Building Capability in Materials Research
PREM Student Melody Fernandez Explores Nanocrystal Research at the University of Washington
PREM student Melody Fernandez spent the summer conducting research at the University of Washington in the laboratory of chemistry professor Brandi Cossairt, under the mentorship of Ezra Bacon-Gershman. Her work focused on synthesizing nanocrystalline materials with unique spin and magnetic properties.
PREM Community Builds Connections at the 2026 MRS Spring Meeting
By Victoria Padilla, PREM PI, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
PREM students, faculty, and PIs came together at the 2026 MRS Spring Meeting in Honolulu to share research, strengthen connections, and explore new opportunities for collaboration across the network. Those conversations are now helping shape an expanded PREM student presence at the MRS Fall Meeting in Boston.
Navajo Technical University Student Develops Sensors to Detect Heavy Metals in Water
Wayant Billey, a Navajo student at Navajo Technical University, knows firsthand how important water quality is for families who haul water for drinking, livestock and crops. His research uses small, low-cost laser-induced graphene sensors to detect heavy metals in water — work that could help communities better understand local contamination risks while inspiring the next generation of STEM students.
UPR and PENN celebrate their 20th PREM Joint Annual Meeting
On December 12, 2025, the UPR-PENN PREM celebrated its 20th Joint Annual Meeting. Since its start in 2004, the program has brought together faculty, students, and members of the External Advisory Board every fall in Puerto Rico to share research and education achievements and plan future initiatives.
New Water Sensor Detects Toxic Iron Pollution with Extreme Sensitivity
PREM Web Team
A team of researchers from the U.S. and India has developed a powerful new sensor that can identify dangerous levels of iron in water faster, cheaper, and with far greater accuracy than existing methods. The project was led by Fei Yan, professor at North Carolina Central University (NCCU). Yan is also part of the NSF PREM for Hybrid Nanoscale Systems.