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Renato S. Navarro, Ph.D.

Welcoming the newest members of our faculty – Spring 2025

July 16, 2025

The Department of Materials Science & Engineering is thrilled to welcome three new faculty members: Renato S. Navarro, Ph.D., Ravit Silverstein, Ph.D., and Yijia Gu, Ph.D. They have joined the department as assistant professors in Spring 2025. These new hires bring exceptional expertise and diverse experiences, which will enhance the department’s research and educational mission. […]

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Michael Tonks, Ph.D.

Fall 2024 Message from the Chair

December 10, 2024

Dear colleagues, alums, supporters and friends,      As the fall semester concludes, this newsletter offers a chance to highlight some of the remarkable accomplishments across our department. From our faculty’s innovative research to our students’ dedication and our alumni’s ongoing success, it’s clear that our community shows no signs of hibernating for the winter. I […]

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2024 Consortium for Nuclear Forensics Workshop slide

Consortium for Nuclear Forensics Hosts Inaugural Workshop at UF 

December 9, 2024

The Consortium for Nuclear Forensics (CNF) recently held its first workshop, bringing together more than 100 attendees via livestream and in-person. The two-day event saw participants from 16 universities, seven national laboratories, and multiple government agencies and international collaborators, including the United Kingdom’s Atomic Weapons Establishment.  The workshop’s dynamic agenda featured presentations, networking opportunities, and […]

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Assel Aitkaliyeva, Ph.D.

Rising to the Top: Aitkaliyeva Among ANS’s 40 Under 40 Leaders

December 9, 2024

Assel Aitkaliyeva, Ph.D., has been named to the American Nuclear Society’s (ANS) inaugural NuclearNews 40 Under 40 list. This recognition celebrates her as one of the most innovative young professionals advancing the field of nuclear science and engineering.   The NuclearNews 40 Under 40 list highlights leaders who are driving innovation in nuclear energy and shaping […]

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UF Department of Materials Science & Engineering - News from the Front Office

New Leadership, Proven Expertise 

December 9, 2024

University of Florida’s Department of Materials Science & Engineering welcomes Michael Tonks and Josephine Allen to key leadership roles.  We are pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Tonks, Ph.D., as the interim chair of the Department of Materials Science & Engineering (MSE) at UF. Tonks joined the MSE faculty in 2017 and has been […]

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Nancy Ruzycki, Ph.D.

UF and SREB Create Groundbreaking AI Pathway for South Carolina Students

December 5, 2024

University of Florida Partners with Southern Regional Education Board to Develop High School Artificial Intelligence Pathway Curriculum in South Carolina  The University of Florida (UF) is proud to announce its partnership with the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) to develop a comprehensive four-course Artificial Intelligence (AI) curriculum for high school students in South Carolina. This […]

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Ira Harkness, Ph.D.

Shaping the Future of Nuclear Energy

November 7, 2024

As the world shifts towards sustainable energy solutions, the University of Florida Training Reactor is emerging as a cornerstone for nuclear education, research, and outreach.

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Brooke Lastinger

Beyond the Classroom: Geothermal Adventures in Iceland

October 7, 2024

Brooke Lastinger’s academic journey is a testament to the power of exploring new frontiers. An undergraduate student in the Department of Materials Science & Engineering (MSE), Lastinger found her path through a combination of mentorship, research opportunities and following her passion. Her decision on a major was inspired by advice from two sources: her high […]

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