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Materials Science and
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Core Faculty
TMI's core faculty lead cutting-edge research by running their grants through the institute, fostering collaboration and resource sharing.
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Graduate Program
Our Materials Science and Engineering program is one of the best in the nation, and our graduates go on to be leaders in their fields.
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Research
TMI supports interdisciplinary research at UT Austin, with over 100 faculty focusing on clean energy, nanotechnology, and advanced materials using our state-of-the-art facilities.
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Home
Towards Next Generation Electrical Conductors
Copper has long been a standard material in electrical conductors, but advanced applications require a lower weight and higher electrical conductivity.
Nanshu Lu appointed Carol Cockrell Curran Chair in Engineering
Professor Nanshu Lu has been named the new Carol Cockrell Curran Chair in Engineering at the Cockrell School of Engineering, a distinguished role that signifies a major endowment and a high honor within the institution.
Ray Chen Visits Taiwan to Strengthen Institute Collaborations
Dr. Ray Chen, a leading researcher at the University of Texas at Austin, recently visited Taiwan to deliver a colloquium at National Taiwan University (NTU).
Michael Cullinan Receives DARPA Grant
Associate Professor Michael Cullinan in the Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin received a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) award to lead the research project “SENSE Embedded, Chipless RFID Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring of Additively Manufactured Parts” to develop multifunctional metal parts with embedded sensing systems for integrated structural health monitoring.
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Texas Materials Seminar Series
The Texas Materials Seminar Series features MSE 397 Seminars, TMI Distinguished Lectureships, and TMI Special Seminars, where leading faculty and professionals from around the world share cutting-edge innovations and advancements in materials engineering with our students.
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News
Donglei Emma Fan Inducted as Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors
Dr. Donglei Emma Fan from the Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering and Texas Materials Institute, has been inducted into the 2025 Class of Senior Members of the National Academy of Inventors, a prestigious honor recognizing her significant contributions to innovation and technology. This designation acknowledges her commitment to advancing research, patents, and commercialization that positively impact society. As part of this elite network, Emma will join over 700 senior members and inspire future generations of inventors.
Dr. Deji Akinwande's Group Publishes in ACS Nano
Dr. Deji Akinwande’s research group has just published new research in ACS Nano. The team developed a novel method using UV-Ozone to create precisely engineered defects in graphene membranes. This breakthrough solves a major challenge in ultrathin hydrogen fuel cell membranes, improving their performance without affecting the material’s strength or stability.
A Path to Safer, High-Energy Electric Vehicle Batteries
Nickel’s role in the future of electric vehicle batteries is clear: It’s more abundant and easier to obtain than widely used cobalt, and its higher energy density means longer driving distances between charges.
Graphene Double Moiré System Revolutionizes Quantum Materials Research
An international research team, led by scientists from The University of Texas at Austin, has unveiled a groundbreaking double moiré system made of four graphene layers. In this innovative structure, the top and bottom pairs form small-twist-angle bilayer graphene, while the middle interface is characterized by a large rotational mismatch. Fabricated using opto-thermoplasmonic nanolithography, this system introduces a new platform for exploring independently tunable flat bands in twisted bilayer graphene (TBG) structures.
Dr. Deji Akinwande Publishes in Nature Electronics
Dr. Deji Akinwande, Professor at The University of Texas at Austin, has made a notable contribution to the field of semiconductor physics with his latest publication, “The quantum limits of contact resistance and ballistic transport in 2D transistors” in Nature Electronics.
$12M+
In Grant Funding
20+
Research Patents
10K+
