Ceramic Engineering

The Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering offers many paid research opportunities to interested undergraduate students, part of a broader set of experiential learning opportunities that bridge theory and practice across the materials science and engineering ecosystem, such as hands-on laboratory classes. Starting in the second year, ceramic engineering students complete four core lab courses focusing on ceramic processing, sintering, glass science and the thermal, mechanical and electrical properties of ceramics. You will engage in research projects alongside world-class faculty and explore the cutting edge of technical ceramics development.

You’ll gain exposure to industry-relevant technologies and problem-solving in a professional environment and have access to advanced materials characterization tools and makerspaces, enhancing your hands-on training and supporting independent or faculty-led projects. The foundry enables large-scale experimentation with ceramics and related materials, teaching practical manufacturing skills essential for industry. The on-campus hot shop enables you to integrate glass science with technical ceramics. You will gain direct experience in glass processing and forming techniques, exploring glass as a functional and structural material. Free Pour Friday is a weekly student gathering to learn about hands-on metallurgy by creating objects from liquid aluminum and casts. The hot shop also offers a monthly sign-up for Soda Lime Saturday, where participants can make a glass item.

Mines Material Advantage Chapter gives you access to four leading materials organizations: the American Ceramic Society, the Association for Iron and Steel Technology, ASM International and The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society and Mines Material Advantage Chapter and hosts weekly lunch meetings where students hear from academics and industry professionals. Attend various industry and student panels and participate in end-of-the-semester course feedback sessions. The group has won first place in the national Materials Bowl competition eight times in the 2000s.

The Advanced Steel Processing and Products Research Center (ASPPRC) is dedicated to attaining excellence in the study of steel. Led by Professor Kip Findley, ASPPRC focuses on bar and forging steels; sheet and coated steels; and plate and hot rolled steels.

The Colorado Center for Advanced Ceramics (CCAC) serves as a national resource of expertise and facilities for industry to make decisions on the synthesis, processing, and performance of advanced ceramics and composites. Led by Professor Ivar Reimanis, the center is a focal point for exciting technological developments in advanced ceramics.

The Kroll Institute for Extractive Metallurgy (KIEM) supports the minerals, metals and materials industries through cutting-edge research. Led by Professor Corby Anderson, the institute focuses on the process of extractive metallurgy regardless of application, including processing of waste materials and the development of clean technologies, improved commercial operations, new minerals-based by-products and chemical processing of materials.

The Mines Hot Shop houses equipment for casting, glassblowing and forging and hosts open opportunities for Mines students of all levels. The foundry can accommodate a wide range of mold making and casting activities, including sand casting, investment casting (lost wax), lost foam, and permanent mold in tin, aluminum, copper (bronze/brass) and iron (steel).