It’s part trivia, part strategy and all speed. In a fast-paced, buzzer-beating showdown, the University of Florida’s Materials Bowl team once again proved it knows its materials.
UF’s Materials Science & Engineering Materials Bowl team captured first place at the 2026 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition in March in San Diego, securing back-to-back championships after also winning the title in 2025.
Competing against 20 teams from around the world, UF students navigated a fast-paced, trivia-style competition testing their knowledge across the breadth of materials science, from crystal structures and processing techniques to periodic table fundamentals. The contest, hosted by The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society, rewards not only correct answers, but speed, turning each round into a high-pressure race against the clock.
The 2026 team included Brooke Lastinger, Adriana LaVopa, Alex Johnstone and Linda Nguyen, with graduate student Jack Mayer serving as the team’s coach.
After advancing through the opening round, the competition tightened in the finals. UF briefly slipped from the top spot before regaining the lead late in the second round, setting up a tense finish.
“There were some moments where we weren’t sure we were going to pull through,” LaVopa said. “The last few questions were basically holding our breath and waiting to see if we maintained our lead.”
The team ultimately held on, defending its title in a competition where a single question can shift the standings.
Preparation for the event balanced structure with camaraderie. Weekly practices, organized by Mayer, included topic presentations and quizzes but also plenty of conversation, collaboration and, occasionally, snacks.
That team dynamic proved to be a defining factor.
“I don’t know if there’s a secret to defending the title, but our team chemistry has been excellent,” LaVopa said. “We’re genuinely excited to learn with each other, which makes it fun.”
Mayer believes that energy was just as important as technical knowledge.
“Working with the Materials Bowl team is just so fun,” Mayer said. “Bringing together really bright students and competing with other up-and-coming scientists is a cool challenge. I think the wins this year and last reflect their passion for the field and the positive atmosphere they create together.”
The Materials Bowl is held annually as part of TMS’s international conference, which brings together more than 4,000 engineers, scientists and industry leaders. Beyond the competition itself, the event offers students exposure to cutting-edge research and opportunities to connect with professionals across the field.
For UF, the repeat victory adds to a growing list of engineering student teams earning consecutive national titles.
However, LaVopa finds the experience goes beyond the trophy.
Looking back on three years with the team, she said the most meaningful takeaway isn’t the win, but rather the people.
“It’s the time we spent learning and competing together,” she said, “that’s what really sticks with you.”