2024 MRS Fall Meeting Blogger: Rhys Otten

My name is Rhys Otten, and I am excited to blog for MRS Meeting Scene for 2024 Fall MRS Meeting in Boston, MA. I'm currently a Ph.D. candidate in materials science and engineering at Colorado State University. I spent the majority of my undergraduate studies doing research in particle physics, but I made a hard pivot to materials engineering with applications in next-generation battery materials for my doctoral studies. This move was primarily motivated by my desire to delve into the tangible and my passion for sustainability, both of which batteries afford. One highlight of my research is the ability to correlate mechanical properties with their visible effects via optical characterization techniques. When I'm not in the lab I like to partake in some typical Colorado activities (re: mountain biking, skiing, hiking), as well as spending time with animals and my wonderful friends. 

This meeting, my blogs will be highlighting MRS special interest groups. Scientists and researchers from countless identities and backgrounds come together at these meetings, and I hope to capture some of their diverse voices. I also hope to capture how these unique perspectives can influence and motivate the work we all do. If you see me around the meeting, feel free to say hi!