Office of Research

World Class Research

Advanced Materials


Click here to watch “The Wizard of Light”, a video featuring the research of Mark Kuzyk, professor of physics and astronomy.

Mark Kuzyk

Advanced materials research examines and develops the properties of those materials the world relies on to build systems that support and advance our society, including transportation, defense, and energy systems. Specifically, this cadre of researchers examines the composition and properties of materials subjected to high temperatures and pressures, the interface between polymers and natural fibers, and materials for energy transformations. Their research improves existing materials and creates those with even greater strength, durability, flexibility, and that are less toxic to the environment.This work impacts national security, energy and environmental policies and practices, and creates new economic opportunities in the state.

Mark Kuzyk, professor of physics and astronomy at WSU, is a leader in the field of polymer fiber optics with ideas for technologies that make today’s electronic achievements look like the dark ages.

A pioneer in the frontier of lasers and nonlinear optics, Kuzyk is proposing that “smart material” - a touch-sensitive network of polymer optical fibers – may someday have the ability to transform itself into nearly any object you could imagine.

For more information about professor Kuzyk, click here , here and/or here.


Areas of research preeminence:

Office of Research, PO Box 641033, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, 99164-1033, 509-335-9141, Contact Us