News - Department of Materials Science & Engineering

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An interim no more: Michael Tonks takes a seat as MSE’s new chair

Tuesday May 19, 2026

After a national search, Michael Tonks, Ph.D., will shed his “interim” title to become the next chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, known as MSE, and home to the Nuclear Engineering Program. Prior to serving as interim chair in August of 2024, he served for two years as the associate department chair. He has been […]

2026 Spring Newsletter

Friday May 8, 2026

Welcome to the digital newsletter from the University of Florida Department of Materials Science & Engineering and Nuclear Engineering Program. Each semester, you will receive an email highlighting department updates and successes. We are excited to connect with you.

How space-based sensors can detect nuclear activity

Thursday April 30, 2026

Researchers at the University of Florida are developing advanced technologies to detect nuclear activity from space.

Spring 2026 message from the chair

Friday April 24, 2026

Dear MSE/NE friends, faculty, alumni and students, As we finish another successful semester, now is a great time to celebrate the people, projects and momentum that make both departments — Materials Science & Engineering and Nuclear Engineering — so remarkable. The stories in this newsletter reflect innovative work with direct human impacts, as well as the […]

Nuclear engineering doctoral student named Rickover Fellow

Thursday April 23, 2026

Nuclear engineering doctoral student Rachel Rigsby recently became a fellow of the Rickover Fellowship Program in Nuclear Engineering, a program sponsored by the Naval Reactors Division of the U.S. Department of Energy.

Back-to-back: UF Materials Bowl team snags another championship

Friday April 3, 2026

The University of Florida’s Materials Science and Engineering students claimed back-to-back victories at the 2026 TMS Materials Bowl, showcasing their expertise in materials science and the strength of their teamwork in a high-speed, trivia-style competition.

Nuclear engineering alum named to UF’s 40 Under 40 list

Thursday April 2, 2026

Jacob DeWitte, a UF nuclear engineering alum and CEO of Oklo Inc., was named to the 40 Under 40 list for his work developing innovative, small-scale nuclear reactors for clean, reliable energy.

MSE alumnus, tech executive Jason Gibson makes Forbes 30 Under 30 list

Thursday April 2, 2026

When Jason Gibson received his doctorate from the University of Florida’s Department of Materials Science & Engineering, or MSE, in 2024, it was the culmination of years of work at the intersection of superconductors and artificial intelligence. Perhaps it’s no surprise that he went on to co-found Quantum Formatics, a company focused on using AI to build reliable and manufacturable superconductors. His colleagues […]

UF materials science professor earns National Early Career Award from TMS

Tuesday March 31, 2026

Ravit Silverstein, assistant professor of materials science and engineering at the University of Florida, received a national early career award from The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society. Her research focuses on designing stronger, more resilient materials for extreme environments using atomic-scale engineering and advanced microscopy techniques.

UF researchers using machine learning to pursue fusion power

Tuesday March 3, 2026

University of Florida researchers are using machine learning on the HiPerGator supercomputer to tame the extreme plasma inside tokamaks. Their work aims to make fusion energy—a carbon-free, sun-powered source—safer and more attainable.