COMPASS had a strong presence at the 2025 Spring Meeting of the Materials Research Society (MRS) in Seattle this April, showcasing groundbreaking research and fostering interdisciplinary exchange in the evolving landscape of materials science.
Spotlight on the COMPASS Tutorial Session
One of the highlights of the meeting was the COMPASS-led tutorial, “Engineering of Materials Combining Order, Disorder, and Hierarchical Organization Using Graph Theory.” This well-attended session delved into advanced methodologies for the structural description and analysis of materials that defy simple classification as crystalline or amorphous. Attendees explored how graph theory can elucidate structure-property relationships and drive innovation across a broad spectrum of applications.
Featured speakers included:
- Prof. Nicholas Kotov (University of Michigan, Chemical Engineering)
- Prof. Xiaoming Mao (University of Michigan, Physics)
- Prof. Nadja Bigall (University of Hamburg, Chemistry)
Together, they guided participants through a rich dialogue on how complex materials benefit from the integration of order and disorder, and how these concepts are revolutionizing material design and application.
A Community of Innovators
Beyond the tutorial, COMPASS affiliates were visible throughout the conference, presenting new insights and building collaborations.
- Prof. Martin Thuo (North Carolina State University, Materials Science and Engineering) and Prof. Xiaoming Mao were seen outside COMPASS sessions discussing interdisciplinary perspectives on material complexity.
- Prof. Stephanie Brock (Wayne State University, Chemistry) contributed her expertise in particle networks, both in her session presentation and during mentoring moments with her students, Himanshu Yadav and Dr. Vinicius Alevato.
- John Crockett, a PhD candidate from the Chen Lab at UIUC, shared his latest research in the same particle network session, exemplifying the emerging talent nurtured through COMPASS collaborations.
- Prof. Emanuela Del Gado (Georgetown University, Physics) also offered compelling insights into soft matter and networked systems.
These moments—captured in both formal sessions and informal gatherings—demonstrated the vibrant and supportive nature of the COMPASS community. They reflect our shared commitment to advancing science through multidisciplinary connections, cutting-edge methodology, and mentoring the next generation of leaders in the field.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on MRS 2025, we are energized by the engagement, enthusiasm, and excellence shown by our members and partners. Events like these affirm the mission of COMPASS: to bring together researchers across disciplines to solve the grand challenges of materials science using novel frameworks like graph theory and hierarchical modeling.
Stay connected with us for upcoming events, research updates, and collaborative opportunities as we continue to chart new paths in material innovation.