Processing materials efficiently and to meet the demands of industry is one of the most important steps in developing new technologies. At UC Davis, we use cutting-edge processing techniques like to synthesize modern engineering materials such as thin films, 2D materials and nanomaterials. We work from the macroscale to the nanoscale, using techniques such as additive manufacturing and cleanroom processing to fabricate materials into desirable forms relevant for technological applications. In some cases, artificial materials such as high-entropy alloys and layered heterostructures are found in new forms that don’t normally exist in nature. Alternatively, nature inspires the design of new materials developed by our research teams.