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Program Highlights for year 2019

Musical Magnetism: Engaging Middle School Students in Materials Science

The Illinois MRSEC developed and implemented an 8-week program called “Musical Magnetism” that engages middle school students in materials science using the popular platform of music. The program combines engaging lessons and demos, researching a topic, turning that research into lyrics, and recording a song. 35 8th graders at Franklin STEAM Academy participated.

Strain Superlattice of Graphene on Nanospheres

Strain engineering two-dimensional (2D) materials provides a new way to tailor electronic bandstructures and access novel electronic devices. A key route to strain 2D materials, such as graphene, is via underlying nanostructured substrates.

CDCM K-5 Research Experience for Teachers is Forging Direct Links between Elementary Classrooms & University Labs, Mentors, & Facilities

The CDCM RET program is unique in that it is designed specifically for K-5 teachers, with the intended purpose of engaging and sustaining student interest in STEM at a young age. In summer 2018, CDCM launched its inaugural program with 4 teachers participating, spanning grades 1st – 5th.

A Viable Material for Topological Antiferromagnetic Spintronics

Topological antiferromagnetic spintronics is an emerging field of research where topological properties of a material are coupled to the antiferromagnetic ordering. Topological properties involve non-trivial electronic states, such as Dirac nodal lines, which are protected by the structural and magnetic symmetry of the material.

New Hybrid Heterostructure Nanophotonic Materials

The inherently weak light-matter interaction at the nanoscale can be enhanced by new metal-dielectric hybrid nanomaterials. This enhancement can enrich some of the quantum and nonlinear features of light, leading to new nanophotonic applications.

Capturing Structural Dynamics of Materials with Ultrafast Electron Diffraction

“Phase transition” is a term which is commonly used to describe transformations between solid, liquid, and gaseous states of matter. However, even in solids, phase transitions may occur between different structural phases, resulting in a discontinuous change of certain material properties, such as electrical conductivity and heat capacity, which can be used in technological applications.

Tenth Annual Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physical Sciences (WoPhyS)

At Nebraska MRSEC’s Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physical Sciences (WoPhyS), participants present research accomplishments, attend keynote talks, participate in graduate school preparation workshops, and tour UNL facilities and labs.

MEM-C IRG-2: Coupling a Monolayer Magnet

Monolayer WTe2 is a quantum spin Hall insulator at temperatures below 100 K. This means that the current is carried by helical conducting edge modes and is spin polarized.

MEM-C IRG-1: Quantum-Cutting Nanocrystals in High-Efficiency Monolithic Bilayer Luminescent Solar Concentrators

Nanocrystal (NC) luminescent solar concentrators (LSCs) represent a promising clean-energy technology capable of concentrating direct and diffuse light to reduce the area of photovoltaic (PV) cells – which are energetically costly to manufacture – required to meet energy demands.

UCSB MRSEC Partners with the Wolf Museum of Exploration and Innovation

The UCSB MRSEC is excited to announce a new partnership with Santa Barbara’s Wolf Museum of Exploration and Innovation (MOXI). Open in 2017, the MOXI provides a space for hands-on exploration in science and creativity for children and families.

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