North Carolina State University. Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering.

The origins of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering lie in the Departments of Geology and Mineral Industries Engineering. Only in 1972 did the University create a discrete Materials Engineering Department, which became the Materials Science and Engineering Department in 1986.

From the description of North Carolina State University Department of Materials Science and Engineering records, 1924-2006 [manuscript] (North Carolina State University). WorldCat record id: 505875583

Materials Science and Engineering comprise the design, development, selection, and processing of engineering materials. Typical of the industries served by materials engineers are: aerospace, electrical and electronics, construction, nuclear power, and transportation. Material Sciences and Engineering includes specialty areas such as ceramic engineering, metallurgical engineering, polymeric materials, and materials processing. In general, Materials Scientists develop materials that have certain properties, such as Gore-Tex, which is made of a polymer that keeps water out while allowing sweat to evaporate. Materials Science Engineers work, according to their website, "with every material imaginable in every setting imaginable, including the human body."

The origins of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering lie in the Departments of Geology and Mineral Industries Engineering. Only in 1972 did the University create a discrete Materials Engineering Department, which became the Materials Science and Engineering Department in 1986.

Additional information and resources on the history of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering can be found through the NCSU Historical State website .

• 1972 - 1979 : W. W. Austin, Jr.
• 1980 - 1986 : Hans Conrad
• 1986 - 1999 : J. J. Hren
• 1999 - : J. M. Rigsbee

From the guide to the North Carolina State University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering Records, 1924 - 2006, (Special Collections Research Center)