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A collaboration between the University of Utah, Penn State, and Colorado-based company Elementum 3D has been awarded funding through NASA’s Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I program. The team will work together to advance the science of cold spray additive manufacturing for high-temperature alloys that can be used in the aerospace, space, defense, and energy industries. The announcement comes as NASA’s Artemis II mission returns astronauts to deep space, a milestone University of Utah researcher Dr. Suhas Eswarappa Prameela recently discussed in a local news interview (see below).
Manufacturing Challenges in Extreme Environments
In industries that operate under extreme thermal, mechanical, and oxidative environments, such as aerospace, defense, energy, and space propulsion, manufacturers and researchers face growing challenges in manufacturing high-performing and economically viable products.
In space propulsion systems, for example, reusable rocket engine components must survive repeated exposure to extreme temperatures and reactive environments without degradation. As NASA and industry partners push towards greater reusability and higher operating limits in these components, traditional materials and manufacturing approaches increasingly constrain service life and reliability.
These challenges have driven interest in advanced alloys and new manufacturing routes capable of enabling durable, repairable, and reusable components to be used in extreme environments.
A New Alloy in Additive Manufacturing
To meet these challenges, researchers use cold spray additive manufacturing techniques to develop components for rocket engines and other products designed to operate under extreme temperature, pressure, and stress.
Cold spray additive manufacturing, akin to 3D printing, deposits metal particles at high velocities to incrementally form dense coatings or bulk structures using a cold spray technique. This method works well for large or complex components, as it has higher deposition rates, minimal thermal damage, and fewer constraints on part size.
However, one of the challenges that comes with spray-based manufacturing is understanding how these metal particles bond, deform, or rebound upon impact, and how this in turn influences the performance of a product. Particle chemistry, microstructure, surface condition, impact velocity, and temperature all play critical roles in determining whether successful bonding occurs—all factors that are especially important for alloys designed for extreme environments.
With the recent development of NASA’s Commercial Invention of the Year, GRX-810, an alloy designed to withstand extreme temperature and oxidative environments, researchers are working to develop a scientific understanding of how the alloy’s particles bond during impact. This will eventually enable reliable manufacturing and repair pathways for components made of GRX-810, as the NASA-developed alloy has demonstrated exceptional performance in high-temperature applications.
A Partnership for Progress
Led by Elementum 3D, the STTR Phase I project brings together expertise from industry and academia, as the company, Penn State, and the University of Utah collaborate to explore spray-based manufacturing routes for GRX-810 with an end goal of optimization for manufacturing use.
Each organization plays a critical role in the project. Elementum 3D, based in Erie, Colorado, provides GRX-810 feedstock material and manufacturing perspective to both universities, while Penn State focuses on cold spray process development of the alloy.
Meanwhile, the University of Utah’s STARS Lab, directed by Dr. Suhas Eswarappa Prameela in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, contributes fundamental insight through tests on single particles using a novel Laser-Induced Particle Impact Test (LIPIT) system. These experiments test multiple variables that determine whether individual particles adhere, deform, or rebound during the cold-spray manufacturing process.
In a recent interview tied to the Artemis II launch, Prameela explained the broader significance of NASA’s return to the Moon, Utah’s longstanding role in propulsion systems, and the advanced materials needed for future lunar missions.
By combining their expertise and data, Elementum 3D, Penn State, and STARS Lab aim to map how material and processing parameters influence the bonding behavior of GRX-810. These results will guide future optimization of full-scale cold-spray manufacturing for these extreme temperature alloys.
Bridging Fundamental Science and Future Propulsion Systems
Collaborations like this highlight the critical role of academic laboratories in bridging basic science and applied research that confronts a pressing industry problem.
Dr. Suhas Eswarappa Prameela leads research that primarily focuses on understanding fundamental materials behavior under extreme conditions, while also contributing to applied challenges through partnerships with organizations like NASA.
“I think this confluence of basic and applied research is absolutely critical,” shared Dr. Eswarappa Prameela. “Our strength lies in understanding the fundamental physics, but programs like STTR allow us to translate those insights into manufacturing-relevant knowledge that industry and NASA can directly use.”
Advice for Postdocs and PIs
This process serves as translation guiding both basic and applied research, but it also gives researchers and PIs opportunities to work together to combat real and intricate problems that require innovative solutions. Dr. Eswarappa Prameela encourages early-career researchers to seek collaborations across disciplines and institutions.
“Complex problems like these cannot be solved in isolation,” he said. “Engaging with people who bring different tools, perspectives, and expertise is essential.”
Partnerships such as the one between the University of Utah, Penn State, and Elementum 3D enable teams to address problems that span across materials design, processing science, and manufacturing scalability.
The U’s Innovation Ecosystem
This collaboration is funded through NASA’s STTR Phase I program, which supports early-stage technology development through partnerships between research institutions and small businesses. Phase I supports projects like these for 13 months, with successful projects eligible to compete for a Phase II Award, which would support further development and scale-up.
As space and aerospace technologies continue to drive economic growth both nationally and in Utah, collaborations like this position the U of U to contribute foundational scientific insight into next-generation propulsion systems, including high-temperature materials and manufacturing approaches relevant to future rocket engine components for lunar and deep-space missions.
Learn more about NASA’s STTR Program.
The University of Utah has been named to the National Academy of Inventors’ (NAI) 2025 Top 100 U.S. Universities Granted U.S. Utility Patents list, further reinforcing its position as a national leader in research, innovation, and commercialization.
This latest recognition builds on the university’s previously announced placement among the world’s top institutions for U.S. utility patents. While that global ranking compares universities worldwide, the newly released Top 100 U.S. list focuses specifically on domestic institutions—highlighting the U’s strong impact within the United States innovation ecosystem.
Together, these rankings underscore the breadth and consistency of innovation at the U: competing on a global stage while also driving meaningful advancements at home.
Released annually and based on calendar year data from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), the NAI rankings spotlight universities that are translating research into patented technologies with real-world impact. The U’s inclusion reflects a sustained commitment to moving discoveries from the lab to the marketplace.
From pioneering medical devices and therapeutics to advances in engineering, software, and energy, University of Utah researchers are developing solutions that improve lives and strengthen the economy. This success is supported by a robust innovation ecosystem that empowers faculty, students, and industry partners to collaborate, launch startups, and scale new technologies.
“Being recognized both globally and nationally for our patent output speaks to the strength of our research enterprise and the real-world impact of our discoveries,” said Dr. Jamie P. Dwyer, Chief Innovation Officer at the U. “The U continues to be a place where ideas become innovations that benefit society.”
The Top 100 U.S. Universities list is one of three annual rankings published by the NAI and reflects the essential role that American universities play in advancing new technologies and supporting economic growth.
As the university continues to expand its research impact, these recognitions highlight a clear trajectory: the University of Utah is not only producing world-class research—it is delivering innovations that matter.
Learn more about University of Utah Innovation.
February 17th, 2026
The University of Utah today announced the appointment of Jamie P. Dwyer, MD as Executive Associate Vice President of Research and Interim Chief Innovation Officer, a newly elevated leadership role that reflects the continued growth, scale, and national impact of the University’s innovation ecosystem.
Dr. Dwyer will oversee the University’s innovation and commercialization enterprise, including the Technology Licensing Office, Utah Venture Hub, and related industry engagement activities. His appointment builds on the strong foundation established in recent years and aligns with the University’s long-term vision to accelerate the translation of research discoveries into societal and economic impact.
“Dr. Dwyer brings a systems-level view of innovation that reflects how discovery moves into impact,” said Erin Rothwell, Vice President for Research at the University of Utah. “Strategy 2030 calls for tighter integration across research and commercialization, and his leadership will help the University take that next step.”
The appointment reflects the continued evolution of the University’s innovation infrastructure as commercialization, startup activity, and industry partnerships have expanded in scale and complexity. Over the past decade, the University of Utah has emerged as a national leader in research commercialization and startup formation, with university innovations driving company creation, job growth, and long-term economic impact. This sustained success reflects a mature innovation ecosystem and aligns closely with the Vice President for Research strategy’s focus on impact-driven research, entrepreneurship, and cross-sector collaboration.
Experienced Leader at the Intersection of Research, Innovation, and Impact
Dr. Dwyer currently serves as Assistant Vice President for Clinical Research at University of Utah Health and Director of the Utah Data Coordinating Center (DCC), where he has led large, complex, multi-center research programs and overseen clinical trials funded by federal, philanthropic, and industry sponsors. A physician-scientist and innovation leader, Dwyer brings decades of experience working at the intersection of academia, healthcare systems and delivery, entrepreneurship, and regulatory science.
Throughout his career, Dwyer has translated academic discoveries into real-world impact, founding and scaling companies based on university intellectual property and working closely with investors, regulators, and industry partners. His experience spans technology development, clinical validation, and commercialization, giving him a practical understanding of how ideas move from research environments into products, and companies.
Dwyer has worked extensively with the University’s Technology Licensing Office both as an inventor and as a company founder, giving him firsthand experience with technology transfer from multiple perspectives. This background enables him to understand the needs of faculty innovators, startups, and external partners, and to strengthen the systems that support commercialization and entrepreneurship.
“What works as a pilot project does not always work at enterprise scale,” Dwyer said. “The University of Utah has reached a point where innovation requires coordinated strategy, clear pathways, and operational excellence. I’m excited to work with faculty, students, staff, and partners to build on what’s already strong and help ensure discoveries move efficiently from research to real-world impact.”
Building on Momentum
Dwyer succeeds Bruce Hunter, whose leadership helped strengthen the University’s commercialization infrastructure during a period of rapid growth and who was recently appointed Chief Innovation Officer at Tecnológico de Monterrey. The transition reflects the increasing integration of licensing, startup development, and innovation strategy as the University’s innovation ecosystem continues to mature.
“Jamie brings deep credibility and a clear understanding of how innovation works at scale,” said Bruce Hunter, Chief Innovation Officer at the University of Utah. “He understands both the systems and the people behind them, and he’s well positioned to build on the strong foundation already in place.”
In his new role, Dwyer will focus on strengthening pathways from discovery to commercialization, supporting faculty and founders as they move ideas toward real-world application, and deepening partnerships with industry. His work will also emphasize aligning innovation efforts with the University’s research priorities and broader economic development goals. Dr. James Hotaling will continue as Associate Vice President of Research Innovation and Translation and support commercialization alongside his new role leading innovation in the health system.
The University of Utah’s innovation enterprise supports advances across technology, energy, health and disease, and other sectors, while contributing to workforce development and regional economic growth.
“This role is about momentum,” Rothwell added. “Our innovation ecosystem is growing, and this leadership ensures we can support that growth strategically, sustainably and in alignment with the University’s mission.”
Media Contact: Amanda Ashley
About the University of Utah
The University of Utah is the state’s flagship institution of higher education, with 18 schools and colleges, more than 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs, and an enrollment of more than 38,000 students. It is a member of the Association of American Universities—an invitation-only, prestigious group of 71 leading research institutions. The U is advancing a new national model for higher education that delivers societal impact through education, research, health care, and community service, while making social, economic, and cultural contributions that improve lives across Utah and around the world.
About the Technology Licensing Office & Utah Venture Hub
The University of Utah Technology Licensing Office (TLO) and Utah Venture Hub (UVH) work together to accelerate commercialization of university innovations. As a leader in technology transfer, the TLO manages intellectual property and supports researchers in transforming discoveries into real-world solutions. The UVH provides resources for faculty entrepreneurs, startups, and investors to build successful venture-backable companies. Together, they help bridge the gap from research to market and drive economic growth.
About the Data Coordinating Center
The University of Utah Data Coordinating Center (Utah DCC) is a full-service academic research organization that operates a clinical and data coordinating center for research studies, from design and management to execution and analysis. Its missions is to harness the power of collaboration, to advance science, move society, and benefit humanity. The Utah DCC provides services such as data management, biostatistics, project management, IT expertise, and support for decentralized trials and digital health solutions, serving investigators and sponsors across academia, government, and industry.
