Dr. Denny John is a Research Scientist in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Florida International University, specializing in solid-state additive manufacturing, functional coatings, and powder metallurgy. He earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering at FIU, where he advanced microstructure-engineered cold-sprayed high-strength aluminum alloys. His work spans cold spray, friction-stir processing, ceramic coatings, BNNT-reinforced composites, MAX-phase ceramics, and ISRU-based lunar regolith materials. Dr. John has served as a key researcher on major DARPA and U.S. Army Research Laboratory–funded projects, contributing extensively to ceramic deposition, nanocomposite processing, and AI-driven process optimization. His research includes significant experimental development in powder engineering, high-strain-rate deposition, and microstructural evolution. He has authored 29 peer-reviewed journal articles, holds 6 granted U.S. patents, and has accumulated over 300 citations. He is a Full Member of Sigma Xi, Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors, and a 2025 Purdue Trailblazers in Engineering Fellow. Dr. John also serves as reviewer for leading materials and manufacturing journals and contributes to the ASM Thermal Spray Society’s Accepted Practices Committee. His work supports next-generation structural and functional coatings for aerospace, defense, nuclear, and space applications.