Materials for Extreme Environments:
Boise State’s research on materials for extreme environments is led by Professors Darryl Butt, Megan Frary, and Rick Ubic and involves collaborations through the Center for Advanced Energy Studies. The work focuses on processing and characterization of metals, ceramics, and composites for applications in extreme environments where high temperatures, corrosive gases and/or radiation damage are expected.
DNA Nanotechnology
Boise State’s research on DNA nanotechnology is a collaborative effort between Professors Will Hughes, Bernie Yurke, Wan Kuang, Elton Graugnard, Jeunghoon Lee, Bill Knowlton and a team of students. The work is focused on both DNA origami and DNA catalytic networks and is funded by both DARPA and NSF.
Electronic Materials
Boise State’s research on electronic materials involves faculty such as Professors Bill Knowlton, Rick Ubic, Maria Mitkova, Kris Campbell, Alex Punnoose, and Dmitri Tenne. Collaborations include faculty members from Penn State, Oregon State, and University of Maryland. Examples of electronic materials research are high dielectric constant multilayer metal oxide semiconductor devices and nonvolatile memory materials.
Shape Memory Alloys
Boise State’s research on ferromagnetic shape memory alloys is led by Professor Peter Müllner and involves collaborations with Northwestern University and other international partners. The work focuses on understanding the microstructure of these materials and their mechanical response.
Ceramic Micro-Electromechanical Systems
Boise State’s research on ceramic microelectronic devices is led by Professor Amy Moll in collaboration with Professor Don Plumlee. The work focuses on microsystems fabricated in low temperature co-fired ceramics. Current projects include micropropulsion and energy scavenging devices.
Functional Ceramics
The Functional Ceramics Group is led by Professor Rick Ubic and includes collaborators from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the University of Shanghai, INL, and the Indian Institute of Interdisciplinary Sciences and Technology. The team is focused on structural characterization and structure-property relationships in dielectrics, ferroelectrics, ionic conductors, and graphite for applications in electronics and energy production.