SMIF Outreach

07/10/2026

Big science, tiny scientist! 🔬 We were absolutely thrilled to welcome Working@Duke’s tiniest correspondent, Devlin, to the lab last week. First things first: we geared him up in mini safety glasses (because safety is always priority one, two, and three!) and a pint-sized cleanroom suit. 🥽✨ Devlin got a front-row seat to how we make microchips, explored our high-tech cleanroom, and checked out the massive instruments we use to image and analyze samples. He brought a ton of curiosity—and only a tiny bit of liquid nitrogen mischief. 😉

04/11/2026

So much fun at the open house taking pics in cleanroom suits with the !!! We are ready for the Blue Devil to join us in the cleanroom any time!

05/30/2025

Congrats to SMIF’s Executive Director, David Mitzi, on being awarded the 2025 William R. Cherry Award by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) for his significant work in photovoltaics — or the conversion of light into electricity — and the energy implications that come with advancements this field.

Full article here: https://pratt.duke.edu/news/david-mitzi-wins-cherry-award/

05/30/2025

Congrats to SMIF’s Executive Director, David Mitzi, on being awarded the 2025 William R. Cherry Award by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) for his significant work in photovoltaics — or the conversion of light into electricity — and the energy implications that come with advancements this field.

https://pratt.duke.edu/news/david-mitzi-wins-cherry-award/

05/14/2025

Some operating procedures are to important to misplace.

🔬

04/08/2025

Clean Room Drip

05/02/2024

Our outreach leader was honored with the Dean's Award for community based innovation!

We're thrilled to announce that Holly Leddy, a dedicated Research and Development Engineer at Duke University’s Shared Materials Instrumentation Facility, has received the Dean's Award for Community-Based Innovation for her outstanding contributions to the field and community.

Holly has been instrumental in making nanotechnology accessible and engaging through innovative educational programs. From developing online courses to bringing portable, high-tech equipment directly to schools and public spaces, she is transforming the way our community interacts with science.

Her commitment extends beyond the lab, with initiatives like the Girl Scout STEM Day, which bridges the gap between young minds and the world of engineering. Holly's efforts in community engagement exemplify the spirit of leadership and dedication we celebrate at Duke.

Join us in congratulating Holly for her achievements and her inspiring role in shaping future scientists!

05/02/2024

Team SMIF couldn't be prouder of our fearless leader! Congrats, Mark!

Exciting news from Pratt School of Engineering! We are so proud to share that Dr. Mark Walters, Director of Duke's Shared Materials Instrumentation Facility, has been honored with the Dean’s Lifetime Achievement Award for his deep commitment and extensive contributions to material science.

Dr. Walter’s journey at Duke is highlighted by his role in launching the new Soft Materials Lab, aligning with the first-ever soft matter conference to be hosted in the Americas—a significant milestone for the field. His educational background involves an array of different experiences, from his physics degree at UNC to his PhD from NC State, culminating in over two decades of impactful work at Duke.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Walters is an avid runner and a recent Boston Marathon finisher, highlighting the spirit of perseverance and dedication that he also brings to his work and community.

Please join us in congratulating him on this well-deserved recognition. Here's to many more years of innovation, mentorship and leadership!

04/23/2024

Continuing to celebrate RTNN winning the Opal Mann Green Engagement award! We are so proud of the community connected work that we do.

Duke's Shared Materials Instrumentation Facility (SMIF) is an integral part of RTNN and its outreach efforts

04/22/2024

Hey teachers! What are you doing this summer?

Research Experience for Teachers Applications are open for RTNN’s Summer 2024 RET Program. Each summer, the RTNN welcomes middle and high school teachers as well as community college educators to participate in this program, “Atomic Scale Design and Engineering.” Applications will be considere...