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How Roque Santiago's Research Took First at Industry Competition

Posted By Alfred University

Jul 20, 2026 | Current Students Engineering General Blogs Graduate & Continuing Studies Liberal Arts & Sciences

For engineering students, classroom learning is only part of the story. Some of the most valuable experiences happen when students take their research beyond campus and share it with professionals shaping the future of their field. When Alfred University alumnus and graduate student Roque Santiago '25 recently took first place in the inaugural student poster competition at the 2026 Ceramics Expo in Cleveland, he earned recognition for research that could contribute to the next generation of lithium-ion batteries. His achievement highlights not only the impact of undergraduate and graduate research at Alfred, but also the opportunities students have to engage directly with industry leaders and emerging technologies.

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Researching Better Batteries

Roque's award-winning poster, Structural Optimization Enables Fast Lithiation of Wadsley-Roth Shear Phases, focused on advanced oxide ceramic anode materials for next-generation lithium-ion batteries. The research is conducted under the supervision of Professor of Materials Science and Engineering Scott Misture.

The work explores ways to improve battery performance through controlled modifications to the material's structure.

“The research focuses on improving next-generation battery materials that could help enable faster-charging and longer-lasting lithium-ion batteries,” Roque explained. “Specifically, we study how introducing defects into these materials in a controlled manner can actually improve their performance.”

As demand continues to grow for electric vehicles, portable electronics, and energy storage systems, improvements in battery technology have become increasingly important. Santiago's research addresses challenges that extend well beyond the laboratory and into industries that power everyday life.

Competing on an Industry Stage

main photo for story on Roque Santiago winning poster session at Ceramics Expo — Roque Santiago ’25 at the 2026 Ceramics Expo in Cleveland, with Andrew Tucker, exhibition director for the Expo, and Arthur Daly, senior director, Corporate Engagement Center, Case Western Reserve University.

The 2026 Ceramics Expo marked the first year the event included a student poster competition. Eleven students from Alfred University, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, and The Ohio State University participated, presenting their research to a panel of industry experts and judges.

Participants were challenged to explain their work in a fast-paced, one-minute lightning pitch format, emphasizing not only scientific knowledge but also communication skills and real-world relevance. Judges evaluated presentations based on application, commercial value, and industry impact. Roque's project ultimately earned top honors.

The experience gave him an opportunity to connect his research to broader conversations taking place across the ceramics and materials industries.

“The Ceramics Expo was a fantastic experience,” Roque said. “It was inspiring to see the technology being developed within the ceramics industry and to speak with leaders in the field.”

Building on a Strong Foundation

Santiago's success at Ceramics Expo is only one part of an already impressive academic journey.

After earning bachelor's degrees in ceramic engineering and physics from Alfred University in 2025, he continued into the university's master's program in ceramic engineering.

As an undergraduate, he was an Honors Student and received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Student Excellence, the highest honor awarded to SUNY students.

His research experience has also included work at Alfred University's Space Materials Institute, where he served as lead engineering intern for Blue Star Advanced Manufacturing and contributed to research involving lunar regolith simulants for future lunar construction applications.

Outside the lab, Santiago was a four-year member of the Alfred University football team and now serves as an assistant coach for the Saxons.

Why It Matters

For students considering engineering, materials science, or ceramics, opportunities like the Ceramics Expo can be transformative.

Presenting research to industry professionals helps students develop skills that extend beyond technical expertise. They learn how to communicate complex ideas, connect their work to real-world challenges, and engage with potential employers and collaborators.

photo of Roque Santiago discussing his research at Ceramics Expo — Roque Santiago ’25 discusses his research with a visitor during the 2026 Ceramics Expo in Cleveland.

Roque found particular value in sharing Alfred's research with a broader audience.

“The student poster and pitch competition was especially rewarding because it gave me the chance to share some of the impactful work being done in our labs while also continuing to develop my presentation and communication skills,” he said.

Looking Ahead

As Roque works toward completing his master's degree, he is exploring future opportunities in materials research and development, particularly in energy storage and aerospace materials.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to grow professionally and seeing where those opportunities lead,” he said.

His journey reflects what can happen when students combine rigorous research, hands-on experience, and a willingness to share their work beyond campus. From the classroom and research lab to an industry-wide competition, Roque's success is a reminder that innovation often starts with students willing to tackle complex problems and communicate their ideas to the world.

This post was inspired by an article in Alfred University News.