UTA-NU MRSEC PREM for Functional Materials

The Partnership in Research and Education in Materials (PREM) for Functional Materials is a collaboration between the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) and the Northwestern University (NU) Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC). UTA, a Hispanic-Serving and Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution, has a diverse student body with 57% identifying as underrepresented minorities (URM). This partnership aims to advance cutting-edge materials research while creating pathways for URM students to pursue careers in materials science and engineering through mentoring, research opportunities, and professional development.

The partnership also includes Grambling State University, an HBCU, fostering reciprocal faculty visits and providing students with access to world-class research facilities at NU. Students progress from undergraduate research to graduate studies, postdoctoral opportunities, and eventual placement into the materials science workforce.

The University of Texas at Arlington
Northwestern University
Northwestern MRSEC
Grambling State University
Thrust 1

Functional Mixed-Dimensional Heterostructures

The research explores electron transport across mixed-dimensional heterostructures by leveraging material and dimensional heterogeneities (0D, 2D, 3D) to precisely control charge transport. Applications include energy-efficient computing, neuromorphic devices, and molecular sensing.
Thrust 2

Bioinspired Materials with Adaptive Functionality

The research investigates stimuli-responsive smart biomaterials, examining phase transitions triggered by environmental changes such as pH, magnetic fields, and chemical stimuli. Applications include drug delivery, tissue repair, and biomaterial development for regenerative medicine.

People