MIT Department of Materials Science and Engineering (DMSE)

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.

A new paper by DMSE postdocs Michael Xu and Menglin Zhu showcases how a combination of electron ptychography and simulations can be used to probe the 3D structure of complex, disordered materials.

“This study is the first time in the electron microscope that we’ve been able to directly connect the three-dimensional polar structure of relaxor ferroelectrics with molecular dynamics calculations,” Xu says.

The hidden structure behind a widely used class of materials - MIT Department of Materials Science and Engineering Home News The hidden structure behind a widely used class of materials Zach Winn | MIT News | April 30, 2026 The hidden structure behind a widely used class of materials Relaxor ferroelectrics have been used in electronics and sensors for decades, but the source of their unique properties was a myst...

Professor Polina Anikeeva is helping develop new sensor technologies that could transform pregnancy monitoring.

As part of an interdisciplinary MIT team supported by an MIT HEALS grant, Anikeeva is developing wearable and implantable sensors to track fetal movement, uterine contractions, and placental health. The work aims to provide new insights into pregnancy and support earlier detection of complications.

New ideas for preventing complications during pregnancy - MIT Department of Materials Science and Engineering Home News New ideas for preventing complications during pregnancy Steve Nadis | MIT Spectrum | June 1, 2026 New ideas for preventing complications during pregnancy MIT HEALS grant supports research of uterus physiology, seeking to better predict risks faced by pregnant women. Categories: Faculty, Re...

Spotlighting DMSE Class of 2026 graduates.

Prof. Yet-Ming Chiang has been named a 2026 Tech Power Player by Boston Globe Media—his fourth time on the list. The recognition reflects the innovation, leadership, and impact he continues to drive through Form Energy, 24M Technologies, Sublime Systems, and other startups he has helped build. https://buff.ly/ldDMSGh

Yet-Ming Chiang named a Tech Power Player for the fourth time - MIT Department of Materials Science and Engineering Home News Yet-Ming Chiang named a Tech Power Player for the fourth time June 9, 2026 Yet-Ming Chiang named a Tech Power Player for the fourth time The Boston Globe list recognizes leaders shaping the future of technology and business across New England. Categories: In the Media Share on Yet-Ming Chi...

Breakerspace Image Contest Runner-up: Best Optical Microscope Image

Graciela Rodriguez’s image of the nib of an Esterbrook J Series fountain pen, produced between 1948 and 1957. The nib slit shows erosion from more than 65 years of exposure to ink and air. Despite the wear, the pen still writes beautifully. View all winners and runners-up: https://buff.ly/i7IYbNZ

Graduation spotlight: DMSE Class of 2026.

DMSE researchers have developed a low-temperature, recyclable method for extracting lithium from hard rock, a material currently concentrated in only a few countries.

Rethinking how lithium is extracted from hard rock - MIT Department of Materials Science and Engineering Home News Rethinking how lithium is extracted from hard rock June 5, 2026 Rethinking how lithium is extracted from hard rock Singularity Hub examines work from MIT DMSE researchers on a low-temperature, recyclable chemical approach to extracting lithium from hard rock, a material currently produced....