Throughout an enriching 10-week experience with the Acoustical Society of America's Summer Undergraduate Research Experience in Acoustics program (SUREIA), I had the privilege of contributing to the innovative research at Penn State's Arguelles Lab, focusing on ultrasound as a tool for characterizing material properties and defects. Despite my background in communication science, I immersed myself in material science through the lab. I collaborated with graduate students to learn immersion ultrasound testing on bulk ceramic materials and processed data using MATLAB. At the end of the opportunity, I presented my findings at Penn State University and the SURIEA Program Open House. Beyond the academic pursuits, the true richness of this experience lies in the meaningful connections cultivated within my SUREIA cohort and lab members. These connections have not only enhanced my understanding of material science but have also provided me with a network of like-minded individuals whom I can collaborate with in the future. Additionally, the Arguelles Lab has provided me with invaluable mentorship and guidance, enabling me to enhance my research skills and broaden my knowledge in the unfamiliar yet fascinating field of material science.