CSULB-OSU Partnership for Education and Research in Topological Materials

This PREM project builds upon the success of a previous three-year Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) Seed grant awarded in 2021 to California State University Long Beach (CSULB) and The Ohio State University (OSU) Center for Emergent Materials (CEM), a Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC). Leveraging CSULB’s status as an urban Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) and OSU’s expertise in broadening participation in STEM, this partnership aims to create inclusive research opportunities and career pathways for traditionally underrepresented students in science and technology.

The program emphasizes the recruitment, retention, and advancement of diverse talent in STEM through initiatives such as a research-based MSc program, post-baccalaureate Bridge programs, and participation in OSU’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program. These efforts focus on fostering student engagement through innovative research, professional development, and mentoring, aiming to address the “missing millions” of underrepresented individuals in STEM fields identified by the National Science Board.

The collaborative research integrates materials science, chemistry, mathematics, physics, and biophysics to explore phenomena such as topology and cooperative emergent behaviors in materials. Applications include advancing ultra-fast and energy-efficient computing, fault-tolerant quantum information processing, and next-generation electronic devices. Students benefit from cross-institutional mentorship and training, using advanced synthesis methods, characterization techniques, and theoretical modeling. This partnership also creates a dynamic and inclusive research culture at CSULB, supported by OSU CEM’s established expertise in interdisciplinary research and education. Together, the institutions serve as a model for advancing diversity in STEM disciplines while addressing cutting-edge scientific challenges.

California State University - Long Beach
Ohio State University
Research Area 1

Topology, Magnetism, and Superconductivity in Telluride Alloys

Explores the interplay of topology, magnetism, and superconductivity in Chromium/Platinum/Iridium Telluride alloys, contributing to advancements in fault-tolerant quantum information processing and next-generation electronic devices.
Research Area 2

Geometric Magnetic Frustration in Sodium-Based Osmates

Investigates exotic magnetic behaviors caused by geometric frustration in sodium-based osmate materials, offering insights into novel magnetic states and phenomena.
Research Area 3

Exotic Magnetic States in Curved Magnetic Thin Films

Studies the emergence of unique magnetic states in curved magnetic thin films, with potential applications in ultra-fast and energy-efficient computing technologies.
Research Area 4

Tunable Metal-Organic Magnon-Spin Heterostructures

Develops materials that integrate metal-organic frameworks with magnon-spin heterostructures, enabling tunable magnetic and electronic properties for innovative device applications.
Research Area 5

Topological Effects in Biomolecules

Examines how topological properties influence biomolecular systems, bridging materials science and biophysics to impact fields like drug delivery and bio-inspired materials.
Research Area 6

Theoretical Aspects of Topological Phases

Focuses on theoretical exploration of topological phases in materials, enhancing understanding for use in quantum computing and energy-efficient devices.

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