From this point (ca. 2007) the group spent the next nine years working on thin film neutron detectors for the Defense Threat Reduction Agency, ultra-thin film dielectrics for the Intel Corporation, and a special breed of neutron detector for the Office of Naval Research and DTRA that could measure the kinetic energy of neutrons, identify the source type of those neutrons, and the location from which they originated. The ‘neutron spectrometer’ as it was inappropriately coined, generated a number of side projects that were math heavy, enjoyed an R&D100 award in the Analytical Category, and went on to help two regional companies stand up.
In 2016, the group expanded and pivoted to study and develop technologies in the Counter Directed Energy and High Power Microwave space for the Office of Naval Research, both returning to the core condensed matter physics foundation to drive new solution states in pulsed power physics/engineering and radio-frequency engineering space. The Institute welcomes collaboration and is excited to continue to take on orthogonal challenges in the areas of urban agriculture, improving quality of life through health intelligence, and enabling less deterministic machine intelligence through the physics lens.
Mission
We improve quality of life by bridging academia with industry to address wicked problems.
Vision
To lead in the development of technologies that directly and positively impact society, and to grow the leaders of tomorrow in a team-focused culture.
Core Values
Gritty Innovation
Question. Take risk. Fail. Get up. Succeed.
Research Integrity
Represent the data objectively, be relentlessly critical, and uphold an expectation of rigor.
Team
Be accountable. Uplift those around you. Seek out and capitalize on complementarity.
Confident Humility
When in doubt, rotate your own tires.
Passion
Embrace the challenge. Be curious. Stay hungry.
Balance
Don't forget to play.
As of January 2021, MIDE retains 24 graduate students, 11 undergraduate students, 16 affiliate tenure track faculty, four full-time non-tenure track faculty, and 31 staff.
