In 1959 Dr. Fred Rhines left Carnegie Mellon University with a dream to come to the University of Florida and establish a program based on all areas of Materials Science and Engineering. This was a novel idea that was just being explored nationally. From these modest beginnings, the UF MSE Department has grown to be one of the largest programs in the country.

Did You Know?

• Bioglass®, the first man-made substance known to bond with living human bone and soft tissue, was invented by an MSE faculty member.
• More than 2 million intraocular lenses are implanted each year. An MSE faculty member created the surface modification process that makes successful implantation easier.
• Blue lasers will revolutionize optical data storage and telecommunications. The first room-temperature, optically pumped blue laser was developed by an MSE faculty member. The department has a nationally recognized program to develop semiconductors that lase in the blue region of the spectrum.
• MSE students are studying and participating in the development of the next generation of advanced materials for jet and automobile engines, computer chips, telecommunications, and medical implants.
• Using devices such as the Atomic Force Microscope, MSE scientists and engineers can actually see atoms, the basic building blocks of all matter. Through a process called Molecular Beam Epitaxy, department researchers and students are literally building devices atom by atom to precisely control the device functions.
• MSE faculty members have received nine Teacher of the Year Awards from the College of Engineering for excellence in teaching and advising students.
• MSE students have won the National TMS Student Chapter of Excellence Award for 25 consecutive years.