Materials Science and Engineering

The Department of Materials Science and Engineering at UC Irvine is a dynamic hub where chemistry, physics, biology, math and engineering intersect. Our mission is to pioneer cutting-edge materials solutions that propel technological advancements in energy, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, computing, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. Committed to student success, we offer an ABET-accredited B.S., a minor, a doctoral program and two master's degrees.

With a diverse student body of 113 undergraduates and 83 graduates, our inclusive environment fosters learning and innovation. Our esteemed faculty, comprising 15 full-time and 20 affiliated members, has earned world-wide recognition and accoladed, allowing us to pursue a highly visible interdisciplinary research agenda. Boasting 12 world-class research centers and a $7.0M research expenditure in 2020-21, we push the boundaries of materials science. Upholding values of inclusivity and respect, we strive to create an environment that embraces diverse perspectives and cultures, promoting accessibility, equality, and a welcoming space for all.

Fundraising plays a vital role in advancing the mission of MSE@UCI and extending benefits beyond academia to the broader community. Donations support groundbreaking research and education, by funding research institutes, helping us attract top faculty, and providing scholarships for PhD students pursuing technological advancements that address community needs. For example, our focus on energy systems contributes to sustainable solutions, benefiting the environment, and healthcare-related material advancements positively impact community well-being. 

 
This Giving Day, we are raising funds to revamp our teaching laboratories. While our research infrastructure is among the best in the world, our teaching instrumentation is behind. Our ultimate educational goal is to offer undergraduate and graduate programs that are heavily centered around the concept of experiential learning. To create a pipeline of diverse and exceptionally skilled professionals for the California and national workforce, it is paramount that our students be trained on state-of-the-art equipment. Unfortunately, funds for teaching laboratories are difficult to come by. Your Giving Day gift will greatly support our educational programs and make a material difference in the experience of our students.

See what people are sharing about UC Irvine Giving Day 2025!
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Early Bird Challenge
Event
Early Bird Challenge
Thanks to a generous gift from UC Irvine Foundation trustees Gary and Melanie Singer, donors will be chosen at random to unlock an additional $500 for the school, program or cause supported during the Giving Day Early Access Period (ends 11:59pm on April 21)!
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Engineering 120 Gifts for $100,000 Challenge
$25,000
Engineering 120 Gifts for $100,000 Challenge
Thanks to a generous commitment from an anonymous donor, every 30 gifts made to any Samueli School of Engineering initiative on Giving Day will unlock $25,000 in support for the school. Help us reach 120 gifts to unlock the full $100,000!
1 / 30 Gifts
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1965 Challenge
$1,965
1965 Challenge
In celebration of UC Irvine's founding, the 1,965th gift will receive $1,965 in matching funds for the school, program or cause supported from UC Irvine alum and trustee, Terry Godfrey ’86 and Steve Godfrey!
163 / 1,965 Gifts
Leaderboard
Brilliant Future Challenge
Thanks to a generous commitment from UC Irvine Foundation trustee Julie Hill, the top-3 schools with the largest growth in donors over last year's Giving Day will share a bonus prize of $5,000!
Rank Prize School % +/- Goal
1 $2,500 Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing -39.47% 23
goal: 38
2 $1,500 School of Social Sciences -91.67% 3
goal: 36
3 $1,000 School of Social Ecology -93.55% 4
goal: 62
4 Donald Bren School of ICS -95.12% 4
goal: 82
5 School of Humanities -95.52% 3
goal: 67
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Or you can contact us at james.yokelle@uci.edu.

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Help us unlock a $100,000 reward!