1. Stable, Copper-Based Superalloys
Martin Harmer, Alcoa Foundation Professor Emeritus of Materials Science and Engineering and senior research scientist at Lehigh, discovered these enduring materials that remain stable under extreme, high temperature conditions. The Falling Walls Foundation, one of the world’s most respected platforms for scientific innovations, recognized this superalloy among the Top 10 Global Science Breakthroughs of 2025 in physical sciences. Harmer’s work focuses on an alloy at the nanoscale, where finely-tuned atomic layers preserve its structure, even near copper’s melting point. Superalloys open new possibilities for advanced electronics, power systems and more.
2. The Future of Spaceflight
A $2 million National Science Foundation (NSF) grant awarded to Natasha Vermaak, associate professor of mechanical engineering and mechanics, unites multiple institutions to advance materials that will power future spacecraft propulsion systems. The research focuses on designing structural alloys that can withstand intense, high heat inside advanced engines. The U.S. space economy depends on propulsion technologies that can operate under such extreme conditions. To address this, Vermaak’s team is using simulations, AI and machine learning.
3. Advancing Assistive Technologies
Lehigh’s University Research Centers (URCs) drive interdisciplinary innovation. The Center for Community-Driven Assistive Technologies (CDAT) received the 2025 Healthcare Innovator Award from the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce for its impact on people with disabilities through new and emerging assistive technologies and inclusive design. CDAT and Lehigh’s College of Health were awarded for the recent partnership with Good Shepherd Rehabilitation, which will foster collaborative interdisciplinary research and joint faculty appointments bridging academic research and clinical practice.
Across campus, discovery fuels progress. Breakthroughs to solve the challenges of tomorrow begin at Lehigh today.
