Suchit Sarin | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Suchit Sarin | Materials Science | Best Researcher Award

Postdoctoral Scholar at University of Nebraska Lincoln | United States

Suchit Sarin is a distinguished researcher in the field of materials engineering, with expertise spanning advanced materials characterization, microstructural analysis, and process development. With more than a decade of academic and research contributions, he has mastered state-of-the-art techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), focused ion beam (FIB), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). His career reflects a blend of technical expertise, innovation, and leadership in advancing materials research with significant applications in energy, nanoscience, and functional surface engineering.

Professional Profiles

Scopus Profile | Google Scholar

Education

Suchit Sarin’s academic journey reflects a consistent dedication to excellence in materials science and engineering. He is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Materials Engineering at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where his work explores ultrafast laser processing and surface structure formation in metals. Prior to this, he earned a Master of Science by Research in Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, where he developed lightweight steel alloys with superior strength and ductility to improve fuel efficiency in automotive applications. He also completed a Master of Technology in Steel Technology at IIT Bombay, focusing on computational modeling of electron beam melting processes. His academic foundation was established with a Bachelor of Technology in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from the University Institute of Engineering and Technology, Kanpur, where his undergraduate project investigated severe plastic deformation in stainless steel to enhance strength through nanoscale grain formation.

Experience

Throughout his career, Suchit Sarin has combined technical expertise with strong leadership in instrumentation and collaborative research. At the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, he served as Instrument Manager for the FEI Helios NanoLab 660 DualBeam SEM/FIB, where he trained over fifty researchers in safe and effective instrument use, performed advanced sample preparation, and conducted nanoscale characterization for projects ranging from semiconductor materials to geological samples. As a Research Assistant at the Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience, he conducted high-resolution imaging and diffraction studies with TEM/STEM to investigate phases, defects, and interfaces in advanced materials. His role also extended to teaching as a laboratory instructor, where he guided undergraduate students in practical experiments, characterization methods, and technical report writing. Earlier in his career, he worked as a Project Research Engineer at IIT Bombay, focusing on steel microstructures, and as a Junior Research Fellow at the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, where he developed protective coatings to improve high-temperature oxidation resistance of niobium alloys for aerospace applications.

Research Focus

The central theme of Suchit Sarin’s research lies in understanding and controlling microstructural evolution at multiple length scales to enable novel material properties. His doctoral work investigates the mechanisms of structure formation during ultrashort pulse laser processing of metals such as copper and aluminum, revealing how pulse count, redeposition, and decomposition dynamics influence morphology. This research contributes to surface engineering strategies for heat transfer enhancement, functional coatings, and nanostructure synthesis. His earlier projects involved the development of lightweight steels with B2 intermetallic precipitates for automotive applications, computational modeling of electron beam melting processes in niobium, and coating technologies for high-temperature resistance. His expertise in both experimental and modeling approaches has allowed him to connect theory with application, making his work impactful across academic and industrial domains.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Lightweight, thermally conductive liquid metal elastomer composite with independently controllable thermal conductivity and density
Authors: EJ Krings, H Zhang, S Sarin, JE Shield, S Ryu, EJ Markvicka
Summary: Developed a novel liquid metal elastomer composite enabling independent control of density and thermal conductivity, offering lightweight, customizable materials for advanced thermal management applications.

Title: Pool boiling heat transfer enhancement using femtosecond laser surface processed aluminum in saturated PF-5060
Authors: J Costa-Greger, L Pettit, A Reicks, S Sarin, C Pettit, J Shield, C Zuhlke, et al.
Summary: Demonstrated enhanced pool boiling heat transfer through femtosecond laser-processed aluminum surfaces, improving cooling efficiency in saturated PF-5060, relevant for electronics and thermal system performance.

Title: Microstructure and oxidation behaviour of Fe–Cr–silicide coating on a niobium alloy
Authors: MZ Alam, S Sarin, MK Kumawat, DK Das
Summary: Investigated Fe–Cr–silicide coatings on niobium alloy, revealing improved oxidation resistance through protective Cr₂O₃ and SiO₂ layers, enhancing high-temperature performance of aerospace and defense materials.

Title: Room Temperature Magnetic Skyrmions in Gradient-Composition Engineered CoPt Single Layers
Authors: A Erickson, Q Zhang, H Vakili, C Li, S Sarin, S Lamichhane, L Jia, et al.
Summary: Reported stable room-temperature magnetic skyrmions in gradient-engineered CoPt layers, advancing spintronic materials research with potential for energy-efficient memory and information storage devices.

Title: Large refrigerant capacity in superparamagnetic iron nanoparticles embedded in a thin film matrix
Authors: K Sarkar, S Shaji, S Sarin, JE Shield, C Binek, D Kumar
Summary: Explored magnetic refrigeration using iron nanoparticles in thin films, demonstrating large refrigerant capacity, promising environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional cooling technologies.

Conclusion

Suchit Sarin has established himself as an innovative researcher with a strong record of academic excellence, technical expertise, and impactful contributions to materials science and engineering. His career demonstrates a commitment to advancing scientific knowledge while addressing real-world challenges in energy efficiency, thermal management, and nanostructured materials. With a unique ability to integrate advanced characterization, experimental design, and computational analysis, he has significantly enriched both research and education. His publications, collaborative projects, and mentorship of students reflect a balance of scholarly achievement and leadership. Suchit Sarin’s continued pursuit of excellence positions him as an outstanding candidate for recognition through this award, underscoring his role as a promising leader in the global materials science community.

Viktoriia Shtefan | Corrosion | Best Academic Researcher Award

Prof. Dr Viktoriia Shtefan | Corrosion | Best Academic Researcher Award

Academic researcher , Leibniz-Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (IFW Dresden) , Germany

Professor Dr. Viktoriia Shtefan is an internationally recognized expert in technical electrochemistry, with over two decades of academic and research experience spanning Ukraine and Germany. She holds the position of academic researcher at the Leibniz-Institute for Solid State and Materials Research Dresden (IFW Dresden), while also leading the Department of Technical Electrochemistry at NTU “KhPI” in Ukraine. With a strong background in corrosion science, metallic glasses, and electrochemical coatings, Dr. Shtefan’s work is pivotal in advancing sustainable materials for energy, biomedical, and industrial applications. Her career includes prestigious fellowships, leadership in DFG-funded projects, and contributions to international collaborations. As a Ukrainian refugee scholar, she has also been a recipient of multiple mobility and support grants. Her prolific research output includes journal articles, book chapters, and a patent, reflecting both scientific depth and practical impact.

Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Dr. Viktoriia Shtefan began her academic journey at NTU “KhPI” in Kharkiv, Ukraine, where she earned her Bachelor’s (1999) and Master’s (2001) degrees in Chemical Engineering with a focus on Technical Electrochemistry. Her early research focused on hydrogenation in carbon steels and electrochemical impedance. She pursued her PhD (2000–2005), investigating radical ion salt synthesis and earned her Doctor of Engineering Sciences (2019) with a dissertation on molybdenum- and tungsten-based electrochemical coatings. Throughout her academic development, she has demonstrated a sustained commitment to corrosion science, surface chemistry, and the development of functional materials. Her graduate and postgraduate studies were supervised by renowned electrochemists and included training in potentimetric titration, microstructure analysis, and electrochemical process control. These qualifications laid the foundation for her multidisciplinary research that bridges electrochemistry, materials science, and industrial applications.

💼 Experience

Prof. Shtefan’s career trajectory spans teaching, research, leadership, and international collaboration. She has served as Assistant, Associate Professor, and later Full Professor at the Department of Technical Electrochemistry, NTU “KhPI” (2004–2024), where she led courses on corrosion, rare metals, catalysis, and nanomaterials. In 2024, she became Head of the Department. Internationally, she has held guest scientist roles at IFW Dresden under VolkswagenStiftung and DFG-funded projects, focusing on corrosion-resistant materials and biocompatibility of metallic glasses. Since 2023, she has been involved in advanced electrochemical projects in Germany, including the design of nanostructured electrodes for green hydrogen evolution. Her industrial experience includes internships in Spain and with Ukrainian R&D institutions. She also led a budget project focused on anti-corrosion strategies for nuclear power applications. Her diverse roles reflect an ability to integrate research, education, and innovation at the intersection of academia and industry.

🔍 Research Focus

Dr. Viktoriia Shtefan’s research revolves around corrosion science, electrochemical surface treatment, and the development of functional coatings for advanced industrial applications. Her specialization includes the nanostructuring of metallic glasses, electrochemical dealloying, and environmentally friendly surface protection technologies. Her work aims to improve the longevity and performance of materials exposed to aggressive environments, such as in nuclear reactors, biomedical implants, and hydrogen production. She has explored the interplay between microstructure and corrosion behavior using advanced surface and spectroscopic techniques. Current research projects involve developing sustainable coatings using molybdenum, tungsten, and chromium oxide composites, with implications for both biocompatibility and high-temperature corrosion resistance. Her interdisciplinary approach blends electrochemistry, metallurgy, and nanotechnology, and she has secured national and international grants. Through numerous collaborations and publications, she contributes to the transition toward corrosion-resistant, eco-conscious, and high-performance engineering materials.

📚 Publication top Notes