Materials Science and Engineering

Lin Zhou explores the atomic realm at the Sensitive Instrument Facility
The Sensitive Instrument Facility (SIF), a part of Ames National Laboratory, boasts two-feet thick concrete floors with built-in vibration-dampening layers, aluminum-plate lined bays, and fiberglass reinforced concrete for electro-magnetic isolation and vibration-free heating and ventilation. These features help ensure that state-of-the-art instrumentation housed in the SIF achieves the most accurate results. Read More

March 26, 2024
From uncertain to passionate, Erik DeMeyere found his path in materials engineering
“I was really struggling with what path I wanted to take. I enjoyed physics and chemistry in high school but knew I didn’t want to be a chemist or physicist,” DeMeyere said. “And then I saw materials engineering listed, which, at the time, I didn’t even know existed. After doing some research, I realized I had been interested in materials science all along.” Read More

March 22, 2024
Sid Pathak receives NSF CAREER award for studying pseudomorphic phases in multilayered nano-laminates
Department of Materials Science and Engineering Assistant Professor Sid Pathak has been selected for a 2024 National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER) award for his project, “Towards a Fundamental Understanding of Interface Strain-Driven Pseudomorphic Phase Transformations in Multilayered Nanocomposites.” Read More

March 21, 2024
Research Résumé: Kun Luo, exploring microstructures for high-performance materials
Kun Luo is combining his experience in materials experimentation and theoretical simulations to explain the atomic mechanisms that create special properties in high-performance materials. Read More

February 21, 2024
Jacob Wheaton gains international collaboration through MSE
"I like the fact there are a lot of different problems to solve in engineering," Wheaton said. "There is always something to work towards, and it's very satisfying when you find the solution. And I just really enjoy learning, and with materials engineering, it is easy to do a deep dive into a range of topics." Read More

February 16, 2024
Peter Collins and Richard LeSar to lead multi-university team for ONR-funded metallic gradient materials project
The Office of Naval Research has funded a new project to conduct critical fundamental research on gradient metallic materials. The project, "Design and Manufacture of Metallic Gradient Materials," is a three-university, five-year research partnership led by Iowa State University. Read More

February 1, 2024
Rebecca Patush: Engineering commencement student marshal
"I'm looking to leave my mark on the world by creating and improving medical supplies that are used regularly in healthcare. I hope to contribute new strides to the field of biomaterials to improve medicine." Read More

December 12, 2023
From industry to grad school: Katie O’Donnell found what she was looking for at Iowa State
“After getting my bachelor’s in MSE, I moved into industry, getting a job at a materials testing company. Near the end of my time there, we started to get additive manufactured parts more frequently, which piqued my interest and prompted me to return to grad school. When choosing grad schools, the MSE department at Iowa State specifically really caught my interest after I did a campus visit. Read More

November 15, 2023
Joel Rieken named 2023 Cyclone Engineering Young Alumni Award winner
Joel Rieken ('06, PhD '11 materials engineering) is a materials engineering innovator and leader on the rise. He’s the vice president of the global atomization division at Linde Advanced Material Technologies, Inc. and an entrepreneur: while still an Iowa State student, he co-founded Iowa Powder Atomization Technologies (IPAT). Read More

October 27, 2023
Intelligent roadmap: Collaborative, cutting-edge methods to create new alloys
Anson Marston Distinguished Professor Duane Johnson and professor Jun Cui have been working together for years, collaborating on finding solutions for real-world problems while improving materials and research processes. Read More

October 25, 2023
Belle Finney: Cutting-edge opportunities at a national lab
"It was nice coming from a smaller college to a department in a larger university that still maintains the support and communication of a smaller college." Read More

October 19, 2023
Exceptional contributions: Mufit Akinc and Ick-Jhin Rick Yoon inducted into MSE Hall of Fame
The Department of Materials Science and Engineering inducted two new members to the Materials Science and Engineering Hall of Fame in a ceremony on Friday, Oct. 13 – honoring both for outstanding achievement and contributions to the discipline. Read More

October 16, 2023
Brad Swan is finding the right balance between classes, research and family
"The greatest challenge was finding the balance of time between classes, research and family so that I could succeed professionally while still being a devoted father and husband. I was fortunate to find Dr. Cornelius, and he understands the challenges as a father and as an atypical student." Read More

October 11, 2023
Quantum mechanics and machine learning: Qi An is unlocking the secrets of strong and ductile materials
Qi An focuses on using quantum mechanics and data-based computational methods to study materials science. In recent studies conducted by An and his team, significant progress was made in the field of ceramics. One of their works focused on improving the ductility of superhard materials. Normally, these materials have high strength but limited plasticity. Read More

October 3, 2023
Shape-changing implants, bioprinted tissue and next-gen adhesives
Alina Kirillova, assistant professor of materials science and engineering, runs the Active Polymer Materials Lab with the goal of using polymer-based materials for biomedical applications. Read More

September 15, 2023