The Center for Materials Interfaces in Research and Applications (¡MIRA!) at Northern Arizona University, a leading hub for Materials Science Research and DEIJ in STEM initiatives. ¡MIRA! is committed to enhancing opportunities for students from all backgrounds to pursue STEM degrees, careers, and to make meaningful impacts in their communities through their achievements. Our mission is to cultivate a supportive and stimulating environment where students and faculty engage in cutting-edge materials science research, empowering our students to develop essential skills and knowledge, thus fostering a highly skilled workforce equipped to meet future demands in Arizona and beyond.
Diversity is in OUR DNA: ¡MIRA! demographics reflect these commitments, with over 50% of our faculty being historically minoritized or significantly underrepresented (HMURM), such as women, in the fields that encompass materials science. This diversity among faculty ensures that students see themselves reflected in their mentors, making faculty accessible, relatable, and understanding of the pressures that disproportionately impact HMURM and first-generation students.
By supporting ¡MIRA!, you help us break down barriers for students aspiring to engage in research, and in every way allow ¡MIRA! to function. We can’t thank you enough for your continued support of what makes ¡MIRA! unique.
¡MIRA! Fund Priorities
¡MIRA! Scholars Fund - Support ¡MIRA! Scholars—a paid research internship for undergraduates in ¡MIRA! faculty labs. Your donation directly funds student salaries, providing valuable research experience and fostering a diverse STEM workforce. Students gain valuable “hands-on” research experience and develop educational and professional skills working with supportive ¡MIRA! faculty and their teams.
¡MIRA! Research Center Fund- With your contribution you directly fund ¡MIRA! Students, empowering their growth through ¡MIRA! student awards, conference travel support, and ¡MIRA! outreach events.
SparCQS- Sparking Curiosity in Quantum Science is an K-12 educational outreach initiative that brings hands-on quantum science experiences to communities WHERE THEY ARE! Your contributions will support participating NAU students as they gain confidence, science awareness and build science communication skills. To learn more about ¡MIRA!’s quantum education outreach program, Click here to to visit the College of Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences Giving Day page.
Join us for some NAU Giving Day Fun!
SAVE THE CATS: Quantum computers will revolutionize the world like classical computers did… On giving day, stop by our SparCQS table from 9am-3pm to ‘save the cats’, win prizes, and see first-hand what ‘saving cats’ has to do with quantum computers… Be ready for the quantum future!
Location: Forestry Building 
