Interview with Dr. Bharat Gwalani—Winner of the Materials 2023 Young Investigator Award
We are pleased to announce the winner of the Materials 2023 Young Investigator Award—Dr. Bharat Gwalani.
Name: Dr. Bharat Gwalani
Affiliation: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
Research Interests: alloy design; material processing; corrosion; high entropy alloy; solid phase processing
We would like to thank the award committee for selecting one winner from many exceptional candidates, Dr. Bharat Gwalani. We will continue to reward scholars with the Young Investigator Award to express our acknowledgment of their support for the Materials (ISSN: 1996-1944). We wish them every success in their careers.
The following is a short interview with Dr. Bharat Gwalani:
1. Could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
Since August 2022, I have served as an Assistant Professor at North Carolina State University, USA. Before that, I worked as a research scientist at the Pacific Northwest International Lab for approximately four years. My primary research revolves around applying solid-phase processing techniques to create innovative multifunctional materials suitable for challenging extreme environments. At present, my team and I are dedicated to advancing our understanding of deformation-based processing methods at the atomic level. We aim to utilize this knowledge for sustainable manufacturing practices, emphasizing energy conservation and using recycled materials, as opposed to traditional melting technologies.
Before joining the Pacific Northwest International Lab, I completed my Ph.D. in materials science and engineering at the University of North Texas, USA. During my doctoral studies, my focus was on developing high entropy alloys strengthened by precipitation. In 2010, I earned my bachelor's degree in materials science and engineering from India, my country of origin. Additionally, prior to commencing my Ph.D. program in the United States, I gained three years of experience in the steel manufacturing sector.
2. What is your current research, and why did you choose this research field?
The focus right now is trying to reduce energy input because natural resources are limited, and there is an energy crisis, so we need to recycle materials that have already been extracted from ore, so the solid phase processing route seems to be a very practical one. Developing new alloys for advanced processing techniques was very exciting to me, so that was my main motivation.
3. Have you encountered any difficulties in your research? How did you overcome them?
Working at a national laboratory, we are not involved with teaching, but we are involved with multiple projects simultaneously. Switching between each project can be a challenge, particularly in today's competitive environment. It is important to keep learning every day and develop beyond your Ph.D. to continue improving and publishing. The initial phase following a Ph.D. is more difficult, but the different problems inspired me to work hard, and it gave me good exposure and experience. In academia, much time is dedicated to teaching, creating course materials, and helping students while also needing to set up a lab and purchase equipment and pursue funding. Finding funding in areas you want to work in can be a challenge for all new researchers. However, teaching helps you go back to fundamentals which reaffirms your knowledge, so it is a good thing.
4. What qualities do young scholars need to possess?
I think it is very important not to give up easily. Things can be very challenging and can easily seem as if they will not work out, but persistence and drive to keep trying, and also to not feel embarrassed about failing, really helps. Just because it did not work today does not mean the approach you are taking is bad. It just was not your day. Keep going and take baby steps, and it will eventually happen. It is also important to manage your time effectively, to make the most of your time at work and still have a life outside of work. It is different from studying for a Ph.D. because, as a researcher, you work during your stipulated hours, so it is much more important to become efficient at an early stage of your research career.
5. Can you briefly describe the key to a happy laboratory life?
A lab is made up of different members, from the PI to the students, and they work as a cohesive unit. The ‘team’ feeling is very important, and if members are happy to do work rather than feel pushed, then that has long-term benefits. It is important to have fun when you work, so creating that environment in the lab is my focus. I used to enjoy my Ph.D. because I was doing research for myself rather than for somebody else, which helped me a lot.
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to encounter influential individuals who have played pivotal roles in shaping my professional journey. In my initial job at Jindal Stainless Ltd., Dr. L.K. Singhal, the Director of R&D, served as a catalyst, encouraging and inspiring me to explore my curiosity and think outside the box. This guidance ultimately motivated me to pursue a Ph.D., as I realized the significance of nurturing that inner drive. During my Ph.D., I was fortunate to have Dr. Raj Banerjee as my advisor, who struck a perfect balance between providing guidance and fostering independence. His mentorship empowered me to push boundaries and develop my own unique path of research. Similarly, in my previous position at PNNL, the support from leaders such as Dr. Cindy Powell, the Chief Science and Technology Officer, was exceptional. Their dedication to nurturing younger scientists and providing valuable guidance greatly influenced my professional development.
As a recent addition to the NC State community, I have already experienced tremendous support from Dr. Don Brenner, the department head. His unwavering support has been invaluable since joining the university. Personally, I have been fortunate to receive support from numerous individuals who have propelled me forward in life. This support is crucial for anyone striving to make progress, as the trust and belief others have in you serve as powerful motivators.