TSUFI Partnership for Research and Education in Materials

The TSU-Fisk-Illinois (TSUFI) Partnership for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) is a collaborative initiative between Tennessee State University (TSU), Fisk University, and the Illinois Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (I-MRSEC) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). TSU, founded in 1912, and Fisk, established in 1866, are the largest and oldest historically Black universities in Nashville, while UIUC is a leading public institution with top-ranked engineering and science programs. This partnership leverages the unique strengths of each institution to advance materials science research and broaden participation in STEM fields.

The primary goal of TSUFI PREM is to enhance the recruitment, retention, and success of underrepresented minority (URM) students in materials-relevant graduate degree programs. This is achieved through mentored research, targeted programming, and fostering an inclusive and collaborative research community. The partnership emphasizes three strategic areas: the PREM Pathway, Science, and Partnership.

Key initiatives include advancing materials research in multifunctional nanomaterials and machine-learning-informed design at both atomic and macroscale levels. Collaborative projects focus on developing shared research facilities and computational infrastructure between Fisk and TSU, recruiting faculty with expertise in materials science, and expanding academic offerings at TSU to include new minors and graduate degree programs in materials science. The program also provides students with cross-institutional mentoring, joint-institution meetings, and exchange opportunities to enhance their research experiences and professional development.

The broader impacts of TSUFI PREM include increasing the transition of URM undergraduate and master’s students to STEM graduate programs through targeted recruitment and retention strategies, research training, and educational programming. By fostering a vibrant, inclusive research environment, TSUFI PREM prepares students for successful careers in industry, government, and academia while contributing to groundbreaking advancements in materials science.

Tennessee State University
Fisk University
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
UIUC I-MRSEC
Research Group 1

Nanostructured Multiferroic Materials and Interfaces

Focuses on the study of size reduction and surface phenomena in nanostructured multiferroic materials. This research provides insights into the fundamental properties and interactions at interfaces, enabling the development of advanced multifunctional materials.
Research Group 2

Machine-Learning-Informed Design of Intelligent Lattice Materials

Explores the use of machine learning to design intelligent lattice materials, analyzing geometric parameters, topological defects, and atomic-level elastic strains in 2D materials. This research aims to optimize material properties for innovative applications.

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