IMS Research Focus Areas

Nanobiology & Nanomedicine

Designing materials inspired by life.
IMS researchers develop materials that interface with and are inspired by living systems. Projects include stimuli-responsive biomaterials, scaffolds for tissue engineering, drug delivery systems, and biosensors for disease detection. Collaborations with Vanderbilt University Medical Center provide direct pathways from discovery to clinical application, fueling innovations in cancer, immunology, regenerative medicine, and neuroscience.

Theory, Modeling, and Simulation

From atoms to devices, powered by computation.
IMS scientists use advanced simulations to understand and predict material behavior at multiple scales. Research spans thermoelectric materials, quantum dots, lipid bilayers, bio-fuels, and radiation effects on electronics. By linking atomic-level physics with device performance, Vanderbilt researchers accelerate experimental progress and improve the reliability of materials in demanding environments such as space.

Optics

Harnessing light to power discovery.
The optics group explores how light interacts with matter at the nano- and atomic-scales, developing materials and devices for sensing, energy conversion, and photonic technologies. Areas of focus include ultrafast spectroscopy, metamaterials, 2D materials, and on-chip silicon photonics. Students gain hands-on experience with VINSE facilities and Oak Ridge National Laboratory resources while working in highly collaborative, cross-disciplinary teams.

Semiconductors

Driving the technology of tomorrow.
Vanderbilt researchers are pioneering advances in nanostructures, thin films, and radiation-hardened devices. Work includes designing materials for more efficient light harvesting, probing carrier and phonon interactions with ultrafast techniques, and studying the role of defects at the nanoscale. Applications extend to solar-to-fuel systems, advanced lighting, graphene-based electronics, and reliable microelectronics for extreme environments.

Energy

Energy

Innovating for a sustainable future.
IMS addresses global energy challenges through both fundamental and applied research. Faculty and students investigate solar energy conversion, fuel cells, batteries, and energy-efficient devices. Current projects range from biohybrid solar cells and nanocrystal-sensitized photovoltaics to graphene electrodes, white-light nanocrystals, and waste-heat harvesting. The ultimate goal is to advance sustainable energy solutions that can meet growing worldwide demand.

Materials for Robotics

Smart materials for smarter machines.
Advancing robotics requires materials that combine strength, flexibility, and responsiveness. IMS researchers are developing novel materials for actuation, sensing, and structural design, including elastomers, polymers, super-elastic alloys, metamaterials, and magnetic materials. These innovations enable smarter, more adaptive robotic systems for applications ranging from healthcare to manufacturing.

Materials Research

Building the foundation for innovation.
IMS faculty investigate structure–property–processing relationships across metals, ceramics, polymers, composites, and 2D materials. Highlights include van der Waals materials, fluorescent nanocrystals, membranes for clean water, and ultrafast probing of dynamic processes. Partnerships with Oak Ridge National Laboratory provide access to supercomputers, advanced electron microscopy, and national-scale collaborations, giving students unique opportunities to work at the forefront of materials science.

Ready to take the next step?

The Interdisciplinary Materials Science (IMS) Ph.D. program at Vanderbilt is looking for curious, collaborative, and driven students who are eager to push the boundaries of materials research.