What is our logo?
Our MRSEC logo shows the arrangement of atoms at the surface of a crystal. Crystals are made up of layers, or "planes" of atoms, perfectly stacked in an ordered pattern. Because this surface has been cut at a slight angle to the crystal planes, it appears "stepped" (we call this type of surface a vicinal surface). Modern scanned-probe microscopes, such as the STM, allow us to see the atoms at the surface of a crystal, producing images very similar to this one.

University of Maryland

Materials Research Science and Engineering Center

Community Outreach

Laboratory Tours

The UMD-MRSEC is an exciting research center composed of multidisciplinary research and shared experimental facilities. See Facilities for a list of laboratories. These facilities provide a unique opportunity for undergraduate and high school students to see research in action and to meet some of the researchers who are shaping the world of materials science. Currently, MRSEC conducts lab tours as part of their established education outreach programs; however, tours can be arranged for new schools.

MRSEC invites students to visit research labs and to discuss current research projects with research faculty and graduate students. MRSEC encourages community college students, undergraduates, and high school students in chemistry, physics, and engineering to experience one or all of these exciting and educational tours.

Laboratory tours must be arranged a minimum of one month in advance and groups cannot exceed 20 students. For more information about the tours, including background information and related activities, send inquiries to mrsec@umd.edu.