HIGHLIGHTS ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | OCTOBER 2025 62 It is so rewarding to work hard and witness our research evolving from initial concepts to tangible innovations that can make a real difference—whether it’s in technology, healthcare, or mechanical design. On another note, I work closely with young students who are future scientists and engineers, and watching their curiosity develop makes my role especially rewarding. I am particularly proud to lead a highly diverse group composed of Ph.D. students and post-docs, each coming from unique scientific and cultural backgrounds and experiences. Seeing them work together, exchanging ideas, learning from one another, and growing collectively is truly inspiring. What is your engineering background? My background is in mechanical engineering with a specialization in solid mechanics. Over the past several years, I have focused increasingly on dynamic and interdisciplinary areas at the interface of materials science, mechanical design, and functional characterization. This transition has opened new opportunities to apply and integrate concepts from multiple domains, allowing me to work on innovating and refining materials applications. What are you working on now? I am currently working on design, manufacturing, and characterization of multi-material structures using cold spray deposition. I am using experimental and numerical approaches trying to identify and understand the processstructure-property linkage in the obtained heterostructured materials. The main objective is to design and develop customized structures with superior mechanical and structural performance. Last podcast listened to: “How I Built This” hosted by Guy Raz and “Tabaghe 16” hosted by Soheil Alavi. Best career advice, given or received: They say if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life, and I find there’s a lot of truth to that. Passion is the secret ingredient that transforms any career, especially in STEM, from a daily routine into an exciting adventure. My best advice for anyone considering a future in science and engineering? Stay curious and courageous. STEM fields can be demanding, but they’re also incredibly stimulating. Building a career in STEM often requires many sacrifices, depending on when, where, and how you begin. Academia is becoming more competitive than ever, and scientific and technological research can be frustrating at times. Yet it’s deeply rewarding when you solve a technological problem—especially one that has a tangible social or environmental impact. At the end of the day, knowing your work contributes to a better world is a truly remarkable feeling. Tell us about your involvement with ASM. I was first introduced to ASM through thermal spray conferences where my colleagues and I frequently present our research on cold spray topics and connect with the broader scientific community. These conferences, supported by ASM, provide a unique platform to explore the latest advancements, spark new collaborations, and exchange ideas with professionals from both academia and industry. Later, I had the privilege of joining the ASM Thermal Spray Training Committee, which has been a fantastic adventure in itself. Being an ASM member has enabled me to contribute to the training community, stay informed about the latest advancements, and forge friendships that have truly enriched my career. Do you know someone who should be featured in an upcoming Face of Materials Engineering profile? Contact Vicki Burt at vicki.burt@asminternational.org. CHAPTERS IN THE NEWS Tour attendees gather on the lawn at an International Transmission Ltd. plant. CHAPTERS IN THE NEWS India Chapter Visits Atgaon A one-day industrial tour with several stops was organized by the ASM India Chapter on April 29. Twenty-three attendees from various industries as well as faculty from the K.J. Somaiya School of Engineering participated in the event. The group visited three companies in Atgaon: Renmakch, Fresco Radiators Ltd., and International Transmission Ltd. Renmakch included a tour of the shop floor to see railway equipment fabrication as well as testing and condition monitoring. At Fresco Radiators Ltd., manufacturing of radiators for large electrical transformers and transformer tanks was observed. After lunch, the team visited an International Transmission Ltd. plant, which
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