CMR Vision Statement

The Center for Materials Research at Norfolk State University will be a vigorous, nationally recognized program committed to excellence in both research and education. The Center will provide leadership to the university for the expansion of research and educational activities, and will receive enthusiastic support from its many constituents including the university community, state and local government, business, industry, and federal agencies.

Research
The Center for Materials Research will conduct the design and full-scale spectroscopic investigations of unique materials synthesized at NSU and collaborating institutions. The results of these studies will be effectively communicated via high quality research publications, and will form the basis to expand ongoing research to future projects and programs both in optical and non-optical materials.

The Center will adapt its research program quickly to meet the challenges of new scientific and technological advances.

The Center will proactively maintain a safe research environment.

Education
The Center for Materials Research will support the University's mission by expanding access to graduate science education for underrepresented minority students. The Center faculty will communicate their enthusiasm for science to their students both in the laboratory environment and in the classroom. As a result, the Center will increase the number of minority students obtaining Ph.D.'s in materials science-related fields.

Collaboration
The Center for Materials Research will foster a cooperative atmosphere internally. Senior researchers will actively mentor junior faculty, and all will work together to develop new projects that strengthen the Center's research efforts.

The Center will foster collaboration with researchers at a variety of institutions. The Center will work closely with Jefferson Lab and NASA Langley Research Center when appropriate to achieve research goals of mutual interest. The Center will participate in selected projects at the nearby Applied Research Center, a facility jointly operated by Christopher Newport University, The College of William and Mary, Norfolk State University, and Old Dominion University.