PREM Center for Quantum Material Innovations and Educational Excellence (CQ-MIEE)

The University of Central Florida (UCF) and University of Washington (UW) Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) is dedicated to advancing materials research while fostering educational opportunities for underrepresented minority (URM) students at all levels, from high school to graduate studies. UCF, one of the largest minority-serving institutions in the nation and a leader in awarding bachelor’s degrees to URM students, collaborates with UW’s Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) to develop a robust and diverse pipeline of future STEM leaders.

The partnership integrates innovative recruitment strategies, including outreach to Title I high schools near UCF, engagement with large interdisciplinary classes in materials science, physics, and chemistry, and outreach to regional colleges and organizations such as the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. These efforts are enhanced by community-building activities, culturally sensitive training for faculty, and peer-level mentoring.

A strong emphasis is placed on professional development and cross-institutional collaboration. UCF PhD students will work closely with UW mentors, spending extended periods in their labs, while undergraduate students will participate in UW’s Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program. Additionally, faculty and students from both institutions will exchange ideas through annual symposia, UW’s "MEM-C all-hands" meetings, and collaborative visits. These interactions aim to foster a vibrant, collaborative research environment and prepare students for advanced degrees and careers in materials-focused disciplines.

Through this partnership, UCF and UW are not only advancing groundbreaking quantum materials research but also creating a sustainable and inclusive pipeline of well-trained URM students ready to contribute to future scientific and technological advancements.

University of Central Florida
University of Washington
IRG 1

Electronic Structure and Light-Matter Interaction in Layered Quantum Materials

This research group focuses on studying the unique electronic properties of topological quantum materials with Kagome lattice structures, which exhibit flat bands, Dirac states, and van Hove singularities. The work is divided into three key thrusts: investigating the static electronic structure of layered Kagome systems, exploring ultrafast dynamics in these materials, and enhancing on-chip optical nonlinearities and photonic emulation of quantum materials. These efforts aim to deepen understanding of electron correlation effects and advance applications in electronic and photonic technologies.

Lead
Madhab Neupane
IRG 2

Catalysis on Topological Materials

This research group explores the unique surface states of topological materials, such as free surface electrons, to catalytically initiate chemical reactions. The work spans three thrusts: understanding and controlling the growth of nanoparticles on topological insulators (TIs), studying strong metal-support interactions (SMSI) on TIs for hydrogenation of phenylacetylene derivatives, and investigating electron transfer rates from TIs for reactions like hydrogen evolution, oxygen reduction, and nitrogen reduction. These efforts aim to harness the catalytic potential of topological materials for transformative advancements in chemical processes.

Lead
Parag Banerjee
IRG 3

Quantum Material–Biological Material Interfaces

This research group investigates the interactions between quantum materials and biological systems, focusing on their biomechanical impacts and potential biomedical applications. The study explores how functionalizing graphene and MoS₂ with cell-attachment-promoting biomolecules influences cellular and cytoskeletal biomechanical properties and behavior. The work is divided into three thrusts: functionalizing graphene and MoS₂ with biomolecules, examining the effects of these materials on cell biomechanical activity, and analyzing their impact on cytoskeletal protein assembly and mechanics. These efforts aim to unlock the biomedical potential of quantum materials by understanding their fundamental interactions with biological systems.

Lead
Robert Steward

People