Building on 170 years of expertise, Corning continues to explore the potential and future of glass science. Corning helps build that future through collaborations with glass scientists and students at academic institutions all around the world.

Each year, Corning invites graduate students to apply for its Glass Age Scholarship – involving a year-long glass science research project aimed at advancing the field in topics relevant to industrial glasses.

“The Glass Age Scholarship is a means for enhanced visibility into the research programs at key universities, a mechanism for the identification of talent and creativity, and, thus, a tool to support our recruiting efforts for new hires,” said Jeff Kohli, Glass Research Director, Corning Incorporated. “It’s a message for academia that we value their programs and the students that they nurture and prepare for graduation.”

The 2021/22 Glass Age Scholar recipient is Phillip Ridley, a doctorate student at the University of California San Diego.

After his first year of studies at UC San Diego, Phillip began to focus on glass and glass-ceramic solid-state electrolyte materials. With encouragement from his research advisor, he decided to apply for the chance to work with some of the world’s best glass scientists at Corning Incorporated. “I am both honored and excited to get to work with Corning through the Glass Age Scholarship,” he said. “I hope to bridge the fields of glass science and energy storage by working to address scientific and societal problems.”

Phillip sees glass science playing a crucial role in enabling solid-state battery technologies. “There is currently a great need for sustainable energy storage technologies,” he said. “There is great potential for glass to power next generation energy storage devices.”

Phillip will be mentored by Bruce Aitken, Research Fellow, Glass & Ceramics, and Cameron W. Tanner, Principal Research Scientist, Ceramics. Phillip’s research will focus on further developing an understanding of glass ceramic solid-state electrolytes.

Both Jeff and Donnell Walton, Research Director, Corning Technology Center, Silicon Valley, believe the pool of talent in this year’s selection process for the Glass Age Scholarship is a testament to the value of students, academia, and the overall relationship between the two with Corning.

“This year’s cohort of applicants was particularly impressive,” said Donnell. “It’s exciting to Corning that there is enthusiasm for the future of glass science. Continued interest from students and academic institutions across the world can help us invest in a better future in glass.”

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About the Glass Age Scholarship

The Glass Age Scholarship is awarded to one student annually at the collegiate level, providing an opportunity to work closely with Corning scientists on a research project to help guide academic glass science research.

Students are required to propose a research project highlighting one of 12 topics important for enabling future advances in glass science and engineering – as cited by an article authored by Corning scientists on the need to continue glass science education and academic research.

The goal of the scholarship is to encourage students studying glass science to begin to conduct work in the areas most important to the glass science industry. By doing so, students will gain a solid foundation to prepare for a future career in industrial glass research, product or/process development, or manufacturing.