The A. James Clark Hall Materials Characterization Laboratories (MATCL) serve as a shared facility dedicated to materials testing and analysis. The MATCL houses over 20 instruments and tools, distributed across two laboratories: AJC1123 and AJC1224.

As a primary teaching resource for the A. James Clark School of Engineering, MATCL supports hands-on instruction by providing faculty and students with access to advanced characterization tools. When not in use for scheduled coursework, the facility is available to support research activities, including sample preparation and analysis.

Facility Access and Equipment Use

The MATCL is managed by Dr. Aldo Ponce, who is the primary point of contact for all matters related to lab access, training, and equipment scheduling.

• To schedule a tour, please email your availability to aldop@umd.edu.
• To gain access to the facility and begin using the equipment, users must first receive training and authorization from Dr. Ponce.
• Access to rooms and equipment, as well as reservations, is managed through an online scheduling system, which will be provided upon approval.

Fee Structure

The MATCL operates on a membership model to ensure the sustainability of the facility through equipment maintenance, repairs, and consumables (e.g., gases).

Options for Access:

• Quarterly Membership:
  • $1,000 per PI per quarter
  • Includes unlimited usage and training on up to three instruments
  • Additional training: $500 per instrument
• Daily Access:
  • $1,000 per day
  • Includes usage for a single day
  • Training: $500 per instrument
• Quarters definition:
  • Q1: January 1^st – March 31^st
  • Q2: April 1^st – June 30^th
  • Q3: July 1^st – September 30^th
  • Q4: October 1^st – December 31^st

All fees must be paid in advance of equipment use. For payment arrangements and further details, please contact Dr. Ponce.

User Agreement and Responsibilities

Upon payment of the appropriate fees, all new users must complete and sign a User Registration Form. This form outlines the responsibilities of the user and their PI, including the following:

• Users have the right to receive training on equipment they wish to use.
• Use of lab spaces and equipment must be justified and scheduled in advance via the Google calendar system.
• Users are responsible for bringing any consumables required for their experiments (excluding gases).
• Users must follow all laboratory safety protocols when operating equipment or working in lab spaces.
• Users must immediately notify the lab manager if equipment or rooms appear damaged or non-functional before use.
• Users must report any problems encountered during use.
• Users may only operate instruments for which they have received formal training.
• Users are expected to understand the limitations and sample requirements of each instrument prior to use.
• Users and their PIs will be held financially responsible for any equipment damage resulting from improper use or unsuitable samples.
• Users must acknowledge the MATCL in all publications and presentations that utilize the facility.
  • Suggested acknowledgment: “We acknowledge the support of the Clark School of Engineering’s Materials Characterization Lab.”
  • Please provide a copy of the citation to the MATCL manager.

Thank you for supporting the shared mission of the MATCL. Your cooperation ensures a safe, functional, and inclusive environment for both teaching and research.

For questions or additional information, please contact Dr. Aldo Ponce at aldop@umd.edu