WSU’s long history of excellence in materials research has had and continues to have broad impacts on state and regional industries. Our researchers are developing materials to address, particularly, the generation and efficient use of power and energy.
Research areas include composite materials for airplane manufacturing, new battery technologies, sustainable building materials, and crystal growth that is important for high tech solar and semi-conductors manufacturers.
Industry in the Northwest is heavily reliant on the materials research that comes out of WSU, and our work directly impacts the economy.
Did You Know
More than 40 percent of the $1 billion wood-plastic industry in North America uses material formulations developed at WSU.
WSU’s Composite Materials & Engineering Center has more than 30 patents on inventions in areas such as nondestructive evaluation of wood materials, wood plastic composites, and composite materials processing.
The Institute for Materials Research is a leader in the growth and characterization of crystals that are used for civil and military laser applications.
Affiliated Centers, Institutes and Labs
Institute for Materials Research
The Institute for Materials Research (IMR) conducts interdisciplinary research in areas including atomic calculations, ceramic processing and characterization, environmental degradation, time resolved X-Ray analysis and super plasticity. Learn more.
Composite Materials & Engineering Center
The Composite Materials & Engineering Center (CMEC) develops new building materials from a range of recycled and virgin resources. They also develop innovative structural systems to effectively use new materials while maintaining economic viability and public safety. Learn more.
W.M. Keck Biomedical Materials Research Lab
The W.M. Keck Biomedical Materials Research Lab’s bioengineering research is focused in two broad areas – materials and structures for implants and drug delivery, and micromachined ultrasonic transducers in biomedical imaging and therapeutics. Learn more.
Degree Programs
- B.S. and M.S. Degree in Materials Science and Engineering
- Ph.D. Degree in Materials Science and Engineering Program
» Complete list of Voiland College undergraduate majors.
Conducting Research in Advanced Materials
- Nanomaterials
- Lightweight Metallic and Polymeric Structural Materials
- Functional Materials (Optical, Electrical, Magnetic)
- Bio-materials
- Materials Processing and Manufacturing
- Materials for Energy Storage and Conversion