Functional Materials, NREIP Internships, and Biomedical Research at the Naval Research Laboratory

Research in functional materials focuses on magnetic materials and piezoelectrics.
A primary objective in this field is the integration of magnetic and piezoelectric materials into composites to achieve a multiferroic effect.
The multiferroic effect allows for the following functionalities:
- Tuning magnetic properties using an electric field.
- Tuning electric properties using a magnetic field.
Combining these two types of materials introduces additional functionality beyond the individual properties of the base components.

The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) is home to the Material Science and Technology Division.
Professional tenure at NRL can span over thirteen years, often beginning with a postdoctoral position.
Expertise in the division includes various forms of materials science research and manufacturing:
- Ceramic processing.
- Thin film growth and fabrication.
- Testing of single crystals.

The Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program (NREIP) is a broad, large-scale program open to every naval laboratory.
The application process includes several key administrative and strategic steps:
- Submission generally occurs in October for the following summer session.
- Applicants can select their 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choices for specific labs.
- Required documentation includes academic transcripts and a short research statement outlining general interests.
Strategic "pre-matching" is highly recommended to increase the chances of selection:
- Communicating with researchers via email before the application deadline helps specialists look for specific names in the massive database of resumes.
- Having a mentor or researcher on board who is expecting the application simplifies the placement process.

Biomedical science as a major focuses on biology with a specific emphasis on the medical side of the field.
Students at the sophomore level may have diverse interests that are still being narrowed down, including:
- Epidemiology: The study of the distribution and determinants of health-related states or events in specified populations.
- Biomedical Engineering: specifically focusing on the creation and mechanics of prosthetics.

Tom O'Shaughnessy is a biologist within the NRL Materials Division who conducts research on the biomechanical impacts of external stressors.
Research areas include:
- Blast testing and its physical effects on biological structures.
- The impact of loud noises on hearing loss through the inner ear and through bone conduction.
Advanced modeling techniques are utilized to study these impacts without exposing human subjects to danger:
- Builders create physical models of the brain with neurons placed inside to observe post-impact or post-blast conditions.
- Researchers test different loading amounts of ballistic gel to replicate the mechanical properties of the brain.
- The goal is to better model the viscoelastic properties of different brain tissues, specifically distinguishing between white matter and gray matter.

This division at NRL manages research that intersects biology, chemistry, and engineering.
A significant area of focus for the Navy is biological and chemical threat detection.
Key research objectives include:
- Developing sensors capable of detecting low levels of viruses or other biological threats in the environment.
- Optimizing the accuracy and sensitivity of these sensors to ensure reliable environmental monitoring.
- Detecting specific pathogens or chemical agents to provide early warning systems.