundwork for future discoveries and lasting relationships.
Through their coffee chats, students in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering are not just building academic relationships—they are strengthening a community that thrives on mutual support and the power of connection.