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Longji Cui in the lab.

​New technology turns waste heat into electricity, defies physical limit

A team of engineers and material scientists at CU Boulder has developed a new technology to turn thermal radiation into electricity in a way that literally teases the basic law of thermal physics.

Kangmin Kim completes a summer research experience on sodium-ion batteries.

Pioneering sodium-ion batteries: a sustainable energy alternative

CU Boulder researchers are exploring the use of sodium-ion batteries as an alternative to lithium-based energy storage.

Kian Lopez and Anthony Straub in the lab.

Using nanoscale membranes to clean water on the Moon

Anthony Straub is making major advances in water purification technology for industry and human consumption on Earth and in space, with his work on a nanotechnology membrane process taking a major step toward commercialization thanks to a new NASA grant.

MRI scans of a knee.

Joints that could heal themselves? Researchers could get there in 5 years

Imagine a day when joints could heal themselves. This may seem like a dream to the 32.5 million people who suffer from osteoarthritis. This week, the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) awarded up to $39 million to a University of Colorado Boulder-led team of scientists to work toward making it a reality.

Rooftop solar panels in Boulder on a sunny day.

Researchers take major step toward developing next-generation solar cells

The solar energy world is ready for a revolution. Scientists are racing to develop a new type of solar cell using materials that can convert electricity more efficiently than today’s panels.

Our Program

Materials science and engineering at CU Boulder is at the forefront of research advancements across fields including biotechnology and medicine, sustainability, renewable energy, polymers, nanotechnology, electronics and photonics, advanced computing, self-assembly and more.

As student here, you will learn to develop solutions to the world’s most pressing issues, from health care to energy to advanced computing and electronics. We bridge engineering and science with a diverse and successful array of faculty and students from across the CU Boulder campus and are building the future of our world.

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Be at the forefront

The Materials Science and Engineering Program at CU Boulder combines interdisciplinary foundations and research partnerships to advance your knowledge and career.

As a student, you can expect collaboration and fellowship with research faculty and peers who share your passion for new discoveries and innovation, regardless of traditional academic boundaries. We are a diverse and cutting-edge materials research community advancing the field and educating the next generation of science and engineering leaders.

Our faculty includes:

  • Four American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering Fellows
  • Eight Materials Research Society award-winners
  • Multiple National Academy members
  • Three Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers winners
  • 50%+ have received early career awards

The MSE program brings together research and faculty from science and engineering disciplines across CU Boulder, including:

 

Students work with researchers from:

  • Ann and H.J. Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences
  • Biochemistry
  • Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering
  • Chemical and Biological Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology
  • Physics