Sriram K

About Sriram K

I am a Master’s student in Aerospace Engineering at the University of Southern California (USC) with a strong research focus on metallurgy, metal additive manufacturing, and advanced aerospace materials. My work centers on understanding process–microstructure–performance relationships in additively manufactured metallic systems, with particular emphasis on aerospace-grade alloys operating under extreme thermal and mechanical environments. My research interests span metal AM process physics, microstructural evolution, and manufacturing-driven performance optimization.A core component of my research experience involves high-strength steel systems, including maraging steels, investigated in additively manufactured conditions. Through a metallurgy-first approach, I explore how advanced manufacturing routes can unlock new performance regimes while maintaining scalability, reliability, and manufacturability. More broadly, I am interested in advanced metallic alloys, high-temperature and refractory materials, and the challenges of defect mitigation, process stability, and qualification in aerospace metal AM.I have presented my research at international forums, including the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) and the USC Graduate Research Symposium, engaging with the global aerospace and materials research community. I am currently preparing for doctoral research pathways, with the long-term goal of advancing metal additive manufacturing and aerospace materials technologies for next-generation flight and space systems.At the core of my journey is a simple belief: Obsession beats Obstacles. I aim to pursue engineering problems that demand depth, resilience, and originality, building materials and manufacturing solutions that can operate where failure is not an option.

Experience

1. Graduate Course Grader

   Usc Viterbi Aerospace And Mechanical Engineering

   Aug 2025 — Present · Los Angeles, CA, US

   Graduate Course Grader – AME 554: Additive Manufacturing TechnologiesI serve as the course grader for AME 554 under Prof. Boris Fritz, a leading expert in aerospace additive manufacturing. I currently evaluate advanced coursework and design projects related to LPBF, SLA, FDM, DFAM, and material-process-performance optimization. I assist students by clarifying technical concepts, providing detailed feedback, and guiding their project execution—from STL validation to process selection. I help ensure academic integrity, timely assessment, and alignment with industrial AM practices. This role sharpens my skills in mentoring, additive manufacturing pedagogy, and quality evaluation while contributing to the academic and professional growth of the AM community at USC.

Education

• Sri Sairam Engineering College

  Bachelor of Engineering - BE

  2019 — 2023

• Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School

  High School Diploma

  2007 — 2019

• University of Southern California

  Master of Science - MS