Surface Engineering and Tribology

Dr. Pradeep L. Menezes is an esteemed Associate Professor in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), where he has served since 2015, first as an Assistant Professor and currently in his advanced role since 2021. Prior to joining UNR, Dr. Menezes held key academic and research positions, including Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering Department and Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (2008–2015). His academic journey also includes a postdoctoral research appointment in the Industrial Engineering Department at the University of Pittsburgh in 2008.

A prolific researcher in the fields of tribology, surface engineering, and materials science, Dr. Menezes has published over 215 peer-reviewed journal articles, more than 125 conference papers, and authored or edited 10 books—including Tribology for Scientists and Engineers (Springer, 2013), Self-Lubricating Composites (Springer, 2022), and Tribocorrosion – Fundamentals, Methods, and Materials (Elsevier, 2021). He has also contributed 43 book chapters and edited 10 special issues across renowned journals on advanced coatings and materials. His scholarly work has garnered over 14,000 citations on Google Scholar, with an impressive h-index of 58, highlighting his significant impact in the engineering community. In addition, he is the holder of a granted patent.

Dr. Menezes’s leadership in academia is reflected not only through research but also through his substantial contributions to education and mentoring. He has developed and taught over 10 graduate and undergraduate courses—such as Advanced Tribology and Surface Engineering—and successfully advised three Ph.D. and ten M.S. students. His engagement with undergraduate research is equally notable, having supervised numerous capstone projects and mentored NSF/NASA interns.

Beyond academia, Dr. Menezes has played a vital role in securing and executing multidisciplinary research projects exceeding $10 million in funding, with his share contributing over $3 million. These projects span collaborations with NASA, NSF, DOE, NRC, and industrial partners, underscoring his commitment to bridging research and application. His contributions have led to innovations in bio-based lubricants for EVs and wind turbines, electropolishing techniques for 3D-printed components, peening methods to mitigate stress corrosion in nuclear canisters, and sustainable approaches to battery recycling and plastic waste products.

Dr. Menezes has received multiple honors for his scholarly and mentoring excellence. These include the College of Engineering Faculty Career and Staff Enhancement Award (UNR, 2022), repeated recognition as one of the top 2% of scientists worldwide by Elsevier (2021–2025), and ranking among the top 1,000 scientists in aerospace and mechanical engineering (Research.com). His dedication to student success is evident in advising two Ph.D. recipients who earned the Sam Lieberman Regents’ Award (2022, 2024).

A dedicated contributor to scholarly communication and professional service, Dr. Menezes serves as Associate Editor for both the ASME Journal of Tribology and Tribology Transactions (STLE), and sits on the editorial boards of more than 10 journals, including Materials and Coatings. He has reviewed over 100 research grant proposals for prestigious agencies such as NSF, DOE, USDA, and NASA, and regularly participates in national and international conferences, organizing sessions, reviewing papers, and chairing discussions for STLE, TMS, and MS&T. He has delivered over 15 invited talks and keynote addresses across leading institutions.

His outreach initiatives include hosting high school workshops, judging science fairs, leading Nevada Bound Tours, and conducting summer manufacturing camps—all aimed at inspiring future generations in STEM. He actively collaborates with industry on innovations in tribology, additive manufacturing, electric vehicle batteries, and sustainable lubrication technologies.

Dr. Menezes's career exemplifies a rare blend of scholarly excellence, visionary research leadership, and deep commitment to education and public engagement.