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Highlights

Highlights

STEM Field Trips: Inspiring the Next Generation of Materials Scientists
STEM Field Trips: Inspiring the Next Generation of Materials Scientists
Jul 7, 2026
Texas State University

STEM Field Trips: Inspiring the Next Generation of Materials Scientists

The Texas State PREM Center for Intelligent Materials Assembly (CIMA) hosted students from regional elementary, middle and high schools in several STEM tours to our campus.
PREM Full Circle – PREM Impact in Materials Science Workforce
PREM Full Circle – PREM Impact in Materials Science Workforce
Jul 7, 2026
Texas State University

PREM Full Circle – PREM Impact in Materials Science Workforce

Tania Betancourt and William Brittain, Texas State University
The National Science Foundation (NSF)-sponsored Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) fosters long-term collaborations between universities and NSF’s Division of Materials Research (DMR)-supported centers. It enhances research opportunities through faculty and student exchanges, student mentoring and professional development.
Million-fold Rate Acceleration of Azobenzene Isomerization
Million-fold Rate Acceleration of Azobenzene Isomerization
Jul 7, 2026
Texas State University

Million-fold Rate Acceleration of Azobenzene Isomerization

William Brittain, Texas State University
This work introduces a hybrid molecular photoswitch that combines tetra-ortho-fluoroazobenzene (TFA) with spiropyran (SP) to overcome one of the principal limitations of fluorinated azobenzene photoswitches: their intrinsically slow thermal Z → E isomerization. The work demonstrates that transient formation of a phenolate intermediate, generated through the spiropyran–merocyanine (SP⇌MC) equilibrium, dramatically accelerates relaxation of the metastable Z isomer.
Launch of on demand career development resources
Launch of on demand career development resources
May 28, 2026
Fort Lewis College

Launch of on demand career development resources

One of the most useful and successful activities for the student in PEAQS has been working one-on-one with PEAQS staff on their career preparation. To create a sustainable version of this, Dr. Schreiner developed an on-demand online training platform for PEAQS students.
Develop a functional, synthetic biomembrane for the integration into a lung-on-a-chip (LoaC) platform
Develop a functional, synthetic biomembrane for the integration into a lung-on-a-chip (LoaC) platform
May 28, 2026
Fort Lewis College

Develop a functional, synthetic biomembrane for the integration into a lung-on-a-chip (LoaC) platform

Jeff Jessing, Fort Lewis College
To better study diseases, scientists are turning to organ-on-a-chip models that allow them to create multiple bio-accurate disease models without needing animal or human subjects. FLC undergraduates Sally Thompson, Hunter Goggin, Natalia Lambos from the Jessing group at FLC have been working to create a lung-on-a-chip platform for this purpose.
NSU and FLC students prepare to assemble batteries in chemical glove boxes.
NSU and FLC students prepare to assemble batteries in chemical glove boxes.
Jan 19, 2026
Fort Lewis College

Technical Workshop on Electrochemistry

Sarah Schreiner, CU Boulder
With a new partner, IMOD, a major goal of the last year of the partnership with STROBE was to provide as many opportunities as possible to for students to meet with their new community and learn their science.
Dr. Jessing with senior seminar undergraduate team that successfully fabricated transistors in house.
Dr. Jessing with senior seminar undergraduate team that successfully fabricated transistors in house.
Jan 19, 2026
Fort Lewis College

First Transistors Fabricated at Fort Lewis College

Jeff Jessing, Fort Lewis College
During the past year, PEAQS students at Fort Lewis College (FLC), Durango, CO have successfully fabricated functional Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MOSFETs).  MOSFETs are key components in digital and analog circuits, with modern smartphone processors containing around 15 billion of them.
NSU undergraduate Layla Smith shadowing Pedro Pliego in the Cossairt lab at the University of Washington.
NSU undergraduate Layla Smith shadowing Pedro Pliego in the Cossairt lab at the University of Washington.
Jan 19, 2026
Fort Lewis College

Building Community and Technical Skills with IMOD

Sarah Schreiner, CU Boulder
With a new partner, IMOD, PEAQS undergraduates find themselves with access to an even larger community of scientists with new technical and professional skills to learn. A major goal of this first year of the partnership was to give the students as many opportunities as possible to meet with this new community and learn their science and professional skills.
Development and Characterization of Chemically Oxidized Porous Silicon Solid Propellant Microthrusters
Development and Characterization of Chemically Oxidized Porous Silicon Solid Propellant Microthrusters
Jan 19, 2026
Fort Lewis College

Development and Characterization of Chemically Oxidized Porous Silicon Solid Propellant Microthrusters

Jeff Jessing, Fort Lewis College
Modern spacecraft requires the ability to perform complex and precise operations such as formation flying and collision avoidance. Microthruster technology, a key development in propulsion for spacecraft, address these performance needs through enhanced maneuverability while maintaining a minimal footprint.
CSULB students work in Ojeda-Aristizabal’s lab.
CSULB students work in Ojeda-Aristizabal’s lab.
Jan 7, 2026
California State University - Long Beach

Topology in Quantum and Molecular Matter

During the duration of the grant, PREM research groups published 5 articles. Read all about it.

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National Science Foundation
Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed on this website are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation or the participating institutions. This site is maintained collaboratively by principal investigators with Partnership for Research and Education in Materials awards, independent of the NSF.