A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) device includes a support structure comprising a polycrystalline ceramic core, a first adhesion layer coupled to the polycrystalline ceramic core, a conductive layer coupled to the first adhesion layer, a second adhesion layer coupled to the conductive layer, and a barrier layer coupled to the second adhesion layer. The support structure defines a cavity. The MEMS device also includes a III-V membrane coupled to a portion of the support structure. A portion of the III-V membrane is suspended over the cavity defined by the support structure and defines a MEMS structure.