1 Title	University of Maryland Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC)
2 Website	http://mrsec.umd.edu/
3 Description	Excellent K12 chemistry activities in “Chemistry Now” and “Seeing is Believing” links The Maryland MRSEC carries out nationally recognized fundamental research on surfaces and interfaces of materials with potential impact on the next generation of opto- and nano-electronic devices, and on complex oxides with potential applications in memory, switches and sensors. The research is closely integrated with a continuing educational outreach program that has a direct impact on the education of a diverse population of K – 12 students and teachers. Two specific research thrusts are supported as interdisciplinary research groups (IRGs) in the center, as well as additional “Seed programs” in which young faculty develop new and exciting research directions. IRG 1   Low-Dimensional Interfaces - The goal of this research program is to understand and exploit the special statistical and low-dimensional characteristics of junctions between ultra-thin films of electro-optic and nano-electronic materials to create novel device properties. IRG 2   IRG 2 Multifunctional Magnetic Oxides - This IRG uses state of the art growth techniques, a comprehensive range of characterization tools and advanced theoretical analysis to understand the fundamental processes in multiferroic magnetic oxides, and develops and tests device concepts for their exploitation. .
4 Comments	Nuggets http://mrsec.umd.edu/Nuggets/ Chemistry Now Bulletins http://www.chem.umd.edu/chemnow/index.html Seeing is Believing http://www.chem.umd.edu/sib/index.html
5 Date	1/5/06
6 Reviewer	John M. Rusin