The MEMS Research Laboratory (MRL) in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at The University of Texas at San Antonio was established in June 2004  by Dr.Arturo A. Ayon. Areas of research include the utilization of MEMS actuators on phase array antennas, Nanotechnology, CMOS-compatible microwave varactor, Negative index of refraction materials for imaging and other photonic applications, Sensor arrays, Micro-chemical reactors, Micropropulsion employing solid fuels.

This laboratory was made possilble thanks to Sony Electronics Inc. donation of nearly $2 million worth of equiment as a way of "giving back to the community". With this generous donation UTSA will train students for careers in microelectronics which will be a giant leap in turning UTSA into a first-class research facility.