Cold Spray and Rapid Deposition (ColRAD)’s Post

Meet Our Researchers   Lihua Lou, Research Assistant Professor, works on cardiac biomechanics, soft matter, electrospinning, atomic force microscopy, multiscale mechanics, 0D/1D nanomaterials, nanomaterial composites, and digital image processing.   “Scientific research is rarely a linear path to success; it often involves navigating numerous obstacles and setbacks. These challenges can be particularly daunting in specialized research fields with limited prior work, sometimes resulting in hundreds or even thousands of unsuccessful attempts. However, the essence of these experiences is not the failure but rather the perseverance and analytical approach adopted in response. Such moments symbolize the intrinsic beauty of research: a journey marked by challenges and uncertainties, yet immensely rewarding through these moments of discovery and the ensuing sense of joy and accomplishment.”   ABHIJITH K S, Graduate Research Assistant, works on thermal spray (APS & VPS), cold spray, In-flight particle diagnostics, additive manufacturing, extreme environments, tribology, aerospace erosion, composite materials for radiation shielding, powder metallurgy and spray drying.   “As an avid space enthusiast, I was always curious to know what lies beyond Earth and how impactful space research will be for future civilizations. Fortunately, my research for NASA takes my interest up a notch in where we develop wear, erosion, and radiation-resistant coatings for aerospace structures. I was very lucky to be a part of the Plasma forming laboratory, where I learned all about my thermal spray and extreme environmental research. A significant moment in my research life was when our developed coating samples went to the International Space Station for MISSE-17 experiments, and it was awarded FIU Real Triumphs no.1 for 2022. Yes, space is vast, and so is research; as my advisor always says, research is always open-ended; you must dig deep to find good science.”   Zachary Rivera, Undergraduate Student, works on high-performance polymer composites, shape-memory polymers, and 2D material foams.   “I have always been interested in Engineering. Being a computer science student, I normally would not have been given this opportunity, but through AFROTC, I was given the chance. This was one of the best decisions I’ve made since I am actively learning about polymers and polymer NanoComposites.”   Stay tuned to meet more researchers working in ColRAD with Arvind Agarwal!   Florida International University Florida International University - College of Engineering & Computing, FIU Mechanical and Materials Engineering   #FIU #PawsUpFIU #FIUInnovation #ColRAD #AdditiveManufacturing