UW-Madison Department of Materials Science and Engineering

05/12/2026

Before our newest grads walked across the stage, we asked if they had any advice they’d like to give to the next generation of badgers.

05/10/2026

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! 🎓

05/07/2026

04/30/2026

Join us in celebrating Harvey D. Spangler Professor Dane Morgan for receiving the Byron Bird Award for Excellence in a Research Publication!

Published in 2011 in the journal Energy & Environmental Science, Morgan’s work transforms how researchers design and understand these catalysts—replacing slow, costly trial and error methods with fast, accurate computational screening. With more than 650 citations and real‑world technological impact, this work continues to inspire.

Read the full article here:

On April 29, 2026, Grainger Dean Devesh Ranjan hosted a celebration at which he recognized engineering faculty and staff for outstanding daily work that shapes the heart of our college....

04/09/2026

Way to go, Leo! 🎉

McNair Scholar and materials science and engineering student Leo Liu represented UW-Madison this spring at Research at the Rotunda, a statewide showcase held at the Wisconsin State Capitol. Selected as one of six UW-Madison undergraduate students to present, Liu shared his undergraduate research with policymakers, university leaders and members of the public from across Wisconsin.

His poster, “Building the Next Generation of Recyclable Plastics: Covalent Adaptable Networks,” highlighted research on vitrimers conducted in Professor Padma Gopalan’s lab. Presenting at the Capitol gave Liu the chance to practice communicating complex scientific ideas in accessible ways and to explain why continued support for research matters.

Beyond the presentation, Research at the Rotunda provided opportunities to connect with faculty, students and supporters from across the Universities of Wisconsin, including members of the McNair community who came to support him. As he prepares for graduate school, Liu reflects on the strong sense of community within the materials science and engineering department and encourages students interested in the field to "go for it!"

Read the full story here: https://engineering.wisc.edu/blog/senior-spotlight-leo-liu/

04/01/2026

Thomas and Suzanne Werner Professor Xudong Wang will succeed Harvey D. Spangler Professor Izabela Szlufarska as chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, beginning July 1. After earning...

03/27/2026

Quantum technology is all about taking advantage of the powerful, and sometimes inexplicable, quantum properties of particles to enhance the precision, speed and security of applications like sensing, computing and communications. To do this, researchers...

03/12/2026

From partnering with food pantries to get science activities to families to using improv workshops as a way to help UW grad students improve their communication skills, UW MRSEC's Annelynn Gillian-Daniel is making a difference!

Her outside-the-box thinking is making science fun, exciting and accessible. We are thrilled to see her recognized with the Shakhashiri Public Science Engagement Award.

We couldn't fit all of her inspiring projects in one caption, so check out our blog to read more!

https://engineering.wisc.edu/blog/gillian-daniel-receives-shakhashiri-public-science-engagement-award/

03/04/2026

For generations of badgers, the Materials Science and Engineering Building has been a place of discovery, long hours in the lab, and moments that shaped careers. We’re proud to see it recognized on this list of architectural treasures at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

UW–Madison has a wealth of nationally recognized historic places.

02/23/2026

Drawing on their leadership in materials simulation and design, advanced microscopy and materials fabrication, University of Wisconsin-Madison engineers have developed a method for tuning the radiation resistance of high-entropy carbides. This new class of advanced...

02/11/2026

Badgers came dressed for success at the engineering career fair!

This two-day event created meaningful opportunities for our students to connect with leading employers, explore their interests and take exciting steps toward their futures.