University At Buffalo

The Department of Materials Design and Innovation (MDI) provides students with a data intensive perspective of materials science and engineering including the study of materials theory, characterization, synthesis, processing, and data science and simulation techniques. Topics in materials science are integrated with a strong program in the use of advanced information science tools including but not limited to topics such as data mining, machine learning, statistics and scientific visualization. In this manner, students learn core concepts of classical materials science education as well as acquire a foundation in informatics, integrating experimental and computational methods in materials science and materials engineering. Students will be exposed to an innovative program in which data intensive research support the translation of fundamental materials science and engineering into the fields of materials discovery, manufacturing, and engineering systems. The interdisciplinary training for students will prepare students for a wide array of professional opportunities including careers in research, teaching, business entrepreneurship and public policy.

The curriculum is designed to meet several program educational objectives. We expect our graduates to achieve the following skills and capabilities within a short time after graduation:

• Demonstrate professional competence, broadly defined, by assuming a role of increasing importance within an organization or business, or making progress towards an advanced degree.
• Apply scientific and engineering principles to solve technical problems, using a wide range of skills including experimental and informatics techniques.
• Be able to express oneself in writing and orally.
• Interact well with a broad range of people, especially on teams. Relate well with superiors, peers, and subordinates.