Adekunle Ogunbadejo is a PhD Candidate in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada. He received a bachelor’s degree in Materials Engineering and a master’s degree in Corrosion Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Nigeria where he worked on environmentally friendly ways of inhibiting corrosion of plain carbon and austenitic stainless steels. Also, he assisted in tutoring over 500 undergraduate students in Fundamentals of Materials Science and Engineering as a Graduate/Teaching Assistant and later as an Assistant Lecturer at the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. His present research at the University of Alberta focuses on using mathematical and numerical modelling tools with experimental techniques in the application of thermal spray coatings in structural damage detection protocols. Adekunle loves playing soccer in his spare time.

Saddam received his MSc in Mechanical Engineering from University of Ulsan, Republic of Korea in 2019. During his study in Korea, his research focus was on the fabrication of thin films by kinetic spray technique for photocatalytic application. Saddam joined Dr. McDonald’s group in January 2020 as a PhD student. Currently, he is studying on duplex coatings for wear and corrosion resistance. By fabricating advanced duplex coating systems, he seeks a better solution in order to protect pipeline steels from severe damage due to wear and corrosion. Besides his studies, Saddam loves to spend time with family and friends. doing activities like playing games, watching movies, and exploring nature.

Saman joined Prof. McDonald's group in September 2020 as a PhD student. His research is dedicated to 3D microstructure-based finite element modeling of cold sprayed ceramic-metal composite coatings subject to wear and fatigue, which helps to better understand the effect of microstructural characteristics on the macro scale behavior of the material. Saman's model builds on experimental data in the group, and will results in a computational tool for design and optimization of coatings. Watching movies and documentaries on astronomical discoveries as well as playing snooker with friends are his favorite pastimes.

Shahed's research involves development of high-performance metal matrix composite (MMC) thermally sprayed coatings to serve as de-icing systems for wind turbine blades and aircraft wings. He conducts a wide range of experiments and uses heat transfer modelling in order to study the effect of certain ceramic particles on microstructure, electrical properties, and heating performance of coating-based deicing elements. Furthermore, he works on evaluating the erosive wear resistance of thermally sprayed MMC coatings by conducting various solid particle and water droplet impact erosion tests. His most significant passions are blues and classic rock music; especially, musicians such as B.B. King, Albert King, and David Gilmour. He is also very much interested in Persian epic literature, calligraphy, guitar playing, and enjoys biking and playing volleyball.

Nashit is a PhD student under the joint supervision of Prof. Andre McDonald and Prof. Wylie Stroberg. His project focuses on the design of next-generation high entropy alloy coatings with desirable mechanical properties using atomistic simulations in combination with physics-based machine learning algorithms. He did his B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from Aligarh Muslim University, India, and M.Tech in Mechanical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology, Gandhinagar, India. He also worked as a Project Research Associate at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, India. His research experience includes statistical mechanics-based modelling of skeletal muscles, active vertex dynamics simulation of cancer cells, molecular simulations of protein motors, and stochastic modelling. He has a keen interest in multiscale simulation techniques and algorithmic development.

Soroush is an MSc student jointly supervised by Dr. Ehsan Hashemi and Dr. Andre McDonald. His master's project involves developing novel state estimation techniques that rely on remote sensing by incorporating visual sensors for mobile and fixed cold spray robotic applications. His research interests include robotics, deep learning, computer vision, and autonomous vehicles. He has also optimized, manufactured, and controlled several automatic systems in his undergraduate studies including a high-precision linear flat voice-coil actuator. His interests outside of academia include electronic sports and computer games, Norse mythology, comic characters, and human psychology.

Aatif joined Prof. McDonald’s group in January 2023. His project involves developing Al-based High Entropy Alloy (HEA) coatings for hydrogen-related applications. He has completed his B.Eng. in Mechanical Engineering from Aligarh Muslim University, India. During his undergrad, he worked as one of the 25 elite members of a formula racing team and was tasked with designing, fabricating and testing the air and fuel intake system for a KTM RC390 engine-powered combustion vehicle. He has a keen interest in performing multi-scale simulations on various tools. Apart from studies, he likes playing cricket and watching motorsports as well as spending time with family and friends.

Sean is currently a 4th year undergraduate Mechanical Engineering student. He has a strong passion for design and problem solving and loves to apply his skills and knowledge to feel world situations. He enjoys quality time with friends and family, and active activities such as the gym, skateboarding, or skiing. According to Sean, “Overall, I am just trying to learn as much as I can and create something wonderful.”

Anthony is currently a Research Assistant working on the team's website. He initially worked as a Elite Program Assistant developing functional and wear-resistant coatings. He has a deep interest in Mechanical Engineering and has worked with the team to gain exposure and experience in the field. His project involved the development and study of cold-sprayed high entropy alloy (HEA) coatings to provide a more detailed understanding of its mechanical properties. His personal interests include basketball, cooking, and body building.

Peter is a current high school student, initially working as an ELITE Program Assistant, with a keen interest in Mechanical Engineering. Through the research he performs in the lab, he plans to acquaint himself with real-world engineering applications and experience. Currently, he is analyzing the effects of joule heating processes on cold-sprayed, electrodeposited, and electroless coatings. This research is done in collaboration with Dr. Panteha Fallah and Sean Ngan. In his downtime, Peter enjoys playing soccer and spending time outdoors.