Student Spotlight:
Mark Mills

What makes Washington State University’s Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture stand out from the crowd for those looking to get a degree?

We ask materials science and engineering graduate student Mark Mills for his thoughts on what makes WSU such a special place.

What made you decide to attend WSU?

I aspire to be an engineer because I am driven by curiosity and a desire to understand how complex systems work at a fundamental level. From a young age, I was interested in how electrical systems functioned and how problems could be diagnosed and repaired. Over time, that curiosity developed into a deeper interest in the materials that enable electronic devices to operate.

Materials Science and Engineering at Washington State University provided the opportunity to explore this interest through both theory and hands-on experience. Through coursework and laboratory work, I became particularly interested in semiconductor materials and how their structure, composition, and interfaces influence electronic behavior. My experiences in microfabrication and research helped me see how materials directly determine device performance, which ultimately motivated my focus on semiconductor materials and electronic systems.

What has been your favorite class or program that you have been involved with at WSU?

One of the most impactful experiences I have had at WSU was a microelectronics fabrication course, Microelectronics (MSE 483), taught by my current research professor, Magesh Murugesan. It was a special offer course in which I fabricated a solar cell using cleanroom processes. This course provided hands-on experience with photolithography, thin-film deposition, and device fabrication techniques.

What made this experience especially meaningful was seeing how concepts such as p-n junctions, carrier transport, and doping directly influenced the performance of a working device. Observing the electrical response of the solar cell connected the theoretical concepts I had learned in class with real physical behavior. This experience played a major role in shaping my interest in semiconductor materials and device physics.

What clubs are you involved in on campus?

I am involved in the Materials Advantage club at WSU, which have connected me with peers and professionals in materials science and engineering. Through these organizations, I have attended technical talks and gained exposure to topics including semiconductor materials, electronic devices, and advanced manufacturing.

These experiences have helped me better understand the broader field of materials science while also strengthening my communication skills and professional network.

Why would you recommend attending Washington State University?

I would recommend Washington State University for its strong emphasis on hands-on learning and research opportunities. The Materials Science and Engineering program provides a solid foundation in materials fundamentals while also offering access to laboratories and equipment used in real research environments.

At WSU, I have had the opportunity to work with semiconductor materials, perform electrical and structural characterization, and gain experience with microfabrication processes. Working closely with faculty and participating in research has allowed me to develop both technical skills and a clearer understanding of my academic and career goals in semiconductor materials.

What advice do you have for fellow or prospective students?

My advice is to stay curious and take advantage of hands-on opportunities as early as possible. Materials Science and Engineering can be challenging, but practical experience in laboratories and research helps reinforce what you learn in class.

Getting involved in research or fabrication-based courses can help you understand better what areas of materials science interest you most. These experiences also provide valuable skills and connections that are important for future academic or career opportunities.