The principal function of the Western Kentucky University Materials Characterization Center is to participate in applied research and developmental activities with various agencies, industries, and laboratories. The primary emphasis in the work of the Center is regional, with national and international activities when appropriate. The Center coordinates and promotes the educational, research, and public service activities for various groups and laboratories in WKU's Department of Chemistry and Ogden College of Science, Technology, and Health.
The Center was formed to take advantage of strengths in the Department of Chemistry and build on these strengths. The Department has internationally recognized programs in coal science and thermal analysis. An emerging program in materials chemistry is being actively promoted. The Coal and Fuel Laboratory is an established laboratory in the Center.
The Materials Characterization Center is one of the premier centers in the College's Applied Research and Technology Program, which was established by a "Program of Distinction" grant from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education. The Materials Characterization Center, with its extensive analytical instrumentation, provides analytical services and research support to faculty and student researchers in the University.
The Materials Characterization Center relies heavily on the involvement of undergraduate and graduate (M.S.) student workers in the various research and service projects. Nearly every Center paper presented at professional meetings and/or published in professional publications has student coauthors. Student support is almost always the first item for which funds are requested in proposals. The Center members consider the active involvement of students in basic and applied research projects a necessary part of the students' preparation for professional work. Over its history, 47% of the graduates who have worked at the Center have earned, or are pursuing, advanced degrees (Ph.D., M.D., D.D.S., Pharm. D. etc.). All other graduates were professionally employed within two months of graduation.
The Materials Characterization Center is housed in the facilities at WKU’s South Campus.
