Stephanie Law , associate professor of materials science and engineering at Penn State, has been named director and principal investigator of the Two-Dimensional Crystal Consortium-Materials Innovation Platform, or 2DCC-MIP, a U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF)-supported national user facility within Penn State's Materials Research Institute (MRI).
Law succeeds Joan Redwing, distinguished professor of materials science and engineering and of electrical engineering, who has led the 2DCC-MIP for the past decade. Redwing will remain involved with the 2DCC as associate director while serving as director and principal investigator of the newly launched LATTICE Programmable Cloud Laboratory.
"Stephanie has already helped shape the success of the 2DCC-MIP, and I am excited to see her take on this leadership role," said Josh Robinson, MRI director and professor of materials science and engineering. "She will build on a strong foundation and continue expanding 2DCC-MIP's impact for researchers across the world."
Established in 2016 as one of two inaugural NSF MIPs, the 2DCC-MIP combines advanced materials growth with characterization, modeling and other research capabilities to accelerate the discovery and development of two-dimensional materials. The consortium makes its specialized equipment and expertise available to researchers across academia, national laboratories and industry.
Two-dimensional materials are only one or a few atoms thick. At that scale, they can display properties dramatically different from those of the same materials in bulk form. Researchers are investigating them for applications including more energy-efficient electronics, quantum technologies and new approaches to computing that could eventually extend beyond conventional silicon.
The 2DCC-MIP focuses particularly on two-dimensional chalcogenides, extremely thin materials made from combinations of elements that include sulfur, selenium or tellurium, and provides researchers with capabilities ranging from crystal growth to advanced characterization and modeling. Its open-user model allows researchers to work directly with 2DCC-MIP scientists and equipment at Penn State or collaborate with facility staff who can prepare and study materials for research conducted elsewhere.
"That access is especially important for researchers whose home institutions do not have the specialized and costly equipment needed to create and study these materials," Robinson said. "By making those capabilities broadly available, the 2DCC-MIP helps to extend the impact of Penn State's research infrastructure to scientists and students nationwide."
Education and workforce development are also central to the consortium's mission. Programs such as the Resident Scholar Visitor Program, currently accepting applications for 2027, give graduate students and early career researchers from other institutions extended, hands-on experience with advanced materials synthesis and characterization, helping spread specialized expertise throughout the research community.
Law takes the helm at an important point in the consortium's development, according to Robinson. In August, the NSF awarded the 2DCC-MIP $4.6 million over four years to continue national user access and training while the facility develops a long-term sustainable operating model. The funding also supports technology translation, community data infrastructure and workforce development.
Law has been an integral part of 2DCC leadership since joining Penn State in 2023 and previously led its education and training efforts, Robinson said. She also serves as associate director and director of science for LATTICE.
Her scientific background closely aligns with the 2DCC-MIP's mission. Law's research focuses on quantum and two-dimensional materials and heterostructures synthesized using molecular beam epitaxy. The technique builds materials with atomic-layer precision, allowing researchers to create exceptionally pure thin films and precisely control their properties.
Her work explores how that level of control can produce new optical and electronic behaviors with potential applications in areas such as sensing and quantum information science.
Law's research and leadership have earned national and international recognition. She received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers and a United States Department of Energy Early Career Award. Her other honors include the Peter Mark Memorial Award from AVS, formerly known as the American Vacuum Society; young investigator awards recognizing her work in molecular beam epitaxy; and election as an AVS fellow.
"I'm excited to lead the 2DCC-MIP and grateful to Joan Redwing for her outstanding leadership in guiding the center to this point," Law said. "With continued support from the NSF and Penn State's Materials Research Institute, the 2DCC-MIP has a bright future helping users advance fundamental 2D materials synthesis science, explore the properties of these materials and leverage them in next-generation devices."
Redwing will provide continuity and support as Law assumes leadership. Under Redwing, the 2DCC-MIP grew into a nationally recognized resource and developed a broad network of collaborators across academia, government and industry. Law will now lead the consortium as it builds on that foundation, expands access to advanced two-dimensional materials research and prepares for the scientific and technological opportunities of its next decade.
