The Microstructural Characterization & Small-scale Mechanics Lab (M&M Lab) at TAMU focuses on understanding and designing materials at nano-scale using advanced microstructural characterization tools. In our group, we use insights from atomic-resolution electron microscopy and atom probe microscopy to create ‘designer microstructures’ with unique interfaces, dopant distributions, atomic clusters and nanoscale particles and then use small-scale mechanical testing apparatus to interrogate their attendant effect on mechanical properties in metal and ceramic systems.