The NCAT-UCSD PREM is a collaborative initiative between North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (NCAT), a leading HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities), and the University of California at San Diego (UCSD) Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC). This partnership leverages the transformative potential of advanced materials research to inspire students from historically underrepresented populations to pursue careers in STEM. By focusing on materials that can impact communities and society at large, the program provides opportunities for students at the graduate, undergraduate, and K-12 levels.

The program’s core is a synergistic collaboration between NCAT and UCSD MRSEC, which fosters intellectual exchanges among faculty, students, and postdoctoral fellows. This partnership emphasizes diversity and inclusion by providing financial support and mentoring to over 50 undergraduate and 30 graduate students, reinforcing recruitment, retention, and degree attainment for underrepresented groups in STEM. Through integrated research and education, the initiative develops a diverse alliance of scientists, engineers, and educators, broadening participation in materials research.

With NCAT’s designation as an HBCU and a leader in STEM education, this PREM aims to establish the university as a globally recognized hub for materials research and education. By focusing on innovative materials and their applications in areas such as environmental sustainability, human health, and civil infrastructure, the program will open new pathways for both scientific discovery and societal impact. Together, NCAT and UCSD are working to build a robust pipeline of future STEM leaders and expand the boundaries of advanced materials research.