Congratulations to the Fall 2024 graduates, Colin Nezat and Mason Hayward

Colin Nezat earned a B.S. in Physics and has been accepted into our M.S. program in Physics with a research assistantship. Colin will further advance his education, focusing on understanding the physics of new materials as his research topic.

Mason Hayward completed a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Earth and Energy Sciences program. His dissertation, supervised by Dr. Gabriela Petculescu (Endowed Professor of Physcis), explored “Ultrasonic Characterization of Elastic Properties of Additively Manufactured 316L Stainless Steel.” After graduation, Mason accepted a position as a Manufacturing Engineer at First Solar, where he oversees and maintains key metrology data collection tools on the semiconductor side of production—tools critical for ensuring the quality of CdTe solar panels. He is currently in Perrysburg, Ohio, for training and looks forward to relocating back to New Iberia in Summer 2025 when the new First Solar manufacturing facility opens.

Congratulations to both graduates on their achievements and new beginnings!