About the Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) at Columbia University

The Columbia University Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) is an interdisciplinary team of university, industrial, and national laboratory scientists and engineers working together to develop and examine new types of nanocrystals and ways of assembling them into thin films. The MRSEC, initially established by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in 1998, was renewed by NSF in 2002 with a $7.2M grant covering 6 years. Faculty from six academic departments are involved with the MRSEC, along with faculty from the City College of New York (CCNY). The center, entitled Center for Nanostructured Materials, now focuses on the synthesis of complex metal oxide nanocrystals and ways of assembling them into useful films.

   

The MRSEC has one interdisciplinary research group (IRG), which focuses on structurally integrated chemical films containing nanoparticles. It is led by Professor Louis Brus. This IRG has diverse partnerships and collaboration with other universities, including those in New York City, and prominent industrial laboratories in the NYC metropolitan area. Research in the IRG focuses on new ways to chemically synthesize nanoparticles, self organization of these particles into useful films, and the electrical, optical, and other properties of these films and other aggregates. Questions concerning MRSEC industrial interactions should be directed to the Industrial Outreach Leader Dr. Joze Bevk.

One important feature of the MRSEC is the range of activities in education, human resources and outreach. The Center runs summer programs for Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) and Research Experiences for Teachers (RET) targeted for NYC K-12 science teachers. Programs bringing MRSEC faculty and students to NYC schools to promote materials and technology are led by Professor Siu-Wai Chan. Professor Chan or Justine Herrera, the Assistant MRSEC Director for Education Outreach, should be contacted for further information. 

Another very significant component of the MRSEC is the establishment of new shared experimental facilities that enable MRSEC members, other members of the local materials community, and others to use instrumentation central to research into advanced materials - instrumentation that is normally not available in every laboratory. Contact Mr. Nate Clark for more information concerning these shared facilities.

Download the MRSEC information brochure here (pdf).

If you have any further questions about the MRSEC, please contact the Center Director, Professor Irving P. Herman.