Brooke Lastinger’s academic journey is a testament to the power of exploring new frontiers. An undergraduate student in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering (MSE), Lastinger found her path through a combination of mentorship, research opportunities and following her passion.
Her decision on a major was inspired by advice from two sources: her high school chemistry teacher and her dad, a mechanical engineer. Lastinger was looking for something in between chemical and mechanical engineering and saw MSE as the perfect mix of both. With the University of Florida’s reputation in the field and the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering offering multiple options should she decide to choose another major, the choice of where to apply was easy.
Currently a junior, Lastinger sees herself specializing in metallurgy and or non-destructive inspection (NDI).
“For the past two summers, I participated in the Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, working in the Metals & Ceramics, NDI, and Polymers & Composites Branch of the Materials Engineering Laboratory,” Lastinger said. “I spent a significant amount of time with NDI and metallurgy, performing material engineering service requests, as well as working on failure analysis, engineering investigations, and service life assessment programs.”
A more recent highlight of Lastinger’s time at UF is her study-abroad excursion to Iceland this past spring. The trip was made possible in part thanks to the Botic Family Scholars Professional Pathways Fund, which provides support for MSE and nuclear engineering students.
“UF in Iceland has been one of my favorite experiences, as it was my first time out of the country,” she said. “Plus, I had the chance to meet new people from UF and beyond.”
The UF in Iceland – Renewable Energy and Sustainability Program is an eight-day study abroad opportunity that allows students to explore Iceland’s energy solutions up close. In a country where nearly 100% of the electricity comes from renewable sources, students receive an in-depth look at geothermal energy, hydroelectric power and sustainable energy policies.
With seminars from experts, tours of geothermal and hydroelectric power plants, and visits to industries practicing sustainability. It’s an opportunity to learn about cutting-edge renewable technologies while experiencing Iceland’s stunning landscapes and power-generation initiatives.
During the trip, Lastinger stayed in Reykjavík with day excursions to waterfalls, geothermal springs, geothermal power plants and visits with local experts in the public and private sectors.
“I was curious to learn about the various materials used in geothermal power plants and witness firsthand the material selection and screening process,” Lastinger said. “I was also surprised to learn about the potential of magma energy, which still needs additional material research to be better utilized.”
Lastinger also learned about just how versatile geothermal energy can be.
“One of the highlights of my trip was visiting a geothermal bakery and a greenhouse. At the bakery, they bury the dough in a large ceramic pot above a geothermal hot spring, where it bakes underground for 24 hours. It was amazing to see the steam rising from the boiling ground!” Lastinger said. “Later that day, we toured a geothermal greenhouse that produces 40% of Iceland’s tomatoes. The tomatoes were incredible, and we ended the visit with a delicious tomato soup buffet. All in all, that was one of my favorite days in Iceland.”
Created by MSE alumni Branimir “Ben” Botic (MS MSE ‘71), and his family, the Botic Family Scholars Professional Pathways Fund is designed to help students gain valuable hands-on experiences that enhance their professional skills. Botic established this fund to ensure financial constraints do not hinder hardworking students. The fund supports experiential- learning
opportunities worldwide, including industry internships, national lab placements, and other programs that provide practical experience outside the classroom.
As a Botic Family Scholar, Lastinger holds high praise for the fund and its purpose.
“My experience in Iceland introduced me to areas of research I had not considered before and may not have ever known about,” she said. “The Botic Fund helped fulfill the study-abroad experience for me, and I can’t be thankful enough for it.”