Center for Innovation in Advanced Functional Materials

The Center for Innovation in Advanced Functional Materials at the Cleveland State University was established in 2024 to promote interdisciplinary research and commercialization, workforce development, and engagement with Northeast Ohio’s advanced materials industry. The center aligns with the strategic themes of CSU 2.0, Cleveland Innovation Project, and JobsOhio, and enhances the synergistic partnerships between CSU, local industries, urban community, and funding agencies. The proposed center offers intellectual capital, technological capabilities, STEM pool, and training opportunities towards leveraging the recent growth in advanced manufacturing and healthcare sectors in Northeast Ohio.

The Center’s portfolio includes both computational and experimental activities encompassing materials science, nanotechnology, sensors, porous materials, biological materials, thin films and colloids, electronic materials, quantum technologies, and energy generation and storge materials. Multiple faculty from the Washkewicz College of Engineering and physical sciences (physics and chemistry), with strong track-record in materials research and development are part of this center. Dr. Chandra Kothapalli serves as the inaugural Director of the Center, and he works closely with the center faculty and an external advisory board to set the direction and priorities.