Marcel Roy Domalanta, North Dakota State University
What drew you to study coatings or materials science specifically?
Coatings, especially color, have a quiet power. They can lift a mood, calm a mind, or even spark courage. I was drawn to coatings because they are more than just surfaces; they are silent storytellers. Color can speak to our emotions, influence our decisions, and shape our experiences. I wanted to work in a field where science meets emotion, where chemistry could translate into comfort, safety, and beauty. I found that in coatings.
What was the moment you realized coatings might be your career path?
It wasn’t a lightning bolt moment; it was a slow unfolding. But I remember standing in a lab, realizing that every object around me, from steel to plastic, wore a coating like armor. These weren’t just protective layers; they were the quiet guardians of our everyday lives. That’s when I knew: coatings weren’t just a subject I studied; they were a language I wanted to speak fluently for the rest of my career.
What’s been the most interesting lab or project you’ve worked on so far?
My favorite project has been a technoeconomic study of lithium-ion battery manufacturing, specifically the mixing, coating, and drying steps. I still smile at the irony: in batteries, the “electrode” is, quite literally, a coating. It was a beautiful moment of connection, realizing that the same principles that protect a bridge from rust also power the electric cars of tomorrow. That project taught me that coatings don’t just protect the present; they can energize the future.
Have you met people in the industry who’ve influenced or encouraged your path?
Yes, one conversation changed how I saw my work. A manager from a motor vehicle company said in a seminar, “A battery electrode is basically a coating.” That simple statement reframed my thinking entirely. It reminded me that science often hides in plain sight, disguised in different industries and applications. That perspective pushed me to bridge worlds to see coatings not as a niche, but as a universal science with endless possibilities.
Are there specific roles or companies you hope to work for after graduation?
I hope to work in electrochemistry applications, whether in corrosion prevention, energy storage, or clean energy innovation. These are not just jobs; they are roles that shape infrastructure, power mobility, and secure our sustainable future. I want to be part of teams that connect science with purpose, and purpose with progress. Wherever that is in industry, research, or a start-up, is where I want to be.
What kind of impact do you hope to make through your work in coatings?
I want to make life a little better, one color at a time. Coatings have the power to protect, to save energy, to prevent waste, but they also have the power to touch the human spirit. If my work can make someone feel safer or bring them joy without them even realizing it, then I’ve done my job.
Do you have a dream application or product you’d love to work on someday?
I dream of working on coatings that serve a double purpose, like battery electrodes that power the future, energy-efficient paints that cut emissions, or LiDAR-sensitive coatings that make autonomous vehicles safer. My dream is to make surfaces smarter, more sustainable, and more alive to the needs of the world around them.
How do you see your generation shaping the future of the coatings industry?
My generation is redefining what progress looks like. We’re not satisfied with performance alone; we want coatings that are sustainable, low-carbon, and locally sourced. We want solutions that protect the environment as much as they protect the product. And we have the tools, technology, and urgency to make that vision possible, not in the distant future, but now.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received about pursuing a career in coatings?
The best advice I ever got was, “Treat it as a game—one level at a time.” Science can be intimidating, but if you see it as a series of challenges to master rather than a mountain to climb, you not only learn faster, but you also enjoy the journey. Every problem solved becomes a victory worth celebrating.
What advice would you give a high school or first-year college student curious about this field?
Look around—The world is filled with coatings. The car you see, the phone you hold, and even the packaging around your food are all touched by this science. If you’re curious, start asking why and how those coatings work. This field is vast, creative, and deeply impactful. It’s time to coat the future, and you could be one of the ones holding the brush.
Marcel Roy Domalanta is a Ph.D. student in Coatings and Polymeric Materials at North Dakota State University, building on his M.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from the University of the Philippines Diliman. His work bridges electrochemistry, corrosion protection, and energy storage—from fluoropolymer-based smart coatings to cost‑optimized battery manufacturing. His interest is the intersection of science and sustainability, translating complex research into real‑world solutions.