Dear Professor Frecker, 

I am seeking a PhD position in your research group. Currently I am doing my masters in the
Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of North Dakota. My current CGPA is
3.87 and my GRE score is 1310 (Quant 770, Verbal 540, AWA 3.0). I will be graduating in the
December 2014.
 
I can synthesis material from raw powder, have learnt to design composites of metal-matrix,
ceramic-matrix, polymer based systems, learnt about different characterization techniques
(FTIR, SEM, TGA/DSC ), design of experiment and data analysis using Minitab.
 
We have submitted our works in different peer reviewed journals. The list as follows:
 
· Gupta, S. and Riyad, M. F. (2014), Oxidation-induced Sintering: An Innovative Method for
Manufacturing Porous Ceramics. International Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology. doi:
10.1111/ijac.12282
·  S. Gupta, T. Hammann, R. Johnson, M. F. Riyad, "Novel Self Lubricating Ti3SiC2 (Natural
Nanolaminates) Reinforced Epoxy Composites", Tribology Transactions (accepted)
· M. F. Riyad, S. Gupta, "On the Usage of Class C Fly Ash as a Sole Source of Cementitious
Phase", International Journal of Cement and Concrete Research (submitted)
· S. Gupta, T. Hammann, R. Johnson, M. F. Riyad, "Novel Al Matrix Composites Reinforced with
Ti3SiC2 (Nanolaminates) Particulates", Journals of Materials Engineering and Performance
(submitted)
·  M. F. Riyad, S. Gupta, " Novel Engineered Cementitious Materials by Using Class C Fly Ash”
(manuscripts under preparation)
 
We have submitted one patent application as follows:
Low-Alkali Fly Ash Cement and Method of Making
United States 13/935,078 (filed)
Inventor: Dr. Surojit Gupta & M Faisal Riyad
 
I am open to any kind of research project. I believe all my above mentioned experience and set
of skills will help me to work as a PhD student with your research team. I am looking forward to
hear from you.   
 
Thanks,
M Faisal Riyad
Graduate Research Assistant
Advanced Materials Research Group
University of North Dakota