Jayasimha Atulasimha, Ph.D.

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The M³: Magnetism, Magnetic Materials and Magnetic Devices Laboratory focuses research on complementary experimental and modeling work in the areas of nanomagnetism and spintronics. Key research thrusts include voltage control of nanoscale magnetism; and applying the unique properties of such nanomagnetic and spintronic devices to the area of neuromorphic computing hardware.

Radhika Barua, Ph.D.

The Advanced Materials Processing (AMP) Laboratory’s main focus is to identify and exploit fundamental connections between crystal structure, microstructure and functional response in select magnetic alloys and oxides, with the goal to enable advanced applications in the power, energy and biomedical sector. Current projects are focused on developing magnetic nanoparticle systems for theranostic biomedical platforms and rare-earth-free magnetocaloric materials systems for solid state cooling and energy harvesting applications.

Enabling functional magnetic materials for applications in the energy and biomedical sector.

Carlos E. Castano, Ph.D.
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The Surface and Coatings Engineering Laboratory focuses on tailoring the surface properties of materials by physical and chemical methods for engineering applications in energy, transportation and manufacturing. The research areas are organized around four main fields which include Nanotechnology, Surface Science, Functional Coatings, and Materials under Extreme Environments (Irradiation, Plasmas and High Temperatures).

Ravi L. Hadimani, Ph.D.
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The Biomagnetics Laboratory conducts the latest research on the applications of magnetic materials and devices in biomedical engineering. Biomagnetism is our main focus and carries tremendous scope in solving various problems relating to human health, especially in neurological interventions. We also work on magnetocaloric magnetic materials and devices that have the potential to increase the energy efficiency of refrigeration systems.

Reza Mohammadi, Ph.D.
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The Advanced Functional Materials Laboratory focuses on developing superhard, superhydrophobic and nano-absorbent materials. Metallic superhard materials are extremely hard making them suitable for cutting tools, forming dies and aerospace components. Superhydrophobic materials research is key in making robust and transparent nonwettable coatings for practical applications such as satellite dishes, eyeglasses and window panes. Nano-absorbent materials, designed and fabricated from nano-composites using surface engineering, are used to detect and then remove heavy ions from aqueous media.

Karla Mossi, Ph.D.
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The Smart Materials Laboratory conducts research in the field of Smart Materials and Structures. SML is involved in the design, construction, and characterization of composites for applications in energy energy harvesting, flow control, and integrated sensing and actuation.

Gary Tepper, Ph.D.

The Functional Materials and Devices Laboratory is focused on the development and characterization of new materials and devices such as polymer nanofibers for filtration, tissue engineering and non-wetting surfaces, organic-inorganic crystalline films for photovoltaic applications, and nanoporous materials for chemical and radiological sensing.

Weining Wang, Ph.D.
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The Wang Laboratory works on a wide range of topics in nanoscience and nanotechnology with a focus on nanomanufacturing and heterogeneous catalysis, towards addressing critical challenges in the sectors of energy, environment and human health. Specifically, their research aims at solving fundamental issues in both areas, including nucleation, crystal growth, self-assembly in materials synthesis, and charge, heat, and mass transfers in catalysis.

Summary of Dr. Wang’s Research Projects at VCU.

Hong Zhao, Ph.D.

The Micro/nano Transport and Printed Devices Laboratory is focused primarily on micro-/nano-engineered surfaces and interfaces, thermal and fluid science, transport and self-assembly of colloidal nanoparticles, combined with scalable micro/nano manufacturing. More specifically, our research centers around three main thrusts: inkjet printing and electrohydrodynamic printing, material interactions and directed self-assembly of functional materials; Printing of stretchable electronics, soft actuators and robotics; and Micro/nano engineered surfaces and interfaces for various applications.