Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of New Mexico received a $550,000 Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award from the National Science Foundation's Division of Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation (Engineering program, CFDA 47.041) effective October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2031. This five-year project grant supports the development of an ultrafast laser-based manufacturing strategy for polymer-derived ceramics and ceramic matrix composites. The primary deliverable is fundamental research and technological innovation enabling precise local control of ceramic composite microstructure and properties for high-performance applications in aerospace, defense, energy, semiconductor, and biomedical sectors. The research addresses critical limitations of conventional multi-step fabrication methods and existing additive manufacturing approaches by establishing new manufacturing pathways with improved interfacial bonding and uniform reinforcement distribution.

In addition to advancing fundamental science and manufacturing innovation, the project integrates an integrated research and education component designed to strengthen the nation's engineering workforce. Educational deliverables include curriculum development at undergraduate and graduate levels incorporating ultrafast laser manufacturing technologies, as well as science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) outreach activities targeting kindergarten through 12th grade students and educators in the Albuquerque, New Mexico area. These integrated research and education components support the NSF Engineering program's emphasis on workforce development while contributing to national competitiveness in advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies critical for space exploration and energy-efficient systems.