Jun Young Hong wins GEMS Sapphire Award

A PhD student at the University of Pittsburgh Swanson School of Engineering was recently awarded for his excellence in materials science research. 

Jun Young Hong, a fourth-year student in the department of mechanical engineering and materials science, was honored with a Graduate Excellence in Materials Science (GEMS) Sapphire Award from the American Ceramic Society for his presentation at the Materials Science & Technology (MS&T) annual meeting this fall. 

Hong’s research focuses on magnetic field sensing materials and their devices. Under the mentorship of Paul Ohodnicki, associate professor of mechanical engineering and materials science, and Dolendra Karki, visiting research assistant professor of mechanical engineering and materials science, Hong is investigating magnetic field sensing materials, including Yttrium Iron Garnet (YIG) single crystal fibers, and integrating NV center nanodiamond-polymer into a fiber-optic platform for quantum sensing applications.

“I am fascinated by photonics, optics, and magnetics-related phenomena that can be adapted to real-world applications because of the growing demand for advanced sensing technologies in areas like biomedical imaging, communication, and environmental monitoring.” Hong said. “The potential of these technologies to revolutionize precision measurement and sensing in various industries makes this research particularly exciting to me.”

The Basic Science Division of the American Ceramic Society organizes the annual GEMS awards to recognize the outstanding achievements of graduate students in Materials Science and Engineering. The award is open to all graduate students who are making an oral presentation in any symposium or session at the MS&T meeting.

“I am honored to receive this award, as it is a significant recognition of the hard work and dedication I have put into my research, and it will undoubtedly boost my confidence and motivation to continue pushing the boundaries of my work and striving for excellence.” Hong said. “I deeply appreciate my advisor, Professor Paul Ohodnicki, and Dr. Dolendra Karki for their invaluable guidance, mentorship, and support throughout my research journey—their insightful feedback and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping the direction of my work and helping me overcome challenges along the way.”