Cal State LA, in partnership with the University of California, Irvine, has been awarded a prestigious Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to advance research and education in the field of materials science.
This three-year, $1 million grant will launch a groundbreaking collaboration between Cal State LA and UC Irvine’s NSF-funded Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC).
“We are thrilled to receive this NSF PREM award and to collaborate with UC Irvine,” said Berenecea Johnson Eanes, president of Cal State LA. “This partnership will not only advance our research capabilities but also provide invaluable opportunities for our students, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds, to participate in groundbreaking research and pursue careers in materials science.”
The NSF PREM award is designed to broaden participation of underrepresented minority students and build the U.S. workforce in materials research with advanced training in strategic areas of science and technology.
This grant will help establish the NSF PREM Center for Bioinspired and Architectured Materials (CBAM) at Cal State LA to leverage the unique strengths of both institutions to drive scientific discovery and technological innovation in materials science and engineering, as well as offer advanced research training to engage, recruit, and retain students from diverse backgrounds.
The focus of CBAM’s research includes the design of advanced materials that mimic the complex and dynamic structures and functionalities found in nature for applications in energy, human health, and environmental sustainability.
The grant will also support a range of educational and outreach activities, including summer research programs, workshops, and seminars. These initiatives aim to inspire and prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers, particularly those from underrepresented groups, to pursue careers in materials science and related fields.
Travis Hu, a leading researcher and materials scientist in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Cal State LA and the principal investigator of the grant, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. “This partnership with UC Irvine will enable us to leverage their world-class research facilities and expertise, accelerating our progress in key areas of materials research and education,” he said. “We are excited to see the innovative solutions and new knowledge that will emerge from this collaboration.”
In addition to Professor Hu, the co-principal investigators of this grant from Cal State LA include Mechanical Engineering Professor Mohsen Eshraghi and Chemistry Professor Yangyang Liu.
The collaboration between Cal State LA and UC Irvine is a testament to both universities’ commitment to excellence in scientific research and education and their dedication to fostering diversity in STEM fields.
The partnership will provide unique opportunities for diverse students and faculty at Cal State LA and UC Irvine to engage in high-impact research, enhancing their educational and professional development.
UC Irvine is equally enthusiastic about the partnership. Xiaoqing Pan, director of UC Irvine’s MRSEC Center for Complex and Active Materials and co-principal investigator of the grant, stated: “We are honored to partner with Cal State LA on this important initiative. The NSF PREM grant will allow us to work closely with their talented faculty and students, sharing resources and knowledge to drive forward the frontiers of materials research and foster greater inclusivity.”
This collaboration is expected to yield significant advancements in materials research, with potential applications that could impact various industries and contribute to solving some of the most pressing challenges facing society today.
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About Cal State LA
Cal State LA is a premier public university located in the heart of Los Angeles. Committed to engagement, service, and the public good, Cal State LA offers a transformative educational experience, fostering the intellectual, personal, and professional growth of its diverse student body.
About UC Irvine
UC Irvine is a top-ranked public research university known for its academic excellence, premier research programs, and commitment to community service. UC Irvine’s faculty and students engage in cutting-edge research that addresses critical societal challenges and advances knowledge across a broad range of disciplines.
About NSF PREM
The NSF Division of Materials Research (DMR) Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials (PREM) program aims to establish and expand collaborations between minority-serving institutions and DMR-supported centers or facilities. The goal is to increase recruitment, retention, and degree attainment among historically underrepresented groups in materials research. Additionally, the program supports exceptional research and educational efforts to strengthen these partnerships.
