Ioanna Kakoulli, a professor of materials science and engineering at the UCLA Samueli School of Engineering, is helping students connect the dots between materials science, archaeology and art through the study of ancient materials and technology.
MAT SCI 33W: Materials Structure and Technology in Archaeology and Architecture is taught by Kakoulli every fall quarter. Students taking the course learn to think like an art detective, using their acquired knowledge to help deduce the stories behind ancient works.
“What’s truly exciting about this course is that you will be learning through reverse engineering processing, exploring ancient engineering materials and their micro/nanostructure, physical, chemical and mechanical properties,” Kakoulli said. “You’ll discover how ancient societies developed technology and innovation to create materials and structures that are still…