Student Spotlight:
Trinity Middleton

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 Trinity Middleton for her thoughts on what makes WSU such a special place.

What made you decide to attend WSU?

When I would attend WSU football games, one of the main things I remember about them is how much fun everyone was having and interacting with each other even if they didn’t attend the game together. We’d score a touchdown and everyone would high five each other and cheer. I really enjoyed the closeness and pride everyone has to be a Coug. For my major specifically, I chose engineering because I want to contribute to the community and be a part of the solution to problems we’re facing today. Climate change, cheaper fuel sources, and more productive farms are some examples of problems the Hydrogen Properties for Energy Research (HYPER) Lab is working to solve.

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

My favorite class so far at WSU has been my materials science engineering (MSE) 201 class, Materials Engineering Fundamentals, with professor Arezoo Zare. Being in this class piqued my curiosity, so naturally, I had questions. I made an appointment with professor Zare, and she answered all the questions I had. That meeting opened so many doors for me. I became more interested in pursuing a career in MSE and applied for an undergraduate research position offered by professor Zare and the HYPER Lab. Faculty here at WSU are so open to students visiting them to ask questions and taking advantage of that is necessary if you want to grow as a student.

Please share how scholarships or financial aid has impacted you as a student.

Scholarships and financial aid have made me feel more welcome here at WSU. WSU provided opportunities before beginning my first year that helped me a lot financially. There was an Experiencing WSU event for admitted students that offered an award for those who attended, and it was just a great way to get to know all WSU has to offer. Another thing WSU does for students is the general scholarship application that students fill out and it enters them in the running for all scholarships they’re eligible for. There are so many opportunities for aid out there and WSU does a great job at making them accessible for students.

What clubs are you involved in on campus?

I’m involved in and am now the vice chair of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). This club focuses a lot on professional development, having guest speakers, and being a place to talk and work with your peers. ASME has made me come out of my shell, be more involved at WSU, and is a place outside of class to apply my skills and get professional development advice from professionals and upperclassmen that have gone through it all before.

Have you participated in any research related to your field of study?

At the HYPER Lab I am currently working on developing and implementing a new MLI blanket for the Cryogenic Accelerated Fatigue Tester (CRAFT). This includes going through a design process, error proofing everything about the new design, then starting construction of the product when the design is ready. The final product will be alternating layers of aluminized Mylar and 100% polyester netting. The aluminized Mylar reduces radiative heat transfer by reflecting it away and the netting acts as spacers between the layers of aluminized Mylar to reduce the conductive heat between the layers. Each of these materials performs a specific role, but they work together to create a super-insulator that insulates down to 20K (~-423°F). I’ve learned so much at HYPER about Hydrogen, MLI blankets, professional development, and more that has really made me a better student, a better engineer, and a better person.

Why would you recommend attending Washington State University?

In the second semester of my first year at WSU, I was so ready for summer to come so I could relax, but WSU had other plans in mind. I was presented with the opportunity to be an undergraduate researcher at the HYPER Lab. While this was not part of my original plan, of course I took the opportunity to learn and improve. Coming to WSU is the right decision because if you’re willing to work hard and put yourself out there, opportunities will arise for you.

What advice do you have for fellow or prospective students?

Be open-minded. You have every right to be here and to take advantage of every opportunity.

What do you want to do with your degree after you graduate?

My overall goal in life is learning every day and applying what I learn in ways that help our community: specifically, climate change. Working with HYPER, I’ve begun my journey to reduce carbon emissions by developing a new multilayer insulation (MLI) blanket for a cryostat used in liquid hydrogen fatigue testing. My contribution by making the MLI blanket is going to allow these tests to be run and further research to be done on wide spreading the use of hydrogen fuel. Switching to hydrogen fuel is an advancement that would greatly reduce carbon emissions. As an engineer I’m going to continue working to stop climate change and solve other problems our community is facing.