“Forging a community of empowered and successful students for the benefit of the Materials World.”
Purdue University Material Advantage (PUMA) is a dynamic student-led organization dedicated to the social and professional development of its membership. As a chapter of the broader Material Advantage program, PUMA hosts and promotes a myriad of opportunities for its membership to grow their skillset. These opportunities include, but are not limited to:
- Subsidized travel to national Materials conferences in American cities to network with other academics and industry leaders within the Materials world,
- Information regarding academic scholarships offered by companies and materials organizations,
- Seminars featuring company representatives and key MSE figures to share their experiences and present career opportunities,
- Wisdom and testimonies for career development, research, and coursework from experienced upperclassmen,
- Materials-related competitions to develop your skills and compete for prizes,
- Dedicated time to meet and socialize with other MSEs and students interested in materials through social events and get-togethers,
- Give department tours, operate outreach events, and inform others about MSE through the Ambassador program,
- Hands-on metallurgical learning through an expansive blacksmithing program,
- And more!
PUMA is always seeking prospective members; if any of the aforementioned opportunities strike your interest, we encourage you to find us on BoilerLink.
PUMA 2025-26 Officers
- President – Lily Alberts albertsl@purdue.edu
- Vice President – Aditi Akella akella5@purdue.edu
- Secretary – Eileen Cardona cardone@purdue.edu
- Treasurer – Eleanor Herbst herbste@purdue.edu
- Social Chair – Bridget Carney carney27@purdue.edu
- Safety Chair – Keegan Miller mill3303@purdue.edu
- Ambassador Chair – Han Burgess burges28@purdue.edu
- PD Chair – Mutasem Al-Muhtaseb malmuhta@purdue.edu
- Competitions Chair – Chloe Kain kain0@purdue.edu
- Blacksmithing Chair – Charles Tompkins tompkin2@purdue.edu
- DEI Chair – Helen Brzozowski hbrzozow@purdue.edu
- Mentor Corp Chair – Emma Sampey esampey@purdue.edu