Georgia Southern University is opening the Center for Advanced Materials Science (GS-CAMS), a cutting-edge research hub dedicated to pioneering advancements in material science that will engage both undergraduate and graduate students. Located within the College of Science and Mathematics (COSM), the new center is poised to become a cornerstone of innovation and collaboration in the field.
The center will bring together faculty from biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics and engineering to provide interdisciplinary approaches to addressing the needs for progress in advanced materials research and innovation.
“Georgia Southern research is focused on making a significant impact,” said David Weindorf, Ph.D., vice president for research and economic development at Georgia Southern. “The establishment of this center positions us at the forefront of material science and its numerous applications. From developing advanced materials for sustainable energy solutions to innovating new technologies for health care and manufacturing, we are poised to drive progress and foster innovation across a wide range of industries.”
Further, the center sits in the Research Impact Area of Advanced Materials that supports Georgia Southern’s research excellence goals in its move to Carnegie Classification R1.
GS-CAMS will address pressing challenges in materials science. By focusing on interdisciplinary research, the center aims to develop new materials and technologies that will drive progress across various industries, including energy, environment, healthcare and electronics. Its mission is to foster an environment where scientific discoveries and practical applications converge, leading to groundbreaking innovations that enhance both industry standards and everyday life.
“We are thrilled to launch the Center for Advanced Materials Science, which will serve as a beacon of research excellence and innovation,” said Weihua “Marshall” Ming, Ph.D., director of the Center for Advanced Materials Science and COSM’s distinguished chair in materials science. “Our goal is to push the boundaries of material science and to develop technologies that can have a transformative impact on society. By bringing together experts from different fields, we can hopefully tackle complex, multidisciplinary problems and create materials that were previously thought impossible.”
The center is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and advanced instrumentation, allowing researchers to conduct high-level investigations into the properties and applications of various materials. Its strategic initiatives include the development of sustainable materials, nanotechnology, biomaterials, and smart materials, each with potential to revolutionize their respective fields.
Key features of the center include:
- Advanced Laboratories: Featuring modern technology for material synthesis, characterization, and testing.
- Collaborative Research Programs: Promoting interdisciplinary projects that bring together faculty, students, and industry partners.
- Educational Opportunities: Providing hands-on experience for students, preparing the next generation of material scientists and engineers.
- The center currently has ten faculty in its inaugural group with current research in areas of functional polymer materials, bio-based composites, energy storage materials, polymer recycling, magnetic materials, and novel glass materials.
In addition to fostering research, the center aims to build strong partnerships with industry leaders and governmental agencies. These collaborations will ensure that the research conducted at GS-CAMS not only meets high academic standards but also addresses real-world challenges, driving economic growth and technological advancement.
