When Malcolm Pierce learned he would be presenting his research at ASME Turbo Expo 2026 in Milan, Italy, he knew the opportunity could be transformative. What he didn't know was that a simple email and an application for a grant available through The Ohio State University's Undergraduate Research & Creative Inquiry (UR&CI) office would help make the experience possible.
Pierce, a rising fourth-year mechanical engineering student, conducts research under the mentorship of Dr. Calvin M. Stewart in Ohio State's Materials at Extremes Laboratory. Dr. Stewart’s work focuses on understanding how materials behave in extreme environments, including the fatigue properties of additively manufactured aluminum alloys used in gas turbine engines.For Pierce, research has provided a meaningful connection between engineering coursework and real-world applications.
“As a college student working in the Materials at Extremes Laboratory, I have been able to directly see the application of what I learn in class to real-world problems,” he said. “I have developed skills in mechanical testing, data analysis, and technical writing, and I have gained specialized knowledge in my research area.”
His research has also opened doors to professional engagement beyond the lab, allowing him to share his findings with experts from across the aerospace and turbomachinery industries. For the past year and a half, Pierce has been studying the high-cycle fatigue properties of an additively manufactured aluminum alloy for potential use in gas turbine engines. His work involves mechanical testing and microscopy to model and better understand the alloy's fatigue behavior.
“A major highlight for me recently has been writing a conference paper and presenting my work at ASME Turbo Expo 2026,” Pierce said. “I got the opportunity to talk to aerospace industry experts and professionals while contributing to the advancement of turbomachinery.”
ASME Turbo Expo 2026 is one of the leading international conferences for turbomachinery research and development. To attend the conference, Pierce searched for funding opportunities across the university and reached out to UR&CI to inquire about travel support. Through the office's Expanding STEM Horizons Grant, he received funding that enabled him to present his work to an international audience.
The conference expanded Pierce's perspective beyond the technical aspects of his research and reinforced lessons he has learned at Ohio State. “Self-advocacy is one of the major things I've learned at Ohio State,” Pierce said. “Anyone on campus is usually willing to help; I've just got to find out who to ask and then ask.” He said receiving the Expanding STEM Horizons Grant gave him the opportunity to present his research to an international audience for the first time and broadened his worldview. “My entire perspective on the world was definitely changed as I got a firsthand look on how people can cooperate and develop relationships on a global scale,” he said.
For Pierce, the most valuable lessons from research extend well beyond technical skills.
“My biggest takeaway from research is that it is a continuous, iterative process,” he said. “Working at the cutting edge of our understanding of the world, there are always new things to discover. For me, that is exciting, and it is what motivates me to continue my work every day.”
His advice to other students is simple: don't be afraid to ask questions and seek support. Whether students are looking for funding, mentorship, presentation opportunities or guidance on getting started in research, UR&CI offers resources to help them navigate their undergraduate research journey and take advantage of opportunities they may not even know exist.
