Staff Council members dropped off treats to say “thank you” to the Materials Research Center staff on Feb. 11 in Straumanis-James Hall.

The thank-you reception is an initiative by Staff Council’s Involvement Committee to show appreciation to departments throughout S&T. The university’s dining services department and Au Bon Pain are sponsors.

Department spotlight: Materials Research Center

Dr. Bill James established the Materials Research Center – originally named the Graduate Center for Materials Research – in 1964. Faculty and students in materials science and engineering conduct fundamental and applied research on ceramics, metals, polymers, glass, composites and coatings.

Dr. William Fahrenholtz, Curators’ Distinguished Professor of ceramic engineering, leads the research center. Employees include technical staff, such as research specialists and engineering technicians, and administrative staff, including office support assistants.