As the Materials Innovation & Learning Laboratory (the MILL) celebrates its 10th anniversary, it is also celebrating the students who bring the space to life. For a decade, the MILL has served as a home for creativity, experimentation, and hands-on learning, helping thousands of students transform ideas into prototypes, projects, and discoveries. Each summer, that spirit continues as undergraduate and high school researchers from across the country arrive at Georgia Tech to pursue new challenges and explore innovative solutions.

At the center of this activity is a team of Summer MILL Fellows. More than lab supervisors, these student leaders serve as mentors, collaborators, and ambassadors for the maker community. By keeping the MILL open and accessible throughout the summer, they help fellow students develop new skills, navigate complex projects, and gain confidence as creators and problem-solvers.

In this milestone year, the Summer Fellows program was made possible through the generous philanthropic support of Art and Patricia Cox. Meet this year's Fellows and learn about their passions, experiences, and the impact the MILL has had on their Georgia Tech journey.

Ariel Adadi

Ariel Adadi is a rising second-year Materials Science and Engineering student who serves on the MILL’s measurement equipment team and as a Wet Labs Teaching Operator. Originally from Texas, Ariel is still exploring the many paths within materials science and enjoys learning about a wide range of topics as she discovers where her interests lie. She is currently drawn to ceramics, semiconductors, and vapor deposition processes, and hopes to pursue graduate studies after Georgia Tech before eventually working in industry as a process engineer or in quality control and failure analysis.

Through her work in the MILL, Ariel has gained hands-on experience with equipment that is fundamental to both materials science research and industry, helping her build practical skills while deepening her enthusiasm for the field. Outside of the lab, she enjoys creating laser-cut projects—especially custom clock faces—as well as throwing pottery, cooking, baking, reading, and playing board games. Among her favorites is the classic strategy game Settlers of Catan.

Cory Austin

Cory Austin is a chemical engineering major from Atlanta who currently conducts research in Dr. Oyakhire’s lab, where he applies machine learning techniques to the design of electrolytes for sodium batteries. His academic interests are centered on energy storage, and he hopes to continue working with rechargeable battery technologies in his future career after Georgia Tech.

Through his involvement in the MILL, Cory has gained hands-on experience with a range of characterization and processing tools, including the optical profilometer and laser cutter, while also building valuable problem-solving and technical skills that will support his future work as a materials and energy systems engineer. Outside of academics, he enjoys playing video games and reading, and is currently working through Dungeon Crawler Carl.

Sean Ladinsky

Sean Ladinsky is a rising second-year Materials Science and Engineering student at Georgia Tech, concentrating in functional materials. He serves as a Leica DVM6 Digital Microscope Technical Officer and a Characterization Staffer in the MILL. His research interests span renewable energy, nanotechnology, batteries, and electrochemistry, and he is currently conducting research in Professor Yushin’s lab. After completing his bachelor’s degree, he plans to pursue a Ph.D. and continue working in these areas.

For Sean, the MILL has been a key bridge between coursework and research, providing hands-on experience with characterization, measurement, and processing techniques that reinforce his academic and research goals. He credits the space with strengthening his understanding of materials science research and helping him build practical skills that will support his future career. Outside of engineering, he plays the flute and enjoys performing in both orchestral and solo settings, and he also plays volleyball recreationally.