Media Release
Puttur, Nov 25: It’s a moment of pride for Dakshina Kannada and Puttur as one of its own, Dr Pradeep Lancy Menezes, has been appointed the founding editor-in-chief of Tribology and Interface, a new international journal published by Elsevier, one of the world’s largest scientific publishers.
The new journal, available on Elsevier’s ScienceDirect platform, focuses on tribology the science of friction, wear, and lubrication a field that influences everything from space exploration and biomedical implants to manufacturing, energy, and transportation. Dr Menezes’s appointment reflects his global reputation as a leading expert capable of guiding high-quality research in this critical discipline.
A native of Puttur, Dr Menezes is currently an associate professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), USA. He has earned worldwide recognition for his pioneering work in materials science, surface engineering, advanced manufacturing, and tribology. His research explores how materials behave when they slide, rub, or wear helping industries design more durable, efficient, and sustainable technologies.
Ranked among the top 2% of scientists worldwide (Elsevier–Stanford study, 2021–2025) and listed among the top 1,000 scientists in aerospace and mechanical engineering, Dr Menezes has published over 225 research papers, 10 books, and 43 book chapters, with his work cited more than 15,000 times globally. His innovations include bio-based lubricants for electric vehicles, smart coatings for advanced materials, and a patented “smart shoe” for the visually impaired.
Beyond research, Dr Menezes is deeply committed to teaching and mentorship, having guided several PhD and MS students. He has also played a key role in multi-million-dollar research projects funded by NASA, the US Department of Energy, and the National Science Foundation.
In recognition of his academic excellence and service, he has received multiple awards. His leadership extends beyond UNR—he also serves as associate editor for two major international journals (ASME Journal of Tribology and Tribology Transactions), and sits on the editorial boards of over ten journals in materials and coatings.
Dr Menezes’s journey began in Puttur, Karnataka, where he attended Mai De Deus Primary School, St Philomena’s High School, and St Philomena College before earning degrees from Mangalore University and NIT Surathkal. He completed his PhD at the prestigious Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, before moving to the United States for advanced research and teaching positions at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and the University of Pittsburgh.
He is the son of the late Fredrick Menezes and Cecelia Menezes, husband of Dr Mangalya D’Souza, and brother to Prof Prashanth Menezes (University of Berlin, Germany) and Dr Pramod Menezes (Germany). He is also the son-in-law of Gilbert and Diamond D’Souza of Mangaluru.