Grad Student Profile: Jonah Bridges

Jonah Bridges is a Spring 2025 graduate within the Materials Science and Engineering master’s program, who’s already committed to walking across the stage and right into his Ph.D. program. Take a moment to read more about Jonah’s academic journey, his research and what he’s liked thus far about being a member of the Wolfpack community.

Tell us about your journey to graduate school and what led you to NC State.
I am originally from New Melle, Missouri, which is just outside of St. Louis. I went to undergrad at Truman State University in Kirksville, Missouri where I was on the soccer team. There, I got my degree in physics with a minor in astronomy in 2023. I knew I wanted to eventually have an industry job where my work would make big contributions to the field I entered, and coming from physics there are only two routes for real world applications: going big and going small. Going big meaning astronomy, and while I enjoyed that field I didn’t think there would be a very impactful job for me there.

The choice was then obvious that I was going to go small, which is to use applied quantum mechanics and intermolecular forces. I applied to many nuclear physics, condensed matter physics, and material science programs my senior year, and ended up finding my visit to NC State to be an awesome experience. My department, the students, the facilities, the campus, and just Raleigh as a whole made my visit here really stand out. I knew that more than likely I would be moving away from my family and friends when moving to grad school, so I chose NC State because it seemed like a comfortable place with a lot to offer for activities and school to make up for what I was leaving behind.

Tell us about your research
My research is simulating how different point defects affect the electronic properties of indium nitride (InN), a semiconductor with a small bandgap. It has been very interesting to learn how so much about a material can be affected by just one imperfection, and how taking advantage of these changes allows one to tune the material to produce different wavelengths of light.

My first year here was spent as a TA, which was also a very educational experience. Being new to the field I am now in, being in a position where I had to be able to explain concepts to students in a different way than they heard in class really made me learn the topics much better. The first semester I was here I TA’d for a thermodynamics class, which luckily I was already familiar with from my physics background, so I was able to better my own understanding of material science through the exploration of a familiar topic from a different point of view. I really enjoyed being able to help the undergrads in that class to think about thermodynamics from a different point of view, and still speak with them whenever I see them on campus. I’ll actually be graduating this semester with some of those same students. My second semester I TA’d a lab course, which I am very thankful for as it gave me perspective on the experimental side of material science that I wouldn’t be getting from my research, since my research is performed using simulations. I think that the perspective I gained from leading those experiments in the lab really helped me to both boost my own knowledge of materials as a whole but also helped me form connections between my physics knowledge and the field of material science. Overall, being a TA really helped me to adjust to this new field.

What advice do you have for new or current graduate students?
My advice for new grad students would be to remember why you are choosing to pursue this additional education: to learn. In undergrad, many students know that a degree will help you get a better job but I saw many students doing the bare minimum to get the grades they need. Becoming a graduate student means that you are constantly trying to improve your knowledge and understanding, so make sure that you view both your classes and research as opportunities to learn and grow.

My advice for current graduate students is to remember to allow yourself to rest every once in a while. I know that being a graduate student means that you are always trying to learn more, do more, and be more. That it can feel like you have to constantly be working and can never let yourself take a break, but that mindset can cause a lot of stress and anxiety. It is important to remember that while you are capable of staying on the grind and accomplishing these amazing things, that you are also just a person and that people need to recuperate every now and then. To stay at your best, you need to find a way to destress and take care of yourself.

What’s next after graduation?
I am getting my Master’s degree now, but will be continuing on in my current research group to get my Ph.D.

What’s a fun fact about Jonah?
I enjoy long boarding, and even bought myself an electric longboard which I now use to commute to school everyday (or at least when it isn’t raining).

Learn more about the Master of Materials Science and Engineering