Suhas Suryakant Alkunte

Dr. Suhas Suryakant Alkunte is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering Technology at Indiana State University, affiliated with the Bailey College of Engineering & Technology. His research lies at the intersection of advanced manufacturing and materials science, with a focus on additive manufacturing, functionally graded materials, metamaterials, and nanocomposite characterization.

Research Interests: Dr. Alkunte's work explores the mechanical behavior of 3D-printed materials, particularly functionally graded and multi-material systems. His expertise spans the fabrication, simulation, and performance analysis of advanced composites, including carbon nanotube-reinforced polymers and TPMS-based porous structures. He is actively integrating machine learning techniques to predict material properties and optimize designs. His research contributes to the development of next-generation lightweight, multifunctional materials for engineering applications.

Publication Trends: His recent publications (2024–2025) are centered on comprehensive reviews and experimental analyses in high-impact journals such as Composites Part C and International Journal of Additive Manufacturing. These works highlight advancements in multi-material 3D printing, fatigue modeling, and the design of metamaterials, reflecting a strong trend toward synthesizing knowledge and pushing the boundaries of material performance through innovative manufacturing techniques.

• Nominated for: Sycamore Shout Out Award (February 2025)

Advising and Grants: While no formal students are listed, Dr. Alkunte is actively involved in reviewing PhD theses and mentoring in research. He serves as Principal Investigator on a funded project titled Mechanical Characterization of 3D-Printed PLA/TPU Nanocomposites Reinforced with MWCNTs, supported by Indiana State University with $4,708.84 (May 2025–December 2026), indicating active grant leadership and collaboration. He also contributes to STTR grant proposals and industry partnerships.

Labs and Teams: Dr. Alkunte is engaged in collaborative research within advanced manufacturing and materials science teams at Indiana State University. He serves as a Guest Editor for the MDPI journal Processes and participates in interdisciplinary projects involving simulation, machine learning, and experimental validation of novel materials.