Two students using a computer

Students are at the center of the Center for Advanced Materials (CAM) research community. Hands-on research opportunities, faculty collaborations, fellowships, and special events are multiple ways in which undergraduate and graduate students get deeply involved and significantly contribute to ongoing research.

CAM supports research across a range of disciplines, spans small-molecules to polymer synthesis for electronics, photonics, sensors, fire protection, therapeutics, energy conversion and storage with applications in defense (Harnessing Emerging Research Opportunities to Empower Soldiers (HEROES)), energy, sustainability (RIST Institute for Sustainability and Energy) and healthcare.

Tripathy Memorial Fellowships

The Tripathy Memorial Fellowship Program honors Professor Sukant K. Tripathy, an internationally recognized materials researcher who founded the Center for Advanced Materials in 1992 and later served as UMass Lowell's provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs. 

Tripathy Memorial Graduate Fellowship

The Tripathy Memorial Endowed Summer Graduate Fellowship provides a $7,500 stipend to two qualified UMass Lowell doctoral students each year. The fellowship supports students who have completed their doctoral requirements and are conducting research in materials science, chemistry, biology or other basic and applied sciences or materials engineering.

Students interested in fellowship opportunities are encouraged to contact The Center for Advanced Materials for additional information regarding eligibility, application requirements and deadlines. 

Research Opportunities

Student examining microscope slide.

The Center for Advanced Materials supports student participation across a broad range of research disciplines. Research areas include:

  • Materials synthesis and characterization
  • Polymer science
  • Electronics and photonics
  • Sensors
  • Fire protection
  • Energy conversion
  • Advanced manufacturing
  • Sustainable materials and manufacturing

The Center for Advanced Materials (CAM) partners with government agencies, industry, and academic institutions on research that advances materials science, from foundational studies to applied research and development activities. These partnerships give collaborators access to UML faculty expertise, specialized facilities, and a pipeline of talented students entering the field. Explore our current and past partners below and contact us to discuss a new collaboration.

Graduate Research

Graduate students can work on research projects toward their dissertation research and thesis, through sponsored research projects and research internships connected to faculty-led programs.

Internships

The Center for Advanced Materials (CAM) may offer opportunities through research programs, industry collaborations, and sponsored projects. Availability, eligibility requirements and application details vary by opportunity.

Research experience is offered through selected CAM research programs and sponsored projects when funding and project needs align. Current openings, eligibility requirements and application instructions will be posted here as they become available.

Lectures, Symposiums, and Research Events

CAM provides students the opportunity to meet world-renowned visiting scientists presenting cutting-edge research and to learn about research happening on campus, through the Professor Sukant Tripathy Memorial Lecture Series:

These programs provide opportunities to engage with visiting researchers, learn about emerging areas of research, and connect with the broader materials science community.

Present a Poster at the Tripathy Memorial Symposium

Students and research groups are invited to share their work at this year's symposium. Send your poster title, author(s) and a brief abstract by email to Susan D'Amore: Susan_Damore@uml.edu by November 19, 2026. To learn more and register please visit the Professor Sukant Tripathy Memorial Symposium website.

Poster dimensions: 42 inches wide by 36 inches high.

Get Involved

CAM offers opportunities for students to engage in research, connect with numerous faculty members, and participate in programs that support academic and professional growth.

Interested in learning more?

Contact Susan D'Amore at CAM by email: susan_damore@uml.edu to discuss current research opportunities, fellowship programs, internships and available openings.