# CREST Phase II Center for Complex Materials Design

> **NSF 04002526DB NSF STEM Education** · Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FL) · $7,500,000

## Abstract

With support from the Centers of Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CREST) and the Engineering Research Centers (ERC), this project aims to create new materials and devices (bioderived thermoplastics, flexible hybrid recyclable electronics, sensors/actuators) of importance to numerous industries and federal agencies and tightly integrate research and education at Florida A&M University (FAMU). With artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML) techniques to identify promising building block candidates, the project aims to use state-of-the-art synthesis, characterization and additive manufacturing techniques to yield biodegradable/recyclable novel structures and devices. CREST Phase II will enable long-term and multidisciplinary research at the cutting-edge of hybrid design and bioderived materials. Furthermore, CREST will contribute to developing FAMU capabilities while training the next generation of students in areas of national need.

The scope of this CREST Phase II comprises the following subprojects – 1) High-throughput Discovery & Integration of Programmable Functional Polymer Nanocomposite Devices, 2) Bioderived, Recyclable, and Printable Polymer Matrices for Advanced Composites, and 3) Stimuli-Responsive Bio-Hybrid Soft Material Processing For 4D Fabrication and Microactuation. The goal is to develop novel functional bioderived thermoplastics and obtain structure-processing-function relationships useful to a wide variety of industrial processes. CRES

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2514451
- **Awardee organization:** Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FL)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** W8LKB16HV1K5
- **PI:** Subramanian Ramakrishnan
- **Primary program:** 04002526DB NSF STEM Education
- **All programs:** CENTERS FOR RSCH EXCELL IN S&T
- **Estimated total:** $7,500,000
- **Funds obligated:** $7,500,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2030

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2514451

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2514451, CREST Phase II Center for Complex Materials Design. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-07 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2514451. Licensed CC0.

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