MSE student wins Washington Prize

Katie Eisenman, a senior with a dual major in materials science and engineering (MSE) and engineering and public policy (EPP), has been selected as the first place winner of the 2025 George Washington Prize. The award is given annually in recognition of academic excellence, commitment to service, and leadership. 

Over the course of her time in the MSE department, Katie’s research has explored electronic ceramics, including their microstructure, different processing methods, and photochemical properties that can be used to produce hydrogen. For her current project, she splits time between the labs of both Elizabeth Dickey and Gregory Rohrer, which has greatly contributed to her undergraduate experience.

“Professor Dickey and Professor Rohrer have both encouraged me to dig deeper and really understand the ‘why’ of my research,” says Eisenman. “Because of them I developed strong literature review skills and I have been able to design my own experiments.” 

Eisenman has also maximized her summer experiences, as she conducted research at Purdue University studying the flow behavior of concentrated surfactant solution and went on to study abroad at the University of Sheffield through the MSE department’s International Research Experience for Students (IRES) program, where she characterized and tested properties of new materials for devices that have the potential to improve battery performance.

Holding leadership positions has helped my collaborative and problem solving skills, and complements what I’ve learned from courses and research nicely

Katie Eisenman, MSE Undergraduate Student

In addition to her academic accomplishments, Eisenman has been active in a wide variety of activities on campus. She came to CMU with a rating from the U.S. Chess Federation that earned her its Herbert B. Jacklyn Program Scholarship, and reinvigorated the campus chess club.  As a former leader of the club, she secured club funding, coordinated tournament participation, and mentored new leaders to ensure the club’s ongoing success. Katie has been actively involved in the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) throughout her time as a student, now serving as the chapter’s Vice President in her senior year.  Additionally, Eisenman is an avid clarinet player who plays with the Tartan Wind Ensemble at bi-weekly rehearsals and concerts each semester. 

“Holding leadership positions in Chess Club and SWE has helped my collaborative and problem solving skills, which complement what I’ve learned from courses and research nicely,” notes Eisenman. “Tartan Wind Ensemble is a nice break from academics and I have so much fun getting to play my favorite band pieces and soundtracks from my favorite movies or shows. I have also made many close friends in these organizations, especially with people outside of my major.”

As Katie nears the end of her undergraduate programs, she is planning to continue her education, working toward a doctoral degree in materials science and engineering at Northwestern University. Her ultimate goal is to pursue a career that will enhance global well-being and she hopes that her research will contribute to expanding the applications of hydrogen as a clean fuel and create a pathway to a renewable and low-carbon energy future. 

George Washington Prize Award winners were recognized at the Engineers' Society of Western Pennsylvania (ESWP) annual banquet in March 2025.