May 14, 2023
Since opening a year ago, the (MUMSEI) has had a lot of tangible successes.
New research teams have formed to study semiconductor design, water purification, next-generation computing and other topics critical for the advancement of society.
Highly sophisticated in-situ transmission electron microscope tools have been secured as part of a National Science Foundation MRI grant.
There鈥檚 even anecdotal evidence that new faculty hires have come to Mizzou, in part, because of the institute鈥檚 interdisciplinary opportunities.
But for institute co-directors Matt Maschmann and , MUMSEI鈥檚 greatest achievement is exemplifying Mizzou鈥檚 commitment to collaborative research.
鈥淭here鈥檚 a new paradigm at the University of Missouri, a whole new mindset around interdisciplinary collaboration,鈥 said Sewell, a Curators鈥 Distinguished Professor of Chemistry. 鈥淭he institute is really a reflection of that. The institute is a hub, a central place where people can get a better feel for the breadth and scope of work going on and see how their expertise fits into that larger picture.鈥
MUMSEI itself is a shared resource, a partnership between Mizzou 糖心Vlog传媒 and the College of Arts & Science. Affiliated faculty represent all aspects of engineering, as well as physics and astronomy, chemistry, geological sciences, medicine and anthropology.
鈥淲e鈥檙e bringing people together with complementary expertise so we can tackle tougher problems and have more impact,鈥 said Maschmann, associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering. 鈥淲e鈥檙e tackling problems we couldn鈥檛 have taken on otherwise because they require multi-pronged solutions that go beyond any one individual鈥檚 capacity.鈥
So far, MUMSEI has provided seed grants to six projects, including research on ice lithography and quantum materials that support faster, smarter computer systems. A project around solid-state lasers will help usher in better fiberoptics for improved telecommunications. Another grant is allowing an anthropologist to characterize dyes and pigments used in ancient tools to identify trade routes.
鈥淭hese are diverse projects,鈥 Sewell said. 鈥淏ut a common feature is they combine theory with simulation and experiment. When you have people who are experts in different areas, it takes time to learn to communicate with and understand one another. These seed grants provide the opportunity to really get down into the weeds and start discussing ideas and solutions.鈥
These smaller projects will also ensure that Mizzou researchers are ready when larger opportunities arise.
鈥淭his is helping develop new teams and strengthen existing research teams,鈥 Maschmann said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e joining people who haven鈥檛 worked together so they can go after larger, more diverse federal funding in the future. That鈥檚 happening in a measurable way.鈥
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