The Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) at the University of Chicago supports interactive research in four major groups covering a broad area of condensed matter and materials science. Researchers in the group concerned with surface dynamics seek to develop an improved molecular-level understanding of interfacial phenomena over a range from relatively simple atomic adsorbates to complex molecular systems. Investigators in the group focused on disordered materials attempt to elucidate the means by which macroscopic order can emerge from microscopic disorder. The group investigating mesoscale structure and response addresses a broad class of technologically important materials whose fundamental behavior is dominated by the physics and chemistry of constituents at the mesoscopic length scale. The group of researchers involved with the investigation of the macroscopic dynamics of materials combines experiment, theory and computer simulation to explore macroscopic motion within materials and moving phase boundaries. These problems bear on such critical and diverse technological issues as processing of powders, oil recovery, electrodeposition procedures, and oxidation of alloys. The MRSEC also supports the development, operation and maintenance of shared experimental facilities for materials research. It provides seed funding for exploratory research and fosters research participation by undergraduates. The MRSEC is associated with an educational outreach program with special emphasis on attracting and keeping women and underrepresented minorities in science. The MRSEC has an industrial visitors program and a newly formed industrial liaison committee. There is an active research collaboration with Argonne National Laboratory. The MRSEC currently involves 25 senior personnel, 10 postdoctoral research associates, 8 technical staff members, 21 graduate students, and 10 undergraduates. The Chicago MRSEC is directed by Professor Leo Kad anoff.
