Laura Nagel

Laura Nagel is a Senior Lecturer and Chief Advisor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, located in the College of Engineering. She holds a Ph.D. in Materials Science from the California Institute of Technology (1997), an M.S. in Materials Science from Caltech (1994), and a B.S. in Materials Science from Rice University (1991). Her expertise spans materials processing, ceramic materials, and laboratory instruction, reflected in courses like MSE 183 (Materials Laboratory) and MSE 404 CP (Ceramic Processing). She has been recognized repeatedly for advising excellence, earning the Engineering Council Outstanding Advisors award in 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. Her teaching includes introductory research methods (MSE 396) and materials science fundamentals. Laura’s office is in 201A Materials Science & Eng Bld.

Research interests focus on applied materials science education and laboratory pedagogy, emphasizing hands-on learning in ceramics and materials processing. Her advising programs aim to mentor undergraduate and graduate students in experimental techniques and career readiness.