Faculty Spotlight: Alok Sutradhar
Where is your hometown?
My hometown is Dhaka, which is the capital of Bangladesh. It is a captivating city renowned for its rich history spanning almost 400 years, vibrant culture, and diverse cuisine.
What is your field and what made you pursue it?
Broadly speaking, my field revolves around mechanics, materials, and computational analysis and design methods for multi-physics and biological systems. The more I learn, the more I am amused by how fascinating nature's designs (living and inert beings), structures, and materials are. Can we unlock those principles? And then synthesize and enhance to create meta-structures and innovative multi-functional materials. Additionally, I am driven to find novel engineering solutions to biomedical problems that can improve the quality of life of especially cancer patients.
What brought you to Ohio State?
Ohio State is a vast university, kind of a thriving hub for cutting-edge research. The MAE department is particularly vibrant, engaging in diverse research initiatives with a pool of talented students. A great plus is having a top-ranked medical school right on campus since part of my focus is on medical research.
What is the focus of your research and why is it significant?
My current research is centered around the optimized intelligent design of multi-functional materials and structures. We develop novel computational design tools and methods for multi-physics problems, metamaterials, and meta-structures specifically tailored for novel additive manufacturing. We have been working on efficient heat-dissipating devices, light-weight car frame designs, silicon photonics, femtosecond laser-induced damage, shape-shifting 3D-printed morphing structures, and the biomechanics of trachea and craniofacial injuries, among others. Our research shapes the next-generation technologies.
Why should a prospective student consider your field?
We work with problems in multiple disciplines, including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, physics, material science, manufacturing, computational geometry, graphics, biomedical devices, surgery, and biomedicine. I aspire to address unresolved challenges and issues in the field and develop new technologies and tools to enhance the quality of life for people. We are committed to making a difference in people's lives.
What do you like most about your job?
Firstly, the opportunity to inspire and train students, witnessing their growth and success while making a positive impact on their lives. Secondly, the intellectual stimulation that comes with continuously learning new things, discovering and exploring new ideas, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge. Having the freedom to explore and pursue my passions in research is incredibly fulfilling.
What advice would you give students considering a career in engineering?
Be curious, ask questions. Develop a mindset that prepares you to tackle new challenges and develop critical thinking. Try to have a strong foundation in mathematics and science, and be proficient with computer skills. Keep track of the latest developments in the field. Solving real-life problems as an engineer is rewarding and fulfilling.
What is one of your favorite hobbies outside of being a professor and researcher?
I like playing guitar, making music, playing badminton, and learning about medical science, philosophy, history, enigmatic events and unsolved mysteries.
