Intercollege Graduate Student Outreach Achievement Award
Sai Venkata Gayathri Ayyagari is a doctoral candidate in Materials Science and Engineering who dedicated considerable time to engaging various communities in educational activities. Ayyagari’s research focuses on the atomic-scale behavior of novel materials called high entropy oxides. She is passionate about inspiring younger populations to understand the importance of science.
As a member of the Center for Nanoscale Science’s K-12 outreach team, she helped to scale up and fill in gaps in the team’s activities. Under Ayyagari’s leadership, the team engaged with many communities, including Science U, Young Women in STEM, the Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts, reaching more than 500 students in one year.
Following graduation, Ayyagari plans to work on bridging the gap between scientific research and public understanding, making science accessible and engaging for all.