“Higher education institutions must rethink their strategies to stay relevant in today's increasingly competitive landscape,” states the article, titled “How Niche Programs Are Saving Higher Education.”
“One of the most effective ways to do so is by offering specialized programs not widely available elsewhere. In an era where niche knowledge and skill sets are in high demand, universities that cater to specific industries or unique interests can position themselves as leaders in their fields.”
Alfred’s ceramic engineering program is described in the story as “one of the oldest and most respected” in the country. “It offers students a rare opportunity to specialize in materials science with a focus on ceramics. The program combines a deep understanding of materials science with the artistic techniques of ceramics, giving students a unique skill set that prepares them for various industries, from manufacturing to tech and even healthcare.”
Alfred’s ceramic engineering program—housed in the Inamori School of Engineering, New York State College of Ceramics (NYSCC) at Alfred University—has a long and storied history. The NYSCC—home to the School of Engineering and School of Art & Design—was founded at Alfred University in 1900 and this year celebrates its 125th anniversary.
“It is as true today as it was 125 years ago when we started the program that ceramic engineering is a niche skill set in high demand,” commented Gabrielle Gaustad ’04, dean of the Inamori School of Engineering and the university’s associate provost for research. She added that the program, while unique, can lead students to professional opportunities that are wide and varied.
“Luckily, students don’t have to worry that specialized skill sets will pigeonhole them into only one career pathway,” Gaustad said. “Our ceramic engineers end up everywhere from aerospace to healthcare to semiconductor fabrication. Plus, not competing with thousands of other graduates in your major means multiple job offers at high salaries.”
“Our program in ceramic engineering has a rich history. In addition to giving students a unique learning experience, having this niche program means that we have an extensive network of graduates in all areas of the industry,” added Beth Ann Dobie, provost and chief operating officer. “That network creates connections and pathways for our graduates, opening significant opportunities unique to ceramic engineers.”
The Inamori School also offers a program in glass engineering science which, like ceramic engineering, is a niche offering. Alfred University is the only institution of higher education in the country to offer bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees in glass engineering science. The ceramic and glass engineering programs both offer students unique learning experiences, particularly in areas of research.
Last fall, the university launched its Space Materials Institute, a research initiative developing new materials and processes that enable different aspects of space exploration, in collaboration with Alfred University faculty, staff, and students as well as government agency and industry partners. Areas of research include developing materials that withstand atmospheric re-entry and/or enable or enhance space operations; materials processing off planet; and high-temperature materials analysis and characterization. The institute offers research opportunities for both undergraduate and graduate students from a variety of engineering disciplines.
Alfred is home to the Center for Glass Innovation, where research is focused in part on using glass for purposes of sustainability. The CGI—led by Collin Wilkinson, assistant professor of glass science, and supported by more than $4 million in funding from New York State’s Department of Environmental Conservation—is studying ways to use waste glass to create a more environmentally-friendly concrete, and is also developing a method of washing used wine bottles so they can be re-used, rather than landfilled.
The Inamori School hosts a Summer Undergraduate Research Institute, which offers undergraduate students the opportunity to work with engineering faculty and graduate students on a variety of projects. One project from last summer’s institute, led by William LaCourse, emeritus professor of glass science, studied ways that waste glass material can be used to fortify soil with the minerals needed to sustain plant growth. The research aimed to provide a path to significantly reduce the stream of waste entering landfills while reinvigorating soil devoid of nutrients.
William LaCourse (right), emeritus professor of glass science in Alfred University’s Inamori School of Engineering, looks over some pellets made from powdered waste glass created by ceramic engineering major Brenton Gagliardo. The pellets are designed to hold water and, as they break down, release nutrients beneficial to plants into soil. The LaCourse-led project—which studied ways that waste glass material can be used to fortify soil with the minerals needed to sustain plant growth—was part of the 2024 Summer Undergraduate Research Institute at Alfred University.
Kun Wang, assistant professor of materials science and engineering, is principal investigator for a National Science Foundation-funded training program focused on battery degradation and useful life prediction. The program will help prepare engineering students with skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the battery and energy storage job market.
The Inamori School is in the process of installing an Advanced Power Grid Laboratory that will lead research in renewable energy integration, microgrid technology, and grid modernization. The lab is part of a workforce development initiative that will prepare students for careers in the growing renewable energy industry. It is supported by a $466,853 grant from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and $2.8 million in software licenses donated by GE Vernova.
Dobie agrees with the Forbes article’s premise that providing unique, specialized coursework helps give institutions a competitive advantage. “For higher education, niche programs identify a need that may not be met by more traditional programs. As they give a unique flavor to the students’ education, niche programs can embody the essence or character of an institution that makes it stand apart from other institutions.”
