CBE Alumna Named a 2024 L’Oréal For Women in Science Awardee

Emily McGuinness (B.S. ’16) has been named as a 2024 L’Oréal USA For Women in Science Awardee. She is a part of five postdoctoral scientists that will receive grants, mentoring and networking, and celebration inspiring the next generation of female scientists.

The For Women in Science (FWIS) program, which has ran for more than two decades, reflects L’Oréal USA’s unwavering commitment to supporting women at the forefront of scientific innovation. The 2024 FWIS cohort represents a dynamic range of scientific disciplines and research focus areas, from uncovering the intricate relationships between microbes to developing sustainable cooling technologies and understanding the mysteries of auroras on other planets.

CBE alumna Emily McGuinness is currently a NSF Engineering Postdoctoral Fellow in the Ferry and Ellison Research Groups at the University of Minnesota. She works on developing new cooling materials by creating special fibers from everyday materials like plastics and ceramics. These specialized fibers reject sunlight and radiate heat into space through a process called passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC). Microscopic fiber design enhances both sunlight rejection and heat radiation for efficient cooling. This technology could help energy-efficient building cooling, reducing energy consumption and environmental impact.

“I am incredibly honored to have been chosen for this wonderful opportunity to fund my research vision and serve as a representative for women in STEM. I cannot wait to use portions of my funding to develop science of art outreach activities geared towards exciting the next generation of scientists.” Emily comments.

“My time at NC State was truly formative in cultivating my excitement about research and discovery as well as my passion for mentorship and service. By participating in undergraduate research at the Textile Protection and Comfort Center and being surrounded by incredible graduate students, I grew as a researcher in terms of both skills and curiosity! Being part of the Engineering Ambassadors, Scholars, Park Scholarships, and Centennial Scholarships programs I found my drive to engage with young scientists and engineers and help the next generation on their paths. Finally, the foundational education I received in the Chemical Engineering and Textile Engineering programs paved the way for how to approach problems that don’t have known answers. I am so grateful for my time at NC State!” 

The original version of this article can be found here.