SAMANTA AT PNW NATIONAL LABORATORY

AVIK SAMANTA: UI TO PACIFIC NORTHWEST NATIONAL LABORATORY

Avik Samanta, an alumnus from UI Mechanical Engineering, is currently associated with the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) as a postdoctoral researcher. Avik was a Ph.D. student and postdoctoral researcher at the Laser Materials Processing Lab at the University of Iowa, mentored by Prof. Hongtao Ding. Avik sat down remotely for a Q&A.

Q: Please describe your research. In simple terms, why does this research matter?

A: It always fascinates me to learn new ways of processing materials. My work at PNNL focuses on employing friction stir processing (FSP) to improve the mechanical strength, ductility, and fatigue strength of light metal alloys so that heavier steel structural components of vehicles can be replaced with more lightweight materials to boost fuel efficiency and cut down carbon footprint. In addition, my doctoral research at UI used a laser to alter the wettability of engineering metal alloys so they can repel water (super hydrophobicity) or attract water (super hydrophilicity), impacting icing, bacterial contamination, corrosion damage, lubrication, heat transfer, etc. The goal of my research is always to develop innovative ways of processing materials to improve their performance and operational life in realworld engineering applications, thereby reducing the risk of failure.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your research? What first got you interested in this area?

A: I was always curious about how machines and devices are manufactured and how material processing history influences their properties. When I enrolled for my master’s study at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, I first got a taste of material processing using a laser. I was immediately intrigued with the complexity of physical and chemical phenomena that led to an overall property change. Later, when I joined a semiconductor manufacturing industry in Taiwan, it amazed me how important manufacturing research is to enhancing the overall functionality of the final product and reducing its cost. Research provides the chance to learn new things, generate new ideas, and work with people from different backgrounds to open different perspectives.

Q: Do you feel that your experiences at the UI have set you apart? Helped prepare you for what is next?

A: I believe the all-around growth and development of an individual is important to becoming a successful researcher. UI provided a healthy, collaborative, and productive environment to continuously grow and develop skills that are helping me immensely going forward. Because it is a relatively smaller engineering school, it was easier to reach out to faculty members to seek interdisciplinary support for research collaboration. I was fortunate to have amazing mentors to guide me through the process. The experience of working with researchers from different disciplines is helping my research at PNNL. In addition, the ME department was extremely helpful and supportive in fostering my teaching skills. Last but not least, support from administrative staff was very productive to help me grow as a researcher.

Q: What achievements or experiences are you most proud of?

A: Research ideas based on my Ph.D. work helped our group receive two NSF grants. Moreover, I published several high-impact journal articles, including one front cover, in American Chemical Society (ACS) Applied Materials & Interfaces, Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Chemical Communications, Applied Surface Science, Materials & Design, and Journal of Manufacturing Processes. Additionally, I received the Graduate College Post-Comprehensive Research Fellowship, the Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, and the Rajyalakshmi & Shankar N. Planjery Award. My research was featured in the Dare to Discover campaign by the Office of the Vice President for Research, and I won three consecutive Best Graduate Poster Awards at the CoE Research Open House. I still cherish them.

Q: What is your favorite/most memorable experiences in the Department of Mechanical Engineering? Or CoE?

A: I thoroughly enjoyed my amazing Ph.D. journey in the Department of Mechanical Engineering under Prof. Hongtao Ding’s mentorship. I still remember the feeling of relief defending my Ph.D. thesis in 2020 in the middle of the COVID pandemic. I used to enjoy the responsibilities of a teaching assistant, including delivering solid modeling lectures and conducting manufacturing lab sessions for undergraduate students. It was fascinating to see how students demonstrated their final course projects in front of all CoE students. I still cherish those moments. I also relished the annual research open house held by CoE; it was a good time and an opportunity to connect with fellow researchers and faculty.

Q: What advice do you have for students who are interested in becoming involved in research?

A: When I was an undergrad, the concept of research was incredibly intimidating to me, and I thought I would join the industry. In my senior year, someone said, “You know, you might enjoy research.” When I got into the master’s program and got a little taste of research, I felt immensely intrigued. However, I was unsure about having a research career and started my industrial career instead. Spending three years in the industry made me realize I enjoyed research more than industry. Therefore, my recommendation would be to allow yourself to be exposed to some research, even in an undergrad setting. The broader the experience you get, the more comfortable and confident you will be in your career choices. My research journey also makes me realize the importance of humility, gratitude, hard work, and resilience in life. It also taught me that there are more failures than success and that learning from failures makes you a better researcher. Finally, my experience taught me that it is always a good idea to engage in constructive discussion with fellow researchers and seek help if you are stuck somewhere; you never know when there might be someone with a solution next to you.