I discovered materials science and engineering (MSE) in 8th grade, when a guest speaker from Blue Origin explained how materials allow rockets to withstand the extremes of space. His talk resonated with my love for understanding how the world works and solving problems through logic. I had always enjoyed when physics and chemistry uncovered the reasons behind everyday phenomena, such as why certain materials insulate well or how soap washes oil away, and MSE was an entire field focused on the principle tying it all together: how a material’s structure determines its properties and the ways we use it. It was perfect for me.

As a student in the Seattle region, I’ve seen the strong computer science presence here, and many of my classmates gravitate toward fields like coding or mechanical engineering. Yet very few ever encounter materials science and engineering, even though I know many would be just as captivated by it as I was.

I founded Project EcoMotion to share that sense of discovery by revealing the science behind the objects students use every day and showing how MSE drives both performance and sustainability. We introduce the field through sports and outdoor gear that already matter to them, using familiar items to spark curiosity and highlight the impact and relevance of materials choices.

This focus stems from my own connection to sports and the outdoors. I love hiking, skiing, and playing badminton and tennis – activities that are part of everyday life in the PNW. What fascinates me is how materials science underlies every piece of equipment that makes these hobbies possible, from the friction and shock absorption in my sneakers to the insulation in my jacket and the elasticity of a racket’s strings. Realizing these connections is what originally drew me deeper into MSE, helping students experience that same “aha” moment drives all our work.

Our goal is simple: inspire students to think critically about how materials can improve the world. Through our lessons, community events, and online content, we aim to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and problem-solvers.