Oscar Marcelo Suárez
Professor
Ph.D. University of Wisconsin-Madison

Office S-501, Stefani Building
Mayagüez, PR 00680
(787) 832-4040, Ext. 2350
E-Mail: msuarez@ece.uprm.edu

Professional Experience

• Associate Professor at the Department of General Engineering, Univ. of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez [July 2004 to date]
• Assistant Professor at the Department of General Engineering, Univ. of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez [Aug. 2000 - June 2004]
• Lecturer (Course MS&E 361 “Materials Laboratory II”) at the Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering, Univ. of Wisconsin – Madison [Jan. 2000 -May 2000]
• Teaching Assistant (Course MS&E 362 “Materials Laboratory III”) at the Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering, Univ. of Wisconsin – Madison [Sept. 1995 - Dec. 1995, Sept. 1996 - Dec. 1996, Sept. 1997 - Dec. 1997, Sept. 1998 - Dec. 1998, Sept. 1999 - Dec. 1999]
• Teaching Assistant (Course MS&E 361 “Materials Laboratory II”) at the Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering, Univ. of Wisconsin - Madison [Jan. 1996 to May 1996, Jan. 1997 - May 1997, Jan. 1998 - May 1998, Jan. 1999 - May 1999]
• Assistant Professor at the Dept. of Materials and Technology, at the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina, [Sept. 1986-Aug. 1990]

Professional Affiliations

• Materials Research Society, since 2007.
• Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST) since 2005.
• American Ceramics Society (ACerS) since 2005.
• American Society for Materials (ASM International) since 1990.
• The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) since 1990.
• The International Metallographic Society (IMS) since 2001.
• Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, since Jan. 1997.

Professional Preparation

• Ph.D. Degree, Metallurgical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, June 2000
• M.S. Degree, Metallurgical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, June 1993
• B.S. Degree, Aeronautical & Mechanical Engineering, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina August 1984

Peer-Reviewed Publications

• L. Olaya-Luengas, E. Estremera, L. Muñoz, O. M. Suárez, “Fabrication and Characterization of Squeezed Cast Aluminum Matrix Composites Containing Boride Reinforcements,” J Materials Engineering & Performance, (2010) [submitted].
• T. K. Adelakin, O. M. Suárez, “Study of Boride-Reinforced Aluminum Matrix Composites Produced via Centrifugal Casting,” Materials and Manufacturing Processes, 25 [8], (2010) [in print].
• H. E. Calderón Arteaga, R. G. I. Hidalgo, Z. H. Melgarejo, O. M. Suárez, “Effect of AlB2 - Mg Interaction on the Mechanical Properties of Al-Based Composites,” Materials Science & Engineering A, (2010) [in print] doi:10.1016/j.msea.2009.12.047.
• Z. H. Melgarejo, P. J. Resto, D. S. Stone, O. M. Suárez, “Study of Particle-Matrix Interaction in Al/AlB2 Composite via Nanoindentation,” Materials Characterization, 61 [2], (2010): pp. 135–140.
• O. M. Suárez, J. Vázquez, L. Reyes-Russi, “Synthesis and Characterization of Mechanically Alloyed Al/AlxMg1-xB2 Composites,” Science and Engineering of Composite Materials, 16 [4], (2009) [in print].
• R. Carrasquillo, R. Rivera, Y. Martínez, O. M. Suárez, “Tribological Comparative Study of the Effect of Boride and Silicon Particles on Aluminum Matrix Composites,” Science & Engineering of Composite Materials, 16 [4], (2009) [in print].
• D. Mazuera, O. Perales-Pérez, B. Rentería and O. M. Suárez, “Thermal Analysis of Polyimide-Cobalt Ferrite Nanocomposites, “ NANOTECH 2009, 2, (2009): pp. 467-470.
• J. E. Jakes, C. R. Frihart, J. F. Beecher, R. J. Moon, P. J. Resto, Z. H. Melgarejo, O. M. Suárez, H. Baumgart, A. A. Elmustafa, D. S. Stone, “Analysis of Nanoindentation Near Free Edges and Heterophase Interfaces,” Journal of Materials Research, 24 [3], (2009): pp. 1016-1031.
• H. Calderón Arteaga, O. M. Suárez, E. Barrios Zamudio, “Thermomechanical Effects on Aluminum Matrix Composites Reinforced with AlB2 Particles,” Journal of Composite Materials, 42, [25], (2008): pp. 2651-2672.
• Z. H. Melgarejo, O. M. Suárez, K. Sridharan, “Wear Behavior of Functionally Graded Al-Mg-B Composites Fabricated by Centrifugal Casting,” Composites Part A: Applied Science & Manufacturing, 39 [7], (2008): pp. 1150–1158.
• F. J. Acosta, J. Santos, O. M. Suárez, M. A. Pando, “Raising Awareness on Materials Recycling using Undergraduate Engineering Research,” International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 31 [3/4], (2007): pp. 325-341.
• A. Quispitupa, O. M. Suárez, S. Charca, B. Shafiq, O. Uwakweh, “Fatigue and Hydrogen Embrittlement of AF1410 Steel,” International Journal of Microstructure and Materials Properties, 2 [3/4], (2007): pp. 373-387.
• J. Santos, W. Crone, G. M. Zenner, O. M. Suárez, “Experiences in Advancing Materials Engineering Education in Public High School via Teachers’ Training,” Latin American and Caribbean Journal of Engineering Education, 1, [1], (2007): pp. 3-7.
• A. Quispitupa, B. Shafiq, O. Uwakweh, S. Charca, O. M. Suárez, “Effect of Hydrogen and Hold Time on the Fatigue Lifetime of AF1410 Aircraft Structural Steel,” Journal of Aircraft, 44 [2], (2007): pp. 453-458.
• J. Torres, S. Charca, O. M. Suárez, O. N. C. Uwakweh, “Numerical Approximation of Hydrogen Transport in Steels Using Java Programming,” Journal of Materials Education, 29 [3/4] (2007): pp. 201-214.
• R. G. I. Hidalgo, S. Pedraza, O. M. Suárez, E. E. Hellstrom, “Microcharacterization of Al-B-Cu Composites,” TMS Letters, 3 [2], (2006): pp. 59-60.
• A. Quispitupa, B. Shafiq, O. M. Suárez, O. Uwakweh, N. B. Duque, “Corrosion Fatigue of High Strength Aircraft Structural Alloys,” Journal of Aircraft, 43 [3], (2006): pp. 787-792.
• Z. H. Melgarejo, O. M. Suárez, K. Sridharan, “Wear Resistance of a Functionally-Graded Aluminum Matrix Composite,” Scripta Materialia, 55 [1], (2006): pp. 95-98.
• O. M. Suárez, I. M. Franco, R. Nieves Morales, “Undergraduate Research on Materials via Computer Modeling of Materials Processes: An Appealing Proposal for Initiating Faculty Members,” Journal of Materials Education, 27 [1-2], (2005): pp. 75-86.
• N. B. Duque, Z. H. Melgarejo, O. M. Suárez, “Functionally Graded Aluminum Matrix Composites Produced by Centrifugal Casting,” Materials Characterization, 55 [2], (2005): pp. 167-171.
• J. H. Botero, M. O. Valentín, O. M. Suárez, J. Santos, F. J. Acosta, A. Cáceres, M. A. Pando, “Shreded Tires: State of the Art, Current Situation and Possible Uses as Commodity in Puerto Rico,” Revista Internacional de Desastres Naturales, Accidentes e Infraestructura Civil, 5 [1], (2005): pp. 69-86.
• O. M. Suárez, “A Study of the Role of Diborides in the Heterogeneous Nucleation of Aluminum,” Revista de Metalurgia, Spain, 40 [3], (2004): pp. 173-181.
• O. M. Suárez, R. D. Kendrick, C. R. Loper Jr., “Como o Banho de Ferro Fundido Nodular Pós-Inoculado Reage às Adições de Enxofre,” Fundição e Serviços, 14 [137], (2003): pp. 22-34.
• O. M. Suárez, E. Barrios Zamudio, C. R. Loper Jr., “On Late Sulfur Addition and Graphite Morphology in High Carbon Ductile Irons,” Transactions of the American Foundry Society, 111, (2003): pp. 665-674.
• O. M. Suárez, J. Yupa Luna, H. Calderón Arteaga, “Precipitation Hardening in Novel Aluminum Matrix Composite,” Transactions of the American Foundry Society, 111, (2003): pp. 159-166.
• O. M. Suárez, D. Álvarez Ruiz, R. Agosto Sánchez, C. R. Loper Jr., “Modeling of Steel Scrap Dissolution in High Carbon Ferrous Melts,” Computers in Education Journal, 13 [3], (2003): pp. 2-12.
• O. M. Suárez, R. D. Kendrick, C. R. Loper Jr., “Late Sulfur Inoculation of Spheroidal Graphite Cast Irons,” International Journal of Cast Metals Research, 16 [1-3], (2003): pp. 1-7.
• O. M. Suárez, “Precipitation Hardening of a Novel Aluminum Matrix Composite,” Materials Characterization, 49 [2], (2003): pp. 187-191.
• O. M. Suárez, R. D. Kendrick, C. R. Loper Jr., “Wirkung von Schwefelzusätzen bei geimpftem Gußeisen mit Kugelgraphit," Giesserei-Praxis, [11] (2002): pp. 409-415.
• O. M. Suárez, D. S. Stone, C. J. Kailhofer, L. J. Casper, “Characterization of Commercial and Experimental Diodes,” J. Materials Education, 24, [4-6] (2002): pp. 245-254.
• O. M. Suárez, “Computation of Interdiffusion Coefficients in Binary Isomorphous Metallic Systems,” J. of Materials Education, 23 [4-6], (2001): pp. 179-188.
• O. M. Suárez, “Mechanical Properties of a Novel Aluminum Matrix Composite Containing Boron,” J. of the Mechanical Behavior of Materials, 12 [4], (2001): pp. 225-237.
• O. M. Suárez, C. R. Loper Jr., “Chill Wedge Test and Chilling Tendency in Gray Cast Irons,” Transactions of the American Foundry Society, 109, (2001): pp. 997-1008.
• O. M. Suárez, C. R. Loper Jr., “Production of Compacted Graphite Irons Through Two-Step Treatment Method,” Metallurgical Science and Technology, 19 [2], (2001): pp. 25-32.
• O. M. Suárez, C. R. Loper Jr., “Discussion of ‘The Role of Manganese and Copper in the Eutectoid Transformation of Spheroidal Graphite Cast Iron’," Metallurgical and Materials Transactions A, 32A [8], (2001): pp. 2131-2135.
• O. M. Suárez, R. D. Kendrick, C. R. Loper Jr., “Post-Inoculated Low Carbon Equivalent Ductile Iron Melts Treated with Minor Additions of Ferromanganese,” Transactions of the American Foundry Society, 108, (2000): pp. 39-46.
• O. M. Suárez, R. D. Kendrick, C. R. Loper Jr., “Late Sulfur Additions to Post-Inoculated High Carbon Equivalent Ductile Iron Melts,” Transactions of the American Foundry Society, 108, (2000): pp. 63-70.
• O. M. Suárez, R. D. Kendrick, C. R. Loper Jr., “A Study of Sulfur Effect in High Silicon Ductile Irons,” International Journal of Cast Metals Research, 13 [3] (2000): pp. 135-145.
• O. M. Suárez, R. W. Heine, C. R. Loper Jr., “Determination of Chilling Tendency of Base Iron Melts Through Thermal Analysis,” Transactions of the American Foundry Society, 107, (1999): pp. 679-684.
• O. M. Suárez, D. S. Stone, C. J. Kailhofer, “Measurement Of Electrical Resistivity in Metals and Alloys Using a Commercial Data Acquisition Software,” J. Materials Education, 20 [5&6], (1999): pp. 341-356.
• O. M. Suárez, C. R. Loper Jr., “Influence of Thermal Analysis Cup on the Assessment of Critical Temperatures upon Solidification of Cast Iron,” Transactions of the American Foundry Society, 105, (1997): pp. 929-937.

Non Peer-Reviewed Publications

• O. M. Suárez, “Materials at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez: A Model for Success,” JOM, 61 [10], (2009): pp. 22-25.
• C. A. Priotti, I. O'C. de Corradi, O. M. Suárez, "Grain Refinement and Modification of Al-Si Casting Alloys," Informe Nº 28. CIMM-A-007, Córdoba, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Industrial (1984).

Conference Proceedings

• N. Cortés, P. Barrado, S. de Hoyos, O. M. Suárez, “Thermo-Mechanical Characterization of Al-Cu-Mg Composites Reinforced with Diboride Particles," Conference Proceedings, Light Metals Division, TMS Annual Meeting, Seattle, WA, February 2010 [in print].
• L. Olaya-Luengas, E. Estremera-Pérez, O. M. Suárez, “Fabrication and Characterization of Squeezed Cast Aluminum Matrix Composites Containing Boride Reinforcements,” Conference Proceedings CD-ROM, Materials Science & Technology 2009 Conference & Exhibition, Pittsburgh, PA, October 2009: pp. 1856-1865, ISBN-13: 978-1-61503-006-4.
• L. Olaya-Luengas, R. Mendoza, C. S. Príncipe, O. M. Suárez, “Chemical Composition Effects on the Microstructure of Functionally-Graded Aluminum Matrix Composites,” Conference Proceedings CD-ROM, Materials Science & Technology 2008 Conference & Exhibition, Pittsburgh, PA, October 2008: pp. 2571-2576, ISBN-13: 978-0-87170-723-9.
• H. E. Calderón, C. Smith, O. Menéndez and O. M. Suárez, “Inoculation of Aluminum Alloys with Nanosized Borides and Microstructure Analysis,” Supplemental Proceedings Vol 3: General Paper Selections, TMS Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, March 2008: pp. 425-430.
• T. K. Adelakin, O. M. Suárez, G. Gutiérrez, “Influence of Centrifugal Casting Parameters on the Distribution of Reinforcing Particles in Aluminum Matrix Composites,” Supplemental Proceedings. Vol 2: Materials Charcterization, Computation and Modeling, TMS 2008, New Orleans, LO, March 2008: pp. 99-104.
• O. M. Suárez, J. Santos, S. Dika and E. Marrero, “Education and Outreach Program on Materials at the University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez,” Materials Research Society Symposium Proc., Vol. 1105, 1105-OO03-02, (2008).
• O. M. Suárez, J. Santos, W. C. Crone and G. M. Zenner, “Development and Optimization of Instruction Modules for High School Teachers on Materials Science and Engineering Education,” 9th International Conference on Engineering Education, San Juan, Puerto Rico, July 2006. CD-ROM, ISBN 1-58874-649-6.
• J. Santos, S. Pedraza, E. Marrero, O. M. Suárez, “Exposing High School Students to Materials Science and Engineering Concepts,” 9th International Conference on Engineering Education, San Juan, Puerto Rico, July 2006. CD-ROM, ISBN 1-58874-649-6.
• E. X. Colón Jiménez, O. M. Suárez, "Characterization of Heat-Treatable Aluminum Matrix Composite from Recycled Aluminum Can Alloys Containing Boron as Reinforcers," EPD Congress 2005, Mark E. Schlesinger Ed., TMS (The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society),.February 13-17, 2005: pp. 165-171.
• O. M. Suárez, S. Kiefer, H. E. Calderón, A. Quispitupa, “Interlacing Engineering Graphics in an Introductory Engineering Materials Course as Visualization Aid,” 2003 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Nashville, TN, June 2003 CD-ROM.
• O. M. Suárez, C. R. Loper Jr., “Sulfur Effect on the Solid State Transformation of High Silicon Ductile Irons,” XXI International Congress on Metallurgy and Materials, Instituto Tecnológico de Saltillo, Mexico, November 1999.
• O. M. Suárez, S. E. Babcock, “Assessment of Interdiffusion Coefficient Through Spreadsheet Implementation,” 1998 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference Proceedings, Seattle, WA, CD-ROM format, paper #1264-3.
• O. M. Suárez, J. H. Perepezko, "Microstructural Observation of Nucleants in Al-Ti-B Master Alloys," in “Light Metals 1992,” E. R. Cutshall, Ed., ASM International, Materials Park, OH, (1992): pp. 851-859.
  C. A. Lanzillotto, C. R. Oldani, O. M. Suárez, "Detachment of Hardened Layer in Nitrided Parts,” 1989 Argentine Metals Society Congress.
• J. E. Baldo, D. A. Pérez, O. M. Suárez, "Cavitation in Al Engine Cylinder Heads," 1989 Argentine Metals Society Congress.
• O. M. Suárez, J. A. Indovino, "Evaluation of Al Grain Refiners and Microstructural Study through Scanning Electron Microscopy," V Symposium on Aerospace Technology (1989), National Commission of Aerospace Investigation, Argentina.
• O. M. Suárez, "Efficacy Assessment Test of Aluminum Grain Refiners. Development and Application," 1988 Argentine Metals Society Congress.
• J. A. Indovino, O. M. Suárez, B. F. Buteler, "A Study of Al Grain Refiners by Scanning Electron Microscopy," 1988 Argentine Metals Society Congress.
• C. A. Priotti, I. O'C. de Corradi, O. M. Suárez, "Effect of Fe on the Mechanical Properties of Al-Si Casting Alloys," 1985 Argentine Metals Society Congress.
• C. A. Priotti, I. O'C. de Corradi, O. M. Suárez, "Considerations on the Degassing of Al Casting Alloys," 1985 Argentine Metals Society Congress.
• C. A. Priotti, I. O'C. de Corradi, O. M. Suárez, "Considerations on the Use of Sr in the Modification of Al-Si Alloys," 1984 Argentine Metals Society Congress.

Synergistic Activities

• Member of the Personnel Committee of the Dept. of Engineering Sciences and Materials, Univ. of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez [Aug. 2005 to date]
• Chair of the Graduate Studies Committee of the College of Engineering, Univ. of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez [Nov. 2004 to date]
• Visiting Professor (honorary), at the Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering, Univ. of Wisconsin – Madison [Jan. 2001 – Jan. 2003, July 2004 to date] 2
• Member of the Faculty Affairs Committee of the College of Engineering, Univ. of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez [Nov. 2002 to Sept. 2004]
• Member of the ad hoc Materials Science Committee dedicated to create a campus-wide multidisciplinary graduate program at the Univ. of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez [Dec. 2000 – to date].
• Coordinator of the Engineering Materials Committee at the Dept. of General Engineering, Univ. of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez [Sept. 2000 – March 2003]
• Member of the Committee for ABET 2002 of the Coll. of Engineering, Univ. of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez [Sept. 2000 - March 2003]
• NSF Panelist of REU program, Division of Materials Research, 2006.
• Reviewer of the Journal of Materials Processing Technology, Elsevier Publ., since 2006.
• Technical Committee Co-Chair of the 2006 International Conference on Engineering Education, San Juan, Puerto Rico, July 23-28, 2006.
• Technical Committee Co-Chair of the 2006 International Conference on Engineering Education, San Juan, Puerto Rico, July 23-28, 2006.
• Organizing Committee Member of the XXIII Southeastern Conference on Applied and Theoretical Mechanics, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, May 22-23, 2006.
• NSF Panelist of PREM program, Division of Materials Research, 2006.
• Founding Faculty Mentor of the Material Advantage Student Chapter of the University of Puerto Rico– Mayagüez [Summer 2004 to date]
• Reviewer of the Journal of Materials Science, Springer-Verlag Publ., since 2004.
• Co-Founder and Officer of the Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison Graduate Student Chapter of the American Society for Engineering Education [Feb. 1996 –May 1997]

Theses and Dissertation Supervised

• N. Cortés, “Thermomechanical Characterization of Polymer-Based Nanocomposites for Device Fabrication,” M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Univ. of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez (2011) [ongoing]
• (Co-advisor) Z. H. Melgarejo Pinto, “Nanoindentation of the Al-B-MgAlloys,” PhD in Materials Science, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison (2011) [ongoing].
• G. Ramos Rivera, “Fabrication of Metal-Polymer Nanocomposites,” M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Univ. of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez (2010) [ongoing]
• R. G. I. Hidalgo Hernández, “Wear of Al-B-X Composites for Lunar Exploration,” M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Univ.of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez (2009)
• H. E. Calderón Arteaga, “Effect of High Loading Rates in Al-B Composites,” PhD in Civil Engineering, Univ. of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez (2009)
• L. Olaya Luengas, “Fabrication of Al Matrix Composites via Squeeze Casting,” M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Univ.of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez (2009)
• T. K. Adelakin, “Fabrication of Al Matrix Composites via Centrifugal Casting,” M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Univ. of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez (2009)
• (Co-advisor) P. J. Resto, “Nanoindentation of the Aluminum Diboride Phase in an Aluminum-Aluminum Diboride Composite,” M. S. in Materials Science, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison (2007).
• S. R. Pedraza Torres, “Rapid and Directional Solidification of Al-B-Based Composites,” M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Univ.of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez (2007)
• L. Reyes Russi, “Synthesis and Characterization of Al-B-X Nanocomposites,” M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Univ. of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez (2007)
• Z. H. Melgarejo Pinto, “Functionally-Graded Aluminum Matrix Composites for High Wear Aerospace Applications,” M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Univ.of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez (2006)
• N. Duque Rojas, “AFM Studies on Fractured Surfaces of AF1410 Steel and AA7075-T6 Aluminum Alloy,” M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Univ. of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez (2006)
• J. Yupa Luna, “Corrosion Behavior of Al-Cu-B Composites in 3.5% NaCl Solution,” M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Univ. of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez (2004)
• H. E. Calderón Arteaga, “Mechanical Deformation Effects on Heat-Treated Aluminum Matrix Composites,” M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Univ. of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez (2004)

Awards and Honors

• 2008-2009 Distinguished Professor, in recognition for outstanding academic achievements awarded by the Dept. of General Engineering, Univ. of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, May 2009.
• 2004-2005 Distinguished Professor, in recognition for outstanding academic achievements awarded by the Dept. of General Engineering, Univ. of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, May 2005.
• Monthly World Most Relevant Article on Foundry Issues, acknowledged by the Fundidores magazine, Madrid, Spain for the article “Late Sulfur Inoculation of Spheroidal Graphite Cast Irons,” published in Intl. J. of Cast Metals Research, 16, (2003): pp. 1-7.
• 2002-2003 Distinguished Professor, in recognition for outstanding academic achievements awarded by the Dept. of General Engineering, Univ. of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, May 2003.
• Monthly World Most Relevant Article on Foundry Issues, acknowledged by the Fundidores magazine, Madrid, Spain for the article “Late Sulfur Additions to Post-Inoculated High Carbon Equivalent Ductile Iron Melts,” published in AFS Trans, 108, (2000): pp. 63-70.
• Excellence in Teaching Award in recognition for outstanding teaching at the Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison, conferred by the Graduate School, University of Wisconsin-Madison, May 2000.
• Outstanding Teaching Assistant awarded by Polygon Engineering Council of the College of Engineering, Univ. of Wisconsin-Madison, April 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000 (i. e. for 5 consecutive years).
• First Prize “Excellence in Metallography” in the 1999 Merrill E. Scheil Metallography Contest organized by the American Society for Materials - Milwaukee Chapter on May 11, 1999 for the poster “Electron Channeling Contrast Application to the Analysis of Grain Structures in Ceramic and Metallic Materials.”
• Honorable Mention in the Color Microscopy Class at the 1997 International Metallographic Contest jointly sponsored by the International Metallographic Society and the American Society for Materials in Seattle, WA in July 1997 for the poster “Metallographic Study of an Al-Cu-B Alloy.”
• Second Prize in the 1992 Powder Metallurgy Metallography Competition, organized by the American Powder Metallurgy Institute, during the 1992 Powder Metallurgy World Congress in San Francisco, CA, in June 1992.
• Best Article on Aluminum, awarded by the Argentine Chamber of Aluminum Industry, for the paper "Efficacy Assessment Test of Al Grain Refiners. Development and Application" presented during the 1988 Argentine Metals Society Congress.
• Highest GPA in Aeronautical & Mechanical Engineering – Class of 1984 at the Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina

Major Grants Awarded

• Research Initiation Grant, Society of Manufacturing Engineers. Project: “Development of Heat Treatable Aluminum Matrix Composites,” O. M. Suárez (P.I.). Amount: $36,200 [May 2001 - May 2002]
• Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP), US Dept. of Education, Project: “Materials Science and Engineering Education Improvement for a Hispanic-Serving Institution,” O. M. Suarez (P. I.), O. Uwakweh, B. Shafiq, M. A. Arocha, E. Bonifaz, and M. Tomar. Amount: $466,686 [Oct. 2002 – Oct. 2005].
• US Navy HBCU/MI Research and Education Program. “Lifetime Assessment of Landing Gears and Arresting Shanks: An Innovative Methodology,” B. Shafiq (P.I.), O. M. Suárez, O. Uwakweh. Amount: $593,935 [April 2003 – Sept. 2005]
• Research Grant, EPSCoR. Project: “Manufacturing of a Low Density Heat-Treatable Aluminum Matrix Composite Containing Boron for Aerospace and Automotive Applications,” O. M. Suárez (P.I.) Amount: $162,200 [Jan. 2004 - December 2005].
• Puerto Rico Space Grant Consortium IDEAS Program. Project: “Synthesis and Characterization of Functionally-Graded Aluminum Matrix Composite for High Wear Resistance in Aerospace Applications,” O. M. Suárez (PI), G. Gutiérrez, K. Sridharan. Amount: $60,000 [May 2006-April 2007].
• NSF-MRI Program. Project: “MRI: Acquisition of an X-ray Diffraction Unit with in Situ DSC and Reaction Capabilities for Nanotechnology and Materials Science Research at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez,” A. Hernández (PI), M. M. Martínez, O. M. Suárez. Amount: $340,000 [Aug. 2006-July 2009].
• NSF-REU Program: “REU: Research Experiences for Undergraduates and Teachers in Functional and Nanostructured Materials at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez,” C. Rinaldi (PI), A. Hernandez, O. M. Suárez. Amount: $249,000. [Aug. 2006-July 2009]
• NSF Partnership for Education and Research in Materials Program. Project: “Synergistic Partnership for Research and Education on Functional and Nanostructured Materials,” O. M. Suárez (P.I.), O. Uwakweh, O. Perales, J. Santos, E. Hellstrom. Amount: $2,700,000 [April 2004 - March 2010].
• DoD HBCU/MI ISP. Project: “A Research and Education Thermomechanometry Hub at the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez,” O. M. Suárez (PI), O. Perales, M. A. Pando, Y. Li, F. J. Acosta. Amount: $190,431 [Sep. 2007- Aug. 2008].
• NSF-CREST. Project: “Nanotechnology Center for Biomedical and Energy Driven Systems and Applications,” O. M. Suárez (PI), C. Rinaldi, A. Hernández, O. Perales, J. Santos. Amount: $5,000,000 [Sept. 2008 – Aug. 2013].
• NSF-MRI. Project: “MRI: Acquisition of a Nanoindentation System for the Enhancement of Interdisciplinary Research in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez,” A. Padovani (PI), O. M. Suárez, N. Sepúlveda, P. Quintero, F. Acosta. Amount: $184,871 [Oct. 2008 – Sept. 2011].