Tammy Ma’s journey from UC San Diego to a lead scientist role at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) is a testament to the strong foundation she built at the university. An alumna of the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE), she credits UC San Diego with providing a rigorous technical background and valuable research experience.
The university’s collaborative spirit also played a key role in shaping Ma’s career, particularly through its connections with national labs like LLNL.
“The Center for Energy Research at UC San Diego was very collaborative and involved in projects with the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and the national labs,” she said. “Those partnerships gave me an early look at how the research was directly applicable to real-world problems, and helped me build connections with other scientists and professionals that have benefited my career even today.”
Her drive to push scientific boundaries has earned her numerous accolades, including the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the U.S. government’s highest honor for early-career researchers. “I extracted a lot of confidence from this award,” she said. “It was a reminder that people are noticing your work and that you can truly have an impact.”
Mentorship
During her time at UC San Diego, Ma was mentored by Professor Farhat Beg. His research in high-intensity laser experiments and plasma physics exposed her to a vast network of researchers.
“I asked to join Professor Beg’s research group because the work he and his team were doing was incredibly exciting,” she recalled. More than a visionary researcher, Beg was also a dedicated mentor. “The way he treated his students taught me how to mentor and support the next generation of researchers. I have definitely carried that with me,” Ma said.
Advice for Future Scientists
Offering advice to incoming students, Ma emphasized persistence and mentorship. “The whole point of working in science or technology is doing something nobody has ever done before. You’re going to run into stumbling blocks—and that’s okay. Stick to it. Look for allies and mentors—they’re always out there.”
Ma also stressed the importance of outreach, a value instilled in her at UC San Diego. “Outreach has been an important component throughout my career. It’s crucial to convey the work being done and explain how science can benefit people’s lives.”
As UC San Diego’s Department of MAE celebrates its 60th anniversary, Ma exemplifies the university’s commitment to excellence, mentorship, and innovation, shaping the future of science and technology.