{"id":1940,"date":"2016-06-02T15:00:48","date_gmt":"2016-06-02T15:00:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eng.ufl.edu\/graduate\/?page_id=1940"},"modified":"2025-09-09T07:56:11","modified_gmt":"2025-09-09T12:56:11","slug":"materials-science-and-engineering","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.eng.ufl.edu\/graduate\/current-students\/undergraduate-research\/research-projects\/materials-science-and-engineering\/","title":{"rendered":"Materials Science and Engineering"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Project Title: <\/strong>AI-Accelerated Design of Synthesis Routes for Metastable Materials
Department: <\/strong>Materials Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Richard Hennig, rhennig@ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> TBD
Terms Available:<\/strong> Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level:<\/strong> Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior; about 2 students per term, prefer longer term commitment
Prerequisites:<\/strong>  Interest in computational work is required. Knowledge of linux and experience in a programming language such as python is helpful but not required.
Credit:<\/strong>  0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend:<\/strong> $12 per hour up to 10 hours a week; potential University Scholars
Application Requirements:<\/strong> Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Richard Hennig, rhennig@ufl.edu<\/a>, to request an interview. awebb@mse.ufl.edu<\/a>
Application Deadline:<\/strong> Apply Anytime
Website:<\/strong>  http:\/\/hennig.mse.ufl.edu<\/a>
Project Description(s):<\/strong> One of the grand challenges in materials science and physics is the control and processing of matter away from equilibrium. An example is the challenge of room-temperature superconductors. The recently discovered high-pressure hydrides have reached the longstanding goal of room temperature superconductivity. However, they are considered useless for technology because they decompose when returned to ambient pressure. Similar problems are encountered with other materials such as magnets and superhard systems. Metastable materials offer a promising way forward. In this project, we will use machine learning methods and genetic algorithms to train models of the energy landscape of materials. We will apply these techniques to search for novel phases, determine their thermodynamic stability, and study their phase transformations. The student will gain experience in machine learning, condensed-matter physics, materials science, and computer simulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title #1: <\/strong>ENERGY: Advanced Functional Materials
Department: <\/strong>Materials Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Juan Claudio Nino, jnino@mse.ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> TBD
Terms Available:<\/strong> Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level:<\/strong> Freshman, Sophomore, Junior; 1 student per term
Prerequisites:<\/strong>  Strong work ethic, independence
Credit:<\/strong>  0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend:<\/strong> none unless selected for University Scholars; future stipend depending on initial performance
Application Requirements:<\/strong> Email Prof. Nino at jnino@mse.ufl.edu<\/a> with statement of interest, resume, unofficial transcripts, and schedule availability.
Application Deadline:<\/strong> March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring Term
Website:<\/strong>  nrg.mse.ufl.edu
Project Description:<\/strong> Students will work collaboratively with the member of the Nino Research Group on the synthesis and characterization of advanced functional materials for fuel cells, batteries, and related applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title #2: <\/strong>Non-Volatile Memory: Advanced Functional Materials
Department: <\/strong>Materials Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Juan Claudio Nino, jnino@mse.ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> TBD
Terms Available:<\/strong> Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level:<\/strong> Freshman, Sophomore, Junior; 1 student per term
Prerequisites:<\/strong>  Strong work ethic, independence
Credit:<\/strong>  0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend:<\/strong> none unless selected for University Scholars; future stipend depending on initial performance
Application Requirements:<\/strong> Email Prof. Nino at jnino@mse.ufl.edu<\/a> with statement of interest, resume, unofficial transcripts, and schedule availability.
Application Deadline:<\/strong> March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring Term
Website:<\/strong>  nrg.mse.ufl.edu
Project Description:<\/strong> Students will work collaboratively with the member of the Nino Research Group on the synthesis and characterization of advanced functional materials for non-volatile memory, memristors, and related applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title #3: <\/strong>Adsorbent Materials for Water and Soil Remediation
Department: <\/strong>Materials Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Juan Claudio Nino, jnino@mse.ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> TBD
Terms Available:<\/strong> Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level:<\/strong> Freshman, Sophomore, Junior; 1 student per term
Prerequisites:<\/strong>  Strong work ethic, independence
Credit:<\/strong>  0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend:<\/strong> none unless selected for University Scholars; future stipend depending on initial performance
Application Requirements:<\/strong> Email Prof. Nino at jnino@mse.ufl.edu<\/a> with statement of interest, resume, unofficial transcripts, and schedule availability.
Application Deadline:<\/strong> March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring Term
Website:<\/strong>  nrg.mse.ufl.edu
Project Description:<\/strong> Students will work collaboratively with the member of the Nino Research Group on the synthesis and characterization of advanced functional materials for the adsoprtion and release of chemicals compounds for the remediation of water, soil, and the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title #1: <\/strong>Biomedical Applications of Magnetic Nanoparticles
Department: <\/strong>Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Carlos Rinaldi-Ramos, carlos.rinaldi@bme.ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> varies
Terms Available:<\/strong> Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level:<\/strong> Sophomore, Junior, 2-5 students per term (new students when positions open)
Prerequisites:<\/strong>  Passion for science and engineering, interest in research and in advancing technology, self-driven. Students from Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, and Materials Science and Engineering encouraged to apply.
Credit:<\/strong>  0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend:<\/strong> none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements:<\/strong> Resume and statement of research interest; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Carlos Rinaldi, carlos.rinaldi@bme.ufl.edu<\/a>
Application Deadline:<\/strong> March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring term
Website:<\/strong>  http:\/\/www.bme.ufl.edu\/labs\/rinaldi\/<\/a>
Project Description:<\/strong> The Rinaldi lab is interested in biomedical applications of magnetic nanoparticles. We combine particle synthesis, modification, and characterization and fundamental understanding of response to magnetic actuation to advance applications in biomedical imaging, therapeutic delivery, and nanoscale thermal therapy. The research is interdisciplinary, combining concepts from biomedical, chemical, electrical, and materials science and engineering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title #2: <\/strong>Nanoparticle Science and Engineering
Department: <\/strong>Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Carlos Rinaldi-Ramos, carlos.rinaldi@bme.ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> varies
Terms Available:<\/strong> Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level:<\/strong> Passion for science and engineering, interest in research and in advancing technology, self-driven. Students from Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering encouraged to apply.
Credit:<\/strong>  0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend:<\/strong> none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements:<\/strong> Resume and statement of research interest; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Carlos Rinaldi, carlos.rinaldi@bme.ufl.edu<\/a>
Application Deadline:<\/strong> March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring term
Website:<\/strong>  http:\/\/www.bme.ufl.edu\/labs\/rinaldi\/<\/a>
Project Description:<\/strong> The Rinaldi lab has projects in the area of nanoparticle science and engineering. We aim to develop and scale-up methods of nanoparticle synthesis, apply state-of-the-art instrumentation to characterize nanoparticle properties, and explore novel applications of nanoparticles. Current projects focus on ferrite and ceramic particles with magnetic or electronic properties suitable for a wide range of applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title: <\/strong>Superhydrophobic Coatings
Department: <\/strong>Materials Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Wolfgang Sigmund, sigmund@ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> n\/a
Terms Available:<\/strong> Fall, Spring
Student Level:<\/strong> Senior; 1-2 students a term
Prerequisites:<\/strong>  Declared engineering major
Credit:<\/strong>  0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend:<\/strong> none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements:<\/strong> Resume, faculty interview; email one pdf file of application and resume to Wolfgang Sigmund, sigmund@ufl.edu<\/a> to request an interview
Application Deadline:<\/strong> March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring term
Website:<\/strong>  sigmund.mse.ufl.edu
Project Description(s):<\/strong> We fabricate and test superhydrophobic coatings and characterize them. Such coatings repel water and oil, reduce ice formation and have many more exciting properties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title #1: <\/strong>Flexible Solar Cells
Department: <\/strong>Materials Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Jiangeng Xue, jxue@mse.ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> TBD
Terms Available:<\/strong> Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level:<\/strong> Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior; 2 students a term
Prerequisites:<\/strong>  Declared engineering major; MSE major preferred
Credit:<\/strong>  0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend:<\/strong> none unless selected for University Scholars or selected as REM students (Fr.\/So.) in MSE dept.
Application Requirements:<\/strong> Basic online application, resume, UF unofficial transcripts, faculty interview; For Fr.\/So. applying for the REM program, see MSE academic office (108 RHN); otherwise contact Dr. Xue directly by emailing one pdf file with all application requirements to Jiangeng Xue, jxue@mse.ufl.edu<\/a>
Application Deadline:<\/strong> Nov. 15 for REM otherwise March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring Term
Website:<\/strong>  http:\/\/xue.mse.ufl.edu<\/a>
Project Description(s):<\/strong> Flexible solar cells based on organic electronic materials have the potential to drastically reduce the manufacturing and installation costs for solar cells, thus making solar electricity competitive against conventional fossil-fuel based electricity generation.  In this project, we will develop new organic semiconductors to improve the power conversion efficiency of the organic solar cells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title #2: <\/strong>Quantum Dots for Lighting and Displays
Department: <\/strong>Materials Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Jiangeng Xue, jxue@mse.ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> TBD
Terms Available:<\/strong> Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level:<\/strong> Junior, Senior; 1 Junior and 1 Senior per term
Prerequisites:<\/strong>  Declared MSE major
Credit:<\/strong>  0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend:<\/strong> none unless selected for University Scholars
Application Requirements:<\/strong> Basic online application, resume, UF unofficial transcripts, faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to Jiangeng Xue, jxue@mse.ufl.edu<\/a>
Application Deadline:<\/strong> March 1 for Summer and Fall terms; November 1 for Spring Term
Website:<\/strong>  http:\/\/xue.mse.ufl.edu<\/a>
Project Description(s):<\/strong> Colloidal quantum dots have unique size-dependent optical properties.  In this project, we are interested in developing tailored quantum dots to produce high-performance light-emitting devices (LEDs) for lighting and display applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title: <\/strong>Modeling the co-evolution of microstructure and properties
Department: <\/strong>Materials Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Michael Tonks, michael.tonks@ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> n\/a
Terms Available:<\/strong> Fall, Spring, Summer
Student Level:<\/strong> Junior or Senior; 1-4 students a term
Prerequisites:<\/strong> Declared engineering major and EMA 3010: Materials
Credit:<\/strong>  0-3 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend:<\/strong> None
Application Requirements:<\/strong> Resume, UF unofficial transcripts, letter(s) of recommendation, statement of research interest, and faculty interview; email one pdf file with all application requirements to schedule an interview with Michael Tonks, michael.tonks@ufl.edu<\/a>.
Application Deadline:<\/strong> Rolling until filled
Website:<\/strong>  n\/a
Project Description(s):<\/strong> The microstructure of materials in harsh environments evolve over time, causing their performance to degrade. We model the evolution and resultant degradation to make better predictions of the engineering-scale performance and to design optimal materials. Application Examples: Nuclear reactor fuel, Nuclear rocket fuel, Thermal tiles for atmospheric entry, Corrosion prevention, material fabrication, anti-fouling for ship beds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Project Title:<\/strong> Designing for fast Li-ion transport for battery materials
Department: <\/strong>Materials Science and Engineering
Faculty Mentor:<\/strong> Megan Butala; mbutala@ufl.edu<\/a>
Ph.D. Student Mentor(s):<\/strong> N\/A
Terms Available:<\/strong> Summer
Student Level:<\/strong>  Sophomore, Junior, or Senior; 2 Students
Prerequisites:<\/strong> Materials, Chemistry, or Chemical Engineering majors
Credit:<\/strong>  1 credits via EGN 4912
Stipend:<\/strong> Varies
Application Requirements:<\/strong> Resume, Letters of Recommendation, Statement of Research Interest, Faculty Interview; Email resume and description of experience and interest to Dr. Butala, mbutala@ufl.edu<\/a>
Application Deadline:<\/strong> Rolling
Website:<\/strong> N\/A
Project Description(s):<\/strong> A research student will support group efforts in making, characterizing, and testing new battery materials. This will involve solid state and chemical synthesis, using and analyzing X-ray diffraction data, and building and testing battery behavior.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Project Title: AI-Accelerated Design of Synthesis Routes for Metastable MaterialsDepartment: Materials Science and EngineeringFaculty Mentor: Richard Hennig, rhennig@ufl.eduPh.D. Student Mentor(s): TBDTerms Available: Fall, Spring, SummerStudent Level: Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior; about 2 students per term, prefer longer term commitmentPrerequisites:  Interest in computational work is required. Knowledge of linux and experience in a programming language such […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19875,"featured_media":0,"parent":1782,"menu_order":10,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-templates\/page-section-nav.php","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"featured_post":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-1940","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eng.ufl.edu\/graduate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1940","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eng.ufl.edu\/graduate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eng.ufl.edu\/graduate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eng.ufl.edu\/graduate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/19875"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eng.ufl.edu\/graduate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1940"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.eng.ufl.edu\/graduate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1940\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17667,"href":"https:\/\/www.eng.ufl.edu\/graduate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1940\/revisions\/17667"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.eng.ufl.edu\/graduate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1782"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.eng.ufl.edu\/graduate\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1940"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}