MIT Department of Materials Science and Engineering (DMSE)

In the summer issue of the DMSE newsletter Frontiers: Lorna Gibson’s new book, Birds Up Close; profiles of DMSE graduates Nik Sandu SB ’26 and Camille Cunin PhD ’26; Kavanaugh Fellows’ innovations; the 2026 Commencement Reception; and two DMSE staff members recognized with MIT honors. https://buff.ly/9a3immt

DMSE junior Emily Crespin Guerra is one of just six students selected for the Eloranta Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship. Crespin Guerra will develop a new method for creating synthetic collagen hydrogels used as platforms for growing cells in the lab. The research could advance tissue engineering and other biomedical applications. https://buff.ly/BMOkOgD

MIT ranked the world’s No. 1 university for the 15th year in a row. MIT also ranks first in 12 subject areas, including materials science and aeronautical, chemical, civil, and mechanical engineering.

QS ranks MIT the world's No. 1 university for 2026-27 - MIT Department of Materials Science and Engineering Home News QS ranks MIT the world’s No. 1 university for 2026-27 MIT News | June 17, 2026 QS ranks MIT the world’s No. 1 university for 2026-27 Ranking at the top for the 15th year in a row, the Institute also places first in 12 subject areas, including materials science. Share on Gretchen Ertl M...

DMSE graduate student Hao Nghi Luu has received a 2026 J-WAFS Travel Grant to attend World Water Week in Sweden for her work using engineered yeast strains to neutralize toxic elements in water supplies. The conference offers opportunities to deepen understanding of water systems and connect with professionals in the field.

J-WAFS awards Travel Grants to attend Stockholm World Water Week | Abdul Latif Jameel Water and Food Systems Lab (J-WAFS) Graduate students Hao Nghi Luu and Priyanka Salunkhe will attend the water sector conference in Sweden, where they have opportunities to deepen theirunderstanding of water systems.

“The focus of the paper is metallic alloys, which is the field I work in, but this could be adapted to other types of materials, like semiconductors,” says senior author Rodrigo Freitas about a Science Advances paper describing a machine-learning technique that can accurately predict the behavior of materials under a range of conditions.

“This is not specific to any one application — you could use this approach to create new sustainable steels, new materials for aerospace, and more.”

A better way to model the behavior of metal alloys - MIT Department of Materials Science and Engineering Home News A better way to model the behavior of metal alloys Zach Winn | MIT News | June 19, 2026 A better way to model the behavior of metal alloys DMSE researchers' approach captures subtle atomic patterns, improving predictions of material properties. Categories: Research Share on DMSE researcher...

The 2026 Kavanaugh Fellows are tackling challenges in optics, diagnostics, and infrared imaging.

John Zhang is developing a faster, lower-cost approach to manufacturing custom lenses. Maximiliano Jara Fornerod is working on a CRISPR-based strep test designed for at-home use. Xinyuan Zhang is advancing infrared detectors that can operate at room temperature without power-hungry cooling systems.

The yearlong fellowship helps MIT researchers turn promising discoveries into products and companies. https://buff.ly/hcOU7Le

The Class of 2026 arrived at a transitional moment, said Polina Anikeeva. “We were just warming up after the pandemic. Life on campus was becoming mostly normal, but it was still a time of change.” Yet students quickly adapted and thrived.

“Now I want you to take this knowledge, and your ability to work—ability to really put in some hours—and use your imagination and your energy to contribute.”

DMSE Class of 2026 spotlight.

Laura von Bosau, senior course assistant for 3.091 (Introduction to Solid-State Chemistry) in DMSE, received a 2026 MIT Excellence Award for Outstanding Contributor, one of the Institute’s highest honors for staff.

She was recognized for her dedication, compassion, and positive attitude in supporting one of MIT’s largest classes.

“Laura does a phenomenal job managing a class whose roster includes nearly one eighth of all MIT undergraduates while still finding time to make the experience fun for them,” said School of Science Dean Nergis Mavalvala.

Laura von Bosau receives MIT Excellence Award for Outstanding Contributor - MIT Department of Materials Science and Engineering Home News Laura von Bosau receives MIT Excellence Award for Outstanding Contributor Jason Sparapani | June 15, 2026 Laura von Bosau receives MIT Excellence Award for Outstanding Contributor The senior course assistant for 3.091 (Introduction to Solid-State Chemistry) was recognized for her dedicatio...

A closer look at the DMSE Class of 2026.