Honor Society® member
Suleiman Muktari
- Materials Science and Engineering
- Class of 2027
- USA
Member since August 2026
About
Ph.D. candidate in Materials Science and Engineering at Florida International University specializing in cold spray additive manufacturing, polymer nanocomposites, and process optimization for high-performance materials. My research focuses on developing advanced polymer composite coatings and structural materials for aerospace, automotive, and energy applications. I emphasize rigorous characterization and standards-informed testing to support practical engineering solutions. I am a recipient of the 2026 ASTM International Graduate Scholarship and the 2025 International Thermal Spray Association Scholarship, was selected for the ASTM International Emerging Professionals Program, and currently serve as Vice President of the ASTM Student Chapter at FIU. Beyond research, I am committed to leadership, mentorship, community service, and expanding access to STEM and standards-based education. My long-term goal is to advance materials innovation through research, education, and professional collaboration while giving back to my community by mentoring and creating opportunities for the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Education
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Florida International University, Miami, USA
Materials Science and Engineering
2023 – Present
Honors and awards
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• 2026 ASTM International Graduate Scholarship
Selected as one of only four recipients worldwide for this merit-based graduate scholarship in recognition of academic excellence, leadership, and the application of consensus standards in research and professional development
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• ASTM International Emerging Professionals Program, 2025
Selected for the ASTM International Emerging Professionals Program, recognizing emerging professionals with strong potential for leadership, technical engagement, and continued contribution to the standards community
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• International Thermal Spray Association Scholarship, 2025
Selected as a Top 3 awardee in the United States for the 2025 International Thermal Spray Association Scholarship in recognition of academic achievement and research contributions in thermal spray and cold spray technologies
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• 2nd Prize, National Research Competition - Polymer Institute of Nigeria, 2019
Awarded second place in a national research competition organized by the Polymer Institute of Nigeria in recognition of innovative, indigenous research addressing practical national challenges
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• First Class Honors & Best Graduating Student Award -Ahmadu Bello University, 2015
Graduated with First Class Honors and received the Best Graduating Student Award in recognition of outstanding academic performance at Ahmadu Bello University, Nigeria
Goals and interests
- Career goal
I intend to pursue a career in materials engineering across academia, research institutions, and industrial R&D, with a focus on advanced manufacturing, polymer composites, surface engineering, process optimization, and high-performance materials.
- Graduate school interests
Materials Engineering, Advanced Manufacturing, Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing, Polymer Nanocomposites, Surface Engineering, Materials Characterization, Process Optimization, and High-Performance Materials for Aerospace, Automotive, and Energy Applications.
- Outside the classroom
I enjoy reading and continuous learning, staying active through sports and fitness, participating in community and volunteer activities, and traveling to explore new places, people, and cultures.
Experience
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• Currently a Graduate Research Assistant
Mechanical and Materials Engineering Department, Florida International University, Miami, USA. I conduct research on cold spray additive manufacturing of polymer nanocomposite coatings and structural materials. My work involves materials processing, characterization, process optimization, standards-informed testing, data analysis, scientific publication, and collaboration with multidisciplinary research teams.
Aug 2023 – Present
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• Lecturer and Researcher
Polymer and Textile Engineering Department, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. Taught polymer rheology, polymer processing, textile science, and composite materials to more than 200 undergraduate students. Supervised undergraduate research, mentored students in experimental design and technical communication, developed instructional materials, and contributed to departmental academic and student-support activities.
Feb 2017 – Jul 2023
Volunteering
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• Currently a volunteer Leadership Coach supporting students in their professional and leadership development and helping them build confidence and prepare for future career opportunities.
Braven, USA.
Aug 2026 – Present
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• Volunteer conference evaluator. Volunteer as a judge and reviewer for engineering senior design projects during the Undergraduate Research Conference at Florida International University (URFIU), evaluating student projects and providing constructive technical feedback to support students' engineering design, problem-solving, and professional development.
Florida International University
Apr 2026
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• Beach Cleanup Volunteer. Participated in community beach cleanup activities with Clean Miami Beach, Inc., contributing to environmental conservation efforts and helping promote cleaner, healthier coastal communities in South Florida.
Clean Miami Beach, Inc.
Nov 2023
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• Volunteer STEM mentor supporting initiatives that promote science and technology education and encourage the development of the next generation of STEM professionals.
Working to Advance Science and Technology Education for African Women (WAAW) Foundation
Mar 2022 – Present
Languages
- English (US) Advanced
- English (UK) Advanced
Additional information
Organizations
