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Latest department stories
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Back-to-back: UF Materials Bowl team snags another championship
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.
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Nuclear engineering alum named to UF’s 40 Under 40 list
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.
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MSE alumnus, tech executive Jason Gibson makes Forbes 30 Under 30 list
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…
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UF materials science professor earns National Early Career Award from TMS
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.
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UF researchers using machine learning to pursue fusion power
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.
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Three UF nuclear engineering Ph.D. students earn international fellowship
Enrique Medici and Hannah Patz were selected for the highly competitive Training in Radiological and International Nuclear Security (TRAINS) Fellowship, a program connecting top graduate students with leading institutions and national laboratories in the United States and Europe to advance nuclear security and nonproliferation efforts.
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Red, white, orange and blue
When gold medalist Erin Jackson laces up her skates and puts on her game face for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, her stateside cheering squad will include many rowdy reptiles.
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Meet UF’s Nicholas Rudawski: YouTube star in electron microscopy education
UF engineer and electron microscopy expert Nicholas Rudawski uses YouTube to help others learn to operate electron microscopes and understand electron microscopy concepts and fundamentals.
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MSE mourns passing of beloved materials science professor and department co-founder
Long-time, beloved University of Florida engineering professor Robert Thomas Dehoff, Ph.D., died on Jan. 7, 2026 in Gainesville.
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UF engineering colleagues remember beloved MSE distinguished professor emeritus Stephen J. Pearton
The Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering is mourning the loss of Stephen J. Pearton, Ph.D., a distinguished professor emeritus in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE), who died on Dec. 7.
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High school students power the future at UF’s AI Design Showcase
UF welcomed finalists from the Powering the Community AI Design contest, where high school teams presented AI-driven smart grid strategies to Duke Energy engineers. The showcase marks the program’s continued growth in inspiring the next generation of Florida’s energy innovators.
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Calm under pressure: how a UF engineer found purpose ‘Below Deck’
For Hugo Ortega, a UF engineering-alumnus-turned-yacht-captain and reality star, being on Below Deck is a real-time test of the systems thinking and problem-solving skills he learned as a materials science major.
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From Gainesville to the global stage: meet UF rising star Allison Probert
In a field often defined by precision and data, Allison Probert found her most meaningful discovery outside the lab.
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UF nuclear engineering professor named to 2025 ANS ‘40 Under 40’
University of Florida Associate Professor Kyle C. Hartig, Ph.D., has been named to the American Nuclear Society’s (ANS) Nuclear News 40 Under 40 list. This recognition celebrates innovative young professionals advancing the field of nuclear science and engineering.
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UF students excel in materials competition, earn national awards and scholarships
The University of Florida’s Ceramic Mug Drop (CMD) design team made history in September by setting a new university UF record for the highest drop at the Materials Science & Technology Technical Meeting and Exhibition in Columbus, Ohio.