Every year, a handful of students are awarded the Sam Lieberman Regents’ Award for Student Scholarship. This $5,000 award, granted by the Nevada System of Higher Education, acknowledges the hard work, determination and leadership abilities of nine students within the state. Alessandro Ralls, who is graduating this spring from the University of Nevada, Reno, with a doctorate in mechanical engineering, was one of this year’s select nine.

“It was a really great feeling,” Alessandro said. “I'm very grateful and feel honored to be able to receive this award."

Alessandro joined the University as a freshman and went on to earn his MBA before working on his doctorate. While working as a Ph.D. student, Ralls’ research consisted of a blend between mechanical engineering, materials science and electrochemistry fields. He largely focused his efforts on studying advanced materials manufacturing/processing technologies, understanding and controlling complex material degradation phenomena and exploring the structure-property relationships of engineering components.

Aside from his main doctoral work, Ralls also had the opportunity through his Ph.D. advisor, Mechanical Engineering Associate Professor Pradeep Menezes, to work on projects affiliated with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Nuclear Energy University Program (NEUP). Outside of his research, Ralls worked as a course lecturer for Mechanical Engineering Thermodynamics, as well as served as an active volunteer for university-based outreach programs and a mentor for undergraduate students in the mechanical engineering department.

“Among the many students that I've had the privilege to mentor, Alessandro stands out as the epitome of hard work and diligence,” Menezes said. “His unwavering passion, tireless work ethic and relentless pursuit of improvement have propelled him to remarkable achievements. I have no doubt that Alessandro will serve as an exemplary role model for future students both within the mechanical engineering department and in my own group for years to come.”

During his academic career, Ralls has mentored 11 undergraduate students, four high school students and one middle school student. He has published 29 peer-reviewed journal articles, delivered 14 research conference presentations, published one conference paper and published one book chapter. Ralls also has received 11 domestic and international awards for his research and academic performance while also being an active member of the Society of Tribology and Lubrication Engineers (STLE); the Minerals, Metals, & Materials Society (TMS); the American Society for Metals (ASM); and the Thermal Spray Society (TSS).

His end goal is to continue being involved in the mechanical engineering field and make a positive change in the community through his professional endeavors.