Sharpsville Man to Receive YSU’s First Ph.D.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Kyle Myers will make history Saturday as the first student to earn a Ph.D. at Youngstown State University.
Myers, who will receive his Ph.D. in material science and engineering, will participate in the university’s 9:30 a.m. spring commencement at Beeghly Center. An afternoon ceremony is set for 2:30 p.m.
YSU’s Ph.D. program in material science and engineering, which currently has nine candidates, was created in 2012 in the College of Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics.
The Sharpsville, Pa., man came to YSU for graduate school with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Pennsylvania State University. He earned a master’s at YSU, also in chemistry, and was accepted by several Ph.D. programs, including Auburn, Alfred and Clemson universities.
“I chose YSU because no other school could offer the financial support I got here. It’s like a job, really,” Myers said, explaining that he received a research stipend and a partial tuition reimbursement. “I’m 100% glad that I stayed here. YSU insists on real-world experience, and the opportunities have been tremendous.”
Throughout his graduate and Ph.D. studies, Myers worked as a research assistant for Fireline, a Youngstown manufacturer of ceramic products. His research focused on creating composites, using 3-D printing technology, that combine ceramics and metals into materials that function well in extremely high temperatures. His career goal is to find an engineering position in private industry.
“Kyle has always shown himself to be an exceptional student, so I’m not surprised that he finished first,” said Clovis Linkous, chemistry professor and coordinator of the Ph.D. program. “We are all feeling proud and excited for him.”
While the material science and engineering program is YSU’s first and only doctoral program, the university has two other doctorate degree-level programs. The Beeghly College of Education offers a doctorate in education and the physical therapy department offers a doctorate in physical therapy.
SOURCE: YSU News Service.
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