Doctoral Graduate Explores Polar Magnetic Materials and Mentors Future Scientists

Zachary Messegee, who earned his PhD in Chemistry and Biochemistry this May, was drawn to explore how the atomic structure of polar magnetic materials is influenced by doping elements such as iron and molybdenum and the relationship with their physical behaviors, particularly in relation to symmetry. The polar structural symmetry plays a critical role in determining how materials interact with electric and magnetic fields, light, and other forces, making it essential for designing materials for advanced technological applications.

Messegee credits Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry assistant professor Xiaoyan Tan, an expert in solid-state materials, for her mentorship. Inspired by her guidance, he selected to participate as a mentor in the Aspiring Scientists Summer Internship Program (ASSIP) at George Mason, which connects high school and undergraduate students with George Mason faculty for hands-on research experiences.

“Every summer I got two new high school students to mentor,” Messegee says, “and that was really cool to see them grow from their summertime position to later on…most of them went and found research groups when they got into undergraduate programs.”

In January, Messegee, Tan, and other collaborators published a paper detailing their findings on polar magnetic materials and their potential applications in lithium-ion batteries. With his PhD complete, Messegee now aims to deepen his focus on structure–property relationships and to identify new materials that can further his research.