Materials Science and Engineering focuses on the discovery of new materials, the tailoring of materials systems for optimum performance in a given technological application, and the design of novel materials solutions for emerging technologies. MSE is an interdisciplinary field incorporating elements of chemistry, physics, biology and/or engineering to derive and control the connections between structure (at length scales ranging from sub-atomic to macroscale), the processing necessary to achieve that structure, the fundamental properties (electrical, optical, thermal, mechanical, etc.), and the performance. These correlations are investigated using advanced materials characterization techniques and theoretical/computational analysis. Many of the most pressing scientific and technological challenges faced by humanity are constrained by the limits of currently available materials. The discovery, design and development of enabling materials is at the core of solving current and future scientific and engineering grand challenges, and benefit industries involved in electronics, advanced sensors, communications, human health, transportation, manufacturing recreation, energy conversion and storage, and environmental sustainability.<br><br>Nanomaterials display unique mechanical, optical and electrical properties, which makes them attractive in multiple applications including biosensing, energy generation and storage, diagnostics, and structural applications. UCI MSE faculty research synthesis, characterization and applications of nanoscale and functional materials. Specific research areas: Biosensing, Nanocatalysts, Self-assembly of nanoparticles, Synthesis and characterization of 3D graphene porous structures, Nanostructured metals, Novel battery materials, Photovoltaics