My name is Santiago Lazarte, and I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering and am a recipient of the prestigious NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP). I currently serve as a Graduate Research Assistant in the Surface Interfaces and Materials Tribology Laboratory at Florida State University. My research focuses on thin coatings and solid lubricants, specifically analyzing their wear and friction properties under various environmental conditions. During my undergraduate years, I gained hands-on experience measuring the tribological behavior of materials designed for extreme environments, contributing to projects involving material sample preparation, testing, and data analysis. My academic interests include tribology, surface engineering, and materials for aerospace and biomedical applications. Outside the lab, I am passionate about problem-solving and continue to explore intersections between mechanics, materials science, and engineering innovation.