The Center for Advanced Materials (CAM) is UMass Lowell's catalyst for materials discovery, characterization, and interdisciplinary research and development. CAM brings together scientists, engineers, and technicians from across the Colleges of Sciences, Engineering and Health Sciences to address challenges at the intersection of materials science, engineering, and emerging technologies.

Advancing Materials Research and Innovation

CAM's research spans materials synthesis, polymers, electronics, photonics, sensors, fire protection, and energy storage and conversion. Applications encompass defense, energy, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing. Industry partnerships and technology commercialization support a sustainable industrial economy.

Developing the Next Generation of Researchers 

Students and postdoctoral researchers work alongside faculty members, government and industrial collaborators to gain hands-on experience in advanced materials and specialized instrumentation. Interdisciplinary projects extend learning beyond the classroom enriching their experience at UMass Lowell.

Recent Recognition

CAM Co-Director, Ram Nagarajan, served as a General Chair for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) MetroGREENST 2026, an international conference on instrumentation and measurement for green technologies and sustainability.

Work With Us

The Center for Advanced Materials has a long track record of collaboration with government agencies, industry partners, and academic institutions, including organizations such as NASA and the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL). Opportunities include collaborative research, sponsored projects, technology development, and commercialization partnerships.

Learn About Partnership Opportunities

Christopher McNerney of Rubberlite Inc. hands a red item to a UMass Lowell student.

Get Involved as a Student

The Center for Advanced Materials (CAM) is committed to supporting students at every stage of their research journey. The Tripathy Memorial Endowed Summer Graduate Fellowship awards up to two outstanding doctoral candidates each year with a $7,500 stipend to support their summer research in their final year. CAM also hosts the annual Professor Sukant Tripathy Lecture and the annual Professor Sukant Tripathy memorial symposium, bringing leading researchers in materials science to UMass Lowell.

Explore Student Opportunities

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