Suzanne Peterson
Suzanne Peterson is a PhD candidate at Texas A&M University, expected to complete her doctorate in Materials Science and Engineering in 2026. An NSF Graduate Research Fellow, she has extensive expertise in polymer characterization, atomic force microscopy, and experimental design. As lab manager, Suzanne oversees research group operations, safety protocols, and onboarding of new members, while serving as a liaison between the team and university facilities. Upon completing her PhD, she will transition into a role as a polymer characterization engineer, bringing her research experience directly into applied materials development.
Her professional focus is on polymer characterization, plastics performance, materials testing, and failure analysis. Suzanne values integrity, honesty, and trust, and prioritizes investigating anomalous data rather than dismissing it. Over approximately five to six years in the materials research field, she has combined academic research with industry experience, including a year-long product design internship at a leading technology company. There, she collaborated with materials engineers on characterization experiments, supported material selection, conducted failure analysis, and contributed to the release of new products.
Suzanne’s career has been shaped by mentorship from Kayleen Helms, Amy Cuevas, and Dr. Nancy Sottos, whose guidance helped her navigate both academic and industry challenges. Her background spans nanomechanical property studies, polymer chemistry, computational modeling, and experimental design, with publications in peer-reviewed journals and presentations at international conferences. This combination of technical expertise, research rigor, and applied engineering positions Suzanne as a versatile professional bridging fundamental materials science with innovative product development.
• PFAS in the Plastics Industry 2024
• University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - BSAE
• Parkland College - AS, Engineering Science
• Materials Science and Engineering Department Travel Award
• NSF Graduate Research Fellowship 2021
• ASM International Houston Chapter General Fund Scholarship
• Best Computational Approach
• 2019 IMECE Track 16-1 NSF Research Poster Competition Travel Award
• Society of Plastics Engineers
• Society of Women Engineers
• American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
What do you attribute your success to?
The unwavering support and encouragement of her mother.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Don't be afraid to change lanes; take opportunities that may not fit your current trajectory and use networking to grow.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Ask questions openly, pursue opportunities, and build a supportive network.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The implementation of AI and machine learning in materials research — a major growth area but still requires substantial research and understanding.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Integrity, honesty, and trust.