HIGHLIGHTS ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | JULY/AUGUST 2024 67 FACE OF MATERIALS ENGINEERING THE FACE OF MATERIALS ENGINEERING This profile series features members from around the world at all stages in their careers. Here we speak with Priyanka Adapala, postdoctoral research associate at the Institute for Corrosion and Multiphase Technology, Ohio University, Athens. What does your typical workday look like? As a new mom and a full-time employee, my day is quite hectic as I juggle multiple responsibilities. I arrive at the office by 9 a.m., attend meetings, and conduct experiments in the lab. I return home by noon to spend time with my baby and have lunch. By 1:30 p.m., I’m back to work. As a postdoctoral research associate, I mentor undergraduate students and dedicate a significant amount of time to reviewing new research articles and drafting my work for future publications. I finish my workday at 5 p.m. and look forward to spending quality time with my family. What is your greatest professional achievement? I view each professional achievement as significant and a source of motivation to strive for more. Some of my recent notable accomplishments include: the publication of part of my Ph.D. work in npj Materials Degradation, which is part of the Nature journal; the inclusion of my master’s research as a chapter in the book “Research Highlights in Science and Technology, Vol. 2;” and receiving the Best Poster Award (2nd position) for my Ph.D. work at the AMPP Annual Conference in March 2023. What is your engineering background? I hold a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical and materials engineering from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad, and a master’s degree in metallurgical engineering and materials science from IIT Bombay. I further advanced my expertise by earning a Ph.D. in materials science and engineering from The Ohio State University. My extensive education has equipped me with a robust understanding of materials science, preparing me to contribute effectively in both academic and industrial settings. What attracted you to engineering? I was greatly inspired to pursue engineering by my grandfather, who was an electrical engineer. After retiring from his job, he became an entrepreneur, establishing an industry that provided employment to hundreds of people. His passion for engineering and science deeply influenced me and strengthened my desire to become an engineer. Best career advice, given or received: The best career advice I received came after earning my master’s degree. I started out as a senior manager in a management firm, drawn by the attractive salary. However, I quickly realized the work didn’t fulfill me. At that pivotal moment, my fiancé, now my husband, suggested I reassess my career path. He encouraged me to pursue doctoral studies in the United States. Taking his advice was a life-changing decision for me. Once I committed to furthering my education, I never looked back. Choosing to pursue a Ph.D. turned out to be the most rewarding and fulfilling choice of my career. It not only allowed me to align my work with my passions but also opened doors to new opportunities and broadened my horizons in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. Tell us about your involvement with ASM. During my Ph.D., my lab seniors introduced me to ASM International, which I found to be an invaluable platform for expert guidance and professional development. Although I wasn’t actively involved in events at the time, I regularly followed ASM updates and appreciated their impact on the field. As a postdoctoral researcher, I am eager to actively engage with ASM and its affiliate societies. ASM membership offers unparalleled access to knowledge and resources, essential for staying up-to-date in materials science. I look forward to connecting with peers, participating in events, and contributing to the community. Do you know someone who should be featured in an upcoming Face of Materials Engineering profile? Contact Vicki Burt at vicki.burt@asminternational.org. Adapala
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