October 27, 2025
Congratulations to this week’s #WSGCStudentSpotlight, Reese Hufnagel!
Reese is the recipient of an Undergraduate Research Scholarship and is currently a Junior studying Chemistry at the University of Wisconsin – Stout.
Reese Hufnagel works as a Research Assistant in the Department of Chemistry and Physics at UW-Stout and is especially interested in aerospace materials. Her research has explored thermochemical analysis of carbon fiber composites, nanoparticle synthesis, and macroporous ceramic formulations, which has developed her proficiency in characterizing samples using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray microanalysis. Through her research, Reese became co-founder of Aurora Catalytic LLC, a startup company focused on mitigating spacecraft reentry debris through carbon fiber additives.
Outside of school, Reese is a martial artist, musician, and enjoys drawing. She holds a black belt in Jitsu-Do, a science-based, practical application of mixed martial arts, and enjoys sharing her 15 years of martial arts training through instructing youth classes. She also participated in the worship band at her church throughout middle and high school, playing lead electric, rhythm, and vocals, as well as running the soundboard. Reese is very grateful for all the opportunities she has been given to pursue her passions and is enthusiastic about what the future holds.
Congratulations, Reese, and best of luck to you in your future endeavors!
https://spacegrant.carthage.edu/live/blogs/168-wsgc-student-spotlight-reese-hufnagel
