Celebrating Excellence: Noah Sargent's Journey from PhD to Blue Origin

We are thrilled to announce the remarkable achievements of Noah Sargent, a recent graduate from Dr. Wei Xiong's research lab at the University of Pittsburgh. Noah's journey is a testament to dedication, innovation, and the pursuit of excellence in advanced materials science.


Academic Milestones

  • PhD Defense: Successfully defended his thesis on additive manufacturing of functionally graded alloys
  • Expedited Success: Completed his doctoral program in just four years, building upon his bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Pitt
  • Prestigious Fellowship: Conducted research under the NASA Space Technology Graduate Research Fellowship
  • Collaborative Spirit: Engaged with various NASA departments and national laboratories, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)

Research Impact

Noah's contributions to the field are already significant:

  • 6 Peer-Reviewed Journal Publications: Authored half a dozen papers during his doctoral studies, showcasing his research prowess and dedication to advancing the field

From Academia to Industry

We're excited to share that Noah has accepted a position as a Materials Engineer at Blue Origin, where he will apply his expertise in advanced materials design to push the boundaries of space exploration.


A Word from Dr. Wei Xiong

"Noah's journey through our research group has been nothing short of extraordinary. His innovative approach to additive manufacturing and functionally graded alloys has not only contributed significantly to our lab but also positioned him as a rising star in the field. We are immensely proud of his achievements and excited to see how his work at Blue Origin will shape the future of space technology."


Looking Ahead

Noah's transition from academia to a leading space technology company like Blue Origin highlights the real-world impact of our research programs. His success story inspires current and future students, showcasing the exciting career paths available to those who excel in materials science and engineering.


Join us in congratulating Noah Sargent on his outstanding achievements and wishing him continued success in his new role at Blue Origin!


For more information about our research programs or to learn how you can be part of groundbreaking materials science research, please contact the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science at the University of Pittsburgh.