This fund was established in 2009 by the Rhine Foundation, Johnson & Johnson Vision and multiple donors to support undergraduate students to perform research in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) at the University of Florida.

The MSE educational and research program is interdisciplinary, focusing on all materials – biomaterials, ceramics, electronic materials, glasses, metals, minerals and polymers, among others – and their composites. An excellent working relationship has been established between the department, industry and national labs to foster technology transfer, research and development. Analytical facilities at the Major Analytical Instrumentation Center (MAIC) support UF researchers as well as other universities and industries in Florida and across the nation.