Each NSF Science and Technology Center establishes an External Advisory Committee (EAC) that convenes annually. The function of the EAC is to provide guidance, advice, and direction for all of the Center's activities, consistent with its vision, goals, and objectives. The EAC includes members who can assess each aspect of the project including management, research, education, innovation, and knowledge transfer. EAC members are approved by NSF and include representatives from those sectors served by the Center, such as academic and industrial institutions, and from groups that are underrepresented in science and engineering.

CBMM's EAC members are the following: