Mala Sharma

about

Mala M. Sharma, Ph.D. holds positions as Associate Research Professor and Division Head of Advanced Manufacturing and Materials Engineering (AMME) at The Pennsylvania State University’s Applied Research Laboratory (ARL). She leads multidisciplinary research and development in advanced manufacturing, materials engineering, corrosion, surface technologies, and technology transition in support of national defense priorities. Dr. Sharma brings more than 25 years of experience spanning academic research, government-sponsored programs, and industry collaboration, including 18 years as a faculty member in Mechanical Engineering at Bucknell University. Her technical expertise includes additive and advanced manufacturing, cold spray processing, materials characterization, coatings, and process–structure–property relationships. Since 2010, she has participated in the Defense Ordnance Technology Consortium (DOTC) as both a principal investigator and subcontractor, working with government, industry, and academic partners to advance defense-related technologies. Dr. Sharma is committed to strengthening collaboration across the defense innovation ecosystem, expanding academic engagement in consortium activities, accelerating technology transition, and developing the next generation of scientists and engineers.