This past summer, about a dozen PREM faculty and students from the University of Central Florida joined MRSEC faculty and students at the University of Washington for their annual retreat at the Pack Forest Conference Center in Washington State.

Against the beautiful backdrop of Douglas firs, nearly 85 materials scientists had the opportunity to share research ideas, brainstorm solutions, and collaborate.

This two-day retreat was focused on student-led “Science Sessions,” where students were given the floor to present their research. Each session was followed by three minutes of questions and answers. Students also had the opportunity to discuss their work at the poster sessions.

According to Saiful Khondaker, UCF professor and PREM PI for the Center for Quantum Material Innovations and Educational Excellence (CQ-MIEE), collaborative opportunities like this not only help break silos and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration but also help create cohesion among students and generate ideas.

To that end, CQ-MIEE is big on collaboration—faculty from both universities have monthly IRG-focused meetings to discuss ongoing research along with challenges and potential solutions, while students from both universities also meet on a regular basis.