Instructor: TAYLOR SPARKS

TAYLOR SPARKS

Dr. Taylor Sparks is an educator, researcher, and materials scientist whose work bridges the fields of materials informatics, machine learning, and sustainable innovation. He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Physics from Harvard University and his MS in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He is currently a Professor of Materials Science & Engineering at the University of Utah in the same department where he did his undergraduate B.S. 20 years ago. As a leading voice in materials informatics, Taylor's research focuses on accelerating materials discovery through artificial intelligence, autonomous experimentation, and data-driven approaches.

With over a decade of university-level teaching experience, Taylor is known for his highly energetic and engaging style, making complex concepts in materials science clear and exciting for learners of all backgrounds. He has developed innovative online resources and tools, including his materials science YouTube channel and his widely recognized Materialism Podcast, which explores the past, present, and future of materials science and how materials that shape our world.

His recent work includes the development of self-driving laboratories for autonomous characterization and synthesis, the creation of generative models for novel materials discovery, and pioneering efforts to modernize science communication through digital media.

Outside of Continuing Education, Taylor is currently teaching three regular U of U classes:

MSE 1050: Material for Sports Gear ~ Fall 2025
MSE 5540/6640: Materials Informatics ~ Spring 2026
MSE 5050: Materials Innovation ~ Spring 2026

TAYLOR SPARKS is currently teaching:

Class Title	Semester	Date(s)	Program
Current Research in the University of Utah College of Science	Fall	9/25/25 - 11/06/25	Osher Lifelong Learning