What's the role of a material scientist?

I'm curious about what a material scientist actually does. Considering majoring in materials science in college and want to know more about the typical responsibilities and career opportunities.

Material scientists, in essence, manipulate and enhance the properties of materials (like metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, etc.) to meet necessary specifications. This field is heavily connected to both applied physics and chemistry due to the type of materials they work with.

Some of the principal responsibilities of a material scientist can include:

- Conducting research to understand the properties and characteristics of different materials

- Developing new materials or improving existing ones

- Testing materials to evaluate their durability, strength, and other factors

- Analyzing data from tests and experiments

- Presenting research findings to colleagues, management, and clients

A degree in materials science opens up various career paths, as you can work in various sectors:

- Aerospace where they can focus on developing materials that can withstand the harsh conditions in space

- The automotive industry, where they develop lightweight but strong materials to increase fuel efficiency

- Electronics, for example, focus on the development of nano-materials and semiconductors

- Energy industries, where they could work on developing materials for safer nuclear reactors or more efficient solar panels.

Considering the diverse range of applications in this field, material scientists often work in interdisciplinary teams alongside chemists, physicists, and engineers, which can make for an exciting and varied work environment. They can also work in various settings, like laboratories, manufacturing plants, or even universities if they decide to conduct research.

Do keep in mind that your actual day-to-day responsibilities can vary significantly depending on your specific role, sector, and the nature of your project or organization.