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The Spark is the official blog of Alfred University, created to illuminate the dynamic experiences, creative achievements, and unique perspectives of our student community. The Spark captures the essence of what it means to be a Saxon. Whether you're a prospective student dreaming of your next chapter, or a current Saxon shaping your journey, let The Spark guide you.

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How Lina Young Found Her Path To Engineering at Alfred

Posted By Alfred University

May 22, 2026 | Alumni Athletics Engineering General Blogs

Lina Young recently graduated Alfred University with a degree in materials science and engineering and will begin her career in the advanced ceramics industry at TAM Ceramics in Niagara Falls, New York. In just four years, she has grown from a student exploring her academic path into a graduating engineer with hands-on research experience, industry exposure, and a clear professional direction.

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She arrived from North Collins—a small town just south of Buffalo—after graduating in a high school class of about 40 students, drawn to Alfred’s close-knit, supportive community.

“Alfred just felt like home,” she says. “Everyone I met was super nice, and I felt comfortable right away.”

That early sense of belonging quickly shaped a college experience that would challenge her assumptions and ultimately redefine her goals.

A photo of Lina Young sitting in an engineering lab

A Change of Direction

Lina didn’t begin at Alfred as an engineering major. She enrolled in English education with plans to become a teacher, but within her first weeks on campus, she realized she was looking for something different.

“I always had this little voice that was interested in science and math,” she explains. “I realized I wanted more of a challenge.”

With encouragement from an advisor, she made a decisive switch into engineering—an abrupt change that came with immediate challenges.

“I remember walking into my first engineering class late—they were already taking a quiz,” she recalls with a laugh. “I definitely thought, ‘What did I just do?’ But those same people became the classmates I’ve learned with for four years. It all worked out.”

Engineering quickly became the right fit, giving her the rigor and problem-solving she was seeking. She built strong connections with peers and found direction through undergraduate research. “I’ve really enjoyed working with Dr. Misture,” she says. “I’m doing my thesis with him now, and I worked with his research group last year. It’s been a great experience—he’s so supportive, and the group is amazing.”

Finding Balance and Building Experience

Outside the classroom, Lina found community and structure as a member of Alfred University’s women’s soccer team. “Being on the team gave me an instant group of friends and support system,” she says. Coming to campus early helped her settle in, and she soon learned to balance athletics with a demanding academic load.

“You have to stay organized,” she says. “I couldn’t just put things off—I had to get my work done before practice. It really helped me build good habits.”

Those habits carried into internships and research experiences that helped her refine her interests—especially in ceramics, a field she describes as broad and full of possibilities. “I’ve had a few internships, and they helped me figure out what I don’t want to do,” she says. “That’s still really valuable.”

Looking Ahead

Lina looks forward to beginning her career at TAM Ceramics, a company specializing in advanced ceramic materials for applications across multiple industries. It’s a step she feels prepared for, even as she recognizes she is still learning where her path will lead.

“I don’t have everything figured out yet,” she says, “but Alfred helped me realize I’m capable of more than I thought.”

From a small-town student unsure of her direction to a graduating engineer stepping into industry, Lina’s journey reflects how Alfred helps students discover not only a path—but the confidence to follow it.

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