Researchers at YSU working in the Multi-Scale Multi-Functional Advanced Materials group focus largely on metals, alloys, ceramics, and ceramic-metallic composites for applications ranging from oxide nanocatalysts to armor for military vehicles.

Research in the Energy-Related Materials group include nanocatalysts for treating automotive exhaust, solid electrolytes for high-temperature fuel cells, and development of cathode materials for lithium ion batteries.

The Photonic, Optical, and Electronic Materials (POEM) Group was formed by faculty who share a strong interest in the study of new materials and new applications of materials in rapidly expanding fields such as optical information storage and processing, tunable laser fabrication, magnetic-optics, biological and chemical sensors, high temperature electronics, spectroscopy, medical diagnostics and therapy, and display technology.