Original article published by L’Oréal Group, adapted by CBE News
Congratulations to Emily McGuinness ‘16, who was named one of the 2024 L’Oréal USA For Women in Science Awardees. She is one of five postdoctoral scientists that will receive grants, mentoring and networking, and celebration inspiring the next generation of female scientists.
Emily was selected for her work in energy-efficient research. She develops 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 told CBE.
“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, the 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. I am so grateful for my time at NC State!”
“We are proud of everything that Emily has accomplished since graduating from the Park Scholarships program in 2016,” said Eva Feucht, director. “All of the hard work Emily has put in over the years—including receiving a National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship, earning her Ph.D. from Georgia Tech in Materials Science and Engineering, and pursuing an Engineering Postdoctoral Fellowship at the University of Minnesota— has led her to where she is now, making an impact in the lives of people across the world. In her time at NC State and in the Park program, Emily was passionate about sustainability and energy innovation. She was determined to use her job and internship experiences and research to solve some of the world’s most challenging problems. It is no surprise that she has become a prominent leader in this field and we can’t wait to see what is next.”
“L’Oréal is committed to accelerating women’s advancement in STEM by increasing representation, amplifying their accomplishments, and supporting the next generation of change-makers,” said Marissa McGowan, Chief Sustainability Officer for L’Oréal North America. “We know these scientists’ ideas and innovations will inform solutions from climate change and sustainable energy to human health and disease. Beyond their research, I am struck by their dedication to mentorship and representation, inspiring future scientists and redefining what women in science truly means.”
L’Oréal USA honored the 2024 For Women in Science recipients at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on November 14, 2024.