University of California, Riverside’s Marlan and Rosemary Bourns College of Engineering has launched the next phase of its project partnership with the U.S. Army Research Laboratories West, or ARL West, the west coast science and technology division of the Army’s central laboratory.

As part of the agreement, Army electronics engineer Mahesh Neupane has begun conducting research with UCR’s Center for Nanoscale Science and Engineering on a project called “Theoretical and Experimental Characterizations of Novel Functional Materials and Devices,” which aims to develop and characterize nanomaterials that can make advanced electronic equipment ultrafast and energy efficient. Neupane is embedded in UCR’s operation, enabling him to work with the Materials Science and Engineering program and oversee research using the school’s nanofabrication cleanroom.

“It is my privilege to lead and participate in this collaboration,” Neupane said. “ARL’s hub-and-spoke business model has enabled us to work with academic institutions and work closely with scholars and students to serve the Army using the best possible resources, intellect, and innovation.”

In addition to Neupane, Distinguished Professors Alexander Balandin, Ashok Mulchandani, and Professor Roger Lake are driving the collaboration between ARL West and UCR.

The agreement provides current and prospective faculty and students with exclusive research opportunities and exposure to ARL specialists, including public and private sector partners, who support the largest source of integrated research and analysis in the Army. The long-term alliance will also advance internship and career opportunities for UCR students pursuing jobs in the defense and intelligence industry. ARL researchers will rotate through short- and long-term assignments within engineering labs, providing a platform for face-to-face collaboration with students.

ARL West creates a shared space for Army research and development personnel, as well as access to subject matter experts, technical centers, and universities not well represented on the east coast. ARL is part of the U.S. Army Research, Development, and Engineering Command, headquartered in Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, which seeks to ensure the dominance of Army capabilities by creating, integrating, and delivering technology-enabled solutions to our soldiers.