Four materials science and engineering (MSE) experts joined Missouri S&T’s MSE department at the start of the fall 2023 semester.

For two of the new hires – Drs. Charmayne and Jason Lonergan — this could be considered a homecoming, as they both earned Ph.D. degrees in MSE from Missouri S&T in 2014.

Charmayne Lonergan was hired by the department as an assistant professor. Her areas of expertise include glasses, optical materials and measurements, waste vitrification, and high-temperature characterization. Her work history includes serving as a materials scientist atPacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and a post-doctoral researcher with the University of Central Florida’s College of Optics and Photonics. Prior to earning her Ph.D. at Missouri S&T, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Clemson University and completed a study abroad experience at Universidad de Blas Pascal in Córdoba, Argentina.

Jason Lonergan joins S&T as an assistant research professor. His focus areas include ultra-high temperature ceramics for hypersonic applications, glasses, next-generation nuclear energy development and nuclear physics. He previously worked as a materials scientist with PNNL, a post-doctoral associate with Washington State University and PNNL, and a post-doctoral researcher with University of Central Florida’s College of Optics and Photonics. He also holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of Colorado.

Dr. Sharon Uwanyuze is serving as an assistant teaching professor with a focus in metallurgical engineering. Some of her areas of expertise include non-ferrous alloys, such as titanium and nickel-based superalloys; metal-mold reactions; and investment casting. Uwanyuze completed her Ph.D. and master’s degrees in MSE at UConn, as well as a graduate certificate in college instruction. While at UConn, she served as a teaching and research assistant. Her bachelor’s degree in materials engineering is from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

Jackson Hawkins is the university’s new glass shop coordinator. He is a glass artist and explores how light and surface interactions can go beyond the physical properties of materials and influence an individual’s perception of reality. Hawkins previously served as an assistant professor of practice in glass at Southern Illinois University—Carbondale and as an instructor in the glass program in Temple University’s Tyler School of Art and Architecture. He holds an MFA degree in glass and ceramics from Temple University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in three-dimensional studios with a focus in glassmaking and minors in art history and Pan-African studies from the University of Louisville