Materials Science and Engineering is the interdisciplinary field focused on the development and application of new materials with desirable properties and microstructures. Disciplines in the physical sciences and engineering frequently play a central role in developing the fundamental knowledge employed by materials scientists and engineers to design and develop new materials for technological applications.
Facilities
The IMSE materials characterization and nanofabrication facilities are located on the lower level of Scott Rudolph Hall (Department of Earth, Environmental, and Planetary Sciences). These facilities are available to researchers both internal and external to the university.
Graduate program
The IMSE PhD program in Materials Science and Engineering enables students to work across departmental boundaries. Students apply through the McKelvey School of Engineering, pursue coursework in member departments, and conduct their thesis research guided by interdisciplinary faculty mentors.
WashU Materials Research in the News
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WashU Expert: Scaling up the circular economy
Synthetic biology leads to recyclable textiles: Engineered protein fibers for a cleaner future
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Making Sense of Quantum Breakthroughs
Putting some ‘muscle’ into material design
For Zack Rehfuss, high-pressure physics makes diamonds
