Materials Science & Engineering Program Spotlight

The field of Materials Science and Engineering focuses on the development of new materials for the next generation of engineering applications. It views biomaterials, nanomaterials, ceramics, metals, polymers, electronic materials and composites from a fundamental point of view, emphasizing the relationships between the atomic- and microstructure as well as the properties, processing and performance of the material.

Current materials research projects in the School of MSE involve the snythesis of nanomaterials for the construction of nanoscale machines; the use of diamond coatings as a bio-barrier to prevent the body from attacking implants; the use of the gentic patterns founds in nature to harness the ribosome to manufacture biosensors and photonic circuits; the development of conductive polymers for a new generation of MEMS devices; the development of a form fitting light-weight armor that can stop ballistic projectiles; the development of hydrogen burning fuel cells to power a future generation of automobiles; etc. In projects like these, materials scientists lead the way to turning yesterday’s science fiction into tomorrow’s reality.