Alumna Julie Schoenung, '83, elected to National Academy of Engineering

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Julie Schoenung, a MatSE at Illinois alumna, has been elected to the National Academy of Engineering, the highest professional distinction given to an engineer. Schoenung is one of 10 University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign alumni representing the 111-member class of 2022.

Members are honored for their outstanding contributions to engineering education, practice or research. Schoenung is being recognized for innovative and interdisciplinary applications of materials engineering in trimodal composites, coatings, additive manufacturing and green engineering.

Schoenung is currently the department chair and professor at the University of California, Irvine’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering. She is also co-director of the World Institute for Sustainable Development of Materials. She earned her bachelor’s in ceramic engineering from MatSE at Illinois in ’83. She also holds a master’s and doctorate in materials engineering from MIT.

Let’s hear from this legendary alum in a Q&A to see how her journey transformed from the MatSE at Illinois classroom to earning a spot on the National Academy of Engineers.

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Q: What was your initial reaction when you found out when you were elected to the NAE board?

A: “I was very excited and very surprised. Very honored, but also quite overwhelmed and humbled.”

Q: What does becoming a member of the academy mean to you?

A: “It means that it’s time to give back and to use this opportunity to inspire and mentor others to do more than they thought they could do. I’ve always had a strong work ethic, thanks to my parents, and I’ve been blessed with my intellect and some leadership skills. But I don’t like getting a lot of attention for my accomplishments, and I never dream(ed) of becoming a member of the National Academy of Engineering.

“In the days since being elected to the NAE, however, I’ve come to realize that this award and recognition is not about me. It’s about all the students, researchers, and collaborators who have believed in me and worked with me to take both baby steps and big steps in moving forward the pursuit of science and engineering. It’s about crossing disciplinary lines to address challenging problems and turn them into opportunities to make the world a better place. It’s also about all the people who have supported me — teachers, staff, mentors, colleagues, friends and of course my family. They say it takes a village, mine has been tremendous!”

Q: Academy members are honored for their outstanding contributions to engineering research. What do you consider your outstanding contribution(s) to materials science and/or engineering?

A: “My research over the years has spanned a wide range of topics. Key areas where I have invested the most time and had the biggest impact include the development of materials that exhibit an enhanced balance of strength and ductility. We call these trimodal materials since they consist of a bimodal, or a multiple grain size, metallic matrix and a ceramic reinforcement. (I’ve also invested) in applying materials science fundamentals to advance the capability of additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing.

“Beyond the lab, I’ve worked extensively on promoting sustainable development of materials. Fundamentally, this means finding ways to improve decision-making when selecting materials for use in products and those used during manufacturing so that these materials are less hazardous and less toxic to humans and to the environment while still providing the necessary function.”

Q: What research are you conducting now?

A: “I’m now back doing research into novel ceramic materials, especially finding innovative ways to process them to make products, such as batteries for energy storage, that exhibit enhanced performance. And I’m doing more extensive work on sustainable development of materials.

“We’re exploring better ways to identify toxic materials early in the design stage so that they don’t end up in products, and (they) don’t get recirculated in recycled goods. We’re looking into raw materials for textiles that require less water. We’re evaluating design alternatives to promote the reuse and recycling of materials in solar panels. We’re pushing for aspirational industry incentives to remove toxic elements, such as lead and cadmium, from jewelry so that children don’t accidentally consume small jewelry pieces that can cause sickness or death.

“From an innovative materials design strategy perspective, I’m particularly excited about a project in which we are studying the potential for bacteria-based strategies for recovering metals from electronic waste and plant-based alternatives to plastics. This project is a bit of a stretch from my early ceramics background (as) I never did take biology or organic chemistry, but I’m enjoying learning these new topics and collaborating with others on these important new strategies.

“Materials are the substances our world is made of. They represent the history of the ages (like) the Stone Age, Iron Age, Bronze Age (and) Silicon Age. But the choices we make regarding materials used in products and in manufacturing often have undesirable effects on human and environmental health. It’s important, of course, that materials scientists and engineers contribute to the development of technologies that improve the sustainability of our world, such as those that can help mitigate climate change. But we must also design the materials we use so that we avoid causing cancer and other diseases. We must embrace a circular economy in which materials are reused and recycled, not simply discarded. But there’s little point in recycling materials that are toxic.

“I’m excited and optimistic about the future because of the colleagues I work with who understand this interplay of materials science, environmental chemistry, toxicology, engineering design, economics and policy. Their collective efforts will continue to lead us to a healthier world.”

Q: What made you interested in materials science?

A: “When I was in high school, I was fortunate to have counselors who encouraged me to pursue engineering, given my interest in math and science. I was also fortunate to have an older sister pursuing graduate studies in mechanical engineering at the time. She was and still is an important role model for me.

“So, when I applied to UIUC for my bachelor’s degree, I applied to mechanical engineering. But after I was admitted, the Ceramic Engineering department at Illinois reached out to me with a flashy article on glass. It fascinated me! Glass science was a captivating extension of chemistry I had never thought of before. The department also offered me a scholarship to cover my tuition and fees — that helped too.”

Q: What are some of your favorite memories from your time as an Illini?

A: “Looking back, I realize that I thrived at UIUC in part because I was in a small program, ceramic engineering, where I could be active and contribute, embedded within a large public school with a broad range of social opportunities and resources. I didn’t choose this combination on purpose, but I often share the unique combination with young people making choices about their own academic options.

“The Ceramics Building was my primary academic home. I spent countless hours in this amazing, historic building. I also spent much of my time in MRL (the Materials Research Laboratory), where I worked for several years with professor Wendall Williams doing undergraduate research. The group went to the daily coffee hour — well, almost daily.

“I was also fortunate to have the opportunity to be active in various student organizations, including SBACS (Student Branch of the American Ceramic Society, now known as Material Advantage) and Keramos. The annual pig roast and Engineering Open House were favorite events, both to plan and to attend.

“Of course, I have fond memories of time spent with friends, especially my freshman year dorm-mates, many of whom remain my closest lifelong friends still to this day. While at Illinois, I also enjoyed attending performances at the Krannert Center, breakfast at the Union, pizza at Papa Del’s, time in the libraries — so many wonderful, beautiful libraries! Studying on the quad, especially on a warm spring day. Basketball games, concerts and ballroom dancing.”

Q: What advice do you have for current MatSE students who hope to become as successful as you?

A: “First, don’t be afraid to do the difficult things. Pursue opportunities that challenge you, and don’t avoid studying topics that others tell you are not worth studying.

“Don’t jump on the band wagon. Instead, build your own wagon. For years I was a ceramic engineer. No one knew what that was. Later I started doing research in green engineering. No one knew what that was either. I did a lot of explaining, but in hindsight I realize I was also breaking the mold, setting my own path.

"Second, embrace the people in your life. All of them. Learn from them. Listen to them. Help them learn from and listen to others. Get to know people who are different than you, who study different topics (and who) are experts in different fields. You can teach yourself anything, but it’s more fun to learn it from and with others.

"Lastly, be grateful. For everything. Even the hard days. Say ‘thank you’ — a lot. Ask for and be willing to accept help. So much more can be accomplished as a team.”