Lloyd H. Hihara

Professor Lloyd H. Hihara is a faculty member at the University of Hawaii at Manoa (UHM), holding the rank of Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering. His research focuses on corrosion engineering, materials science, and environmental degradation of advanced materials. He has extensive experience in corrosion testing protocols, galvanic corrosion mechanisms, and protective coatings development.

Educations: PhD (1989, MIT in Materials Science), SM (1985, MIT in Mechanical Engineering), BS (1983, UHM in Mechanical Engineering).

Research interests include corrosion behavior of alloys and composites in diverse microclimates, corrosion compatibility of metals with polymer/ceramic composites, and sol-gel-based ceramic coatings. He has pioneered studies on Hawaii-specific corrosion challenges and developed innovative corrosion sensors and mitigation strategies.

His articles emphasize corrosion mechanisms in marine environments, galvanic interactions, and coating performance. Key grants include multi-million-dollar projects funded by the US Air Force, Army, Navy, and industry partners like Boeing and Northrop Grumman.

Awards include the Hi Chang Chai Excellence in Teaching Award (multiple years), Guy Bengough Award, and Presidential Young Investigator Award. He leads the Hawaii Corrosion Laboratory (hawaiicorrosionlab.org) and has advised numerous students through advanced courses like ME 436 Corrosion Engineering and ME 636 Fundamentals of Electrochemistry.