Class of 2025: Curiosity and a commitment to support propel Carlos Blank

By Ethan York and Leila Ugincius

Carlos Blank’s penchant for helping others has earned him the nickname “Alma de Dios” — soul or angel of God — among his peers.

“I make an effort to support anyone who asks for my help, and even those who don’t ask,” he said. “I live this way because, during different stages of my life, I also received unconditional help from others. I believe in the concept of ‘paying it forward.’”

As a doctoral student at Virginia Commonwealth University — he earned his Ph.D. this semester in mechanical and nuclear engineering from the College of Engineering — Blank, 35, became involved with the Vertically Integrated Projects program, which lets undergraduate students participate in interdisciplinary research projects. He worked closely with students from different majors to address challenging problems.

“Similarly, I have mentored high school students completing internships — sometimes for an entire summer, and others for shorter periods,” Blank said. “All these experiences have been tremendously satisfying because I get the chance to pass on my experience in the lab.

“I also learn so much from them, about their expectations, their goals and their life on campus,” he added. “I really love seeing them around campus and catching up; it makes me happy when they stop to say hi and tell me about their progress and new achievements.”

Blank has always had a passion for science and challenging projects.

“I have been curious about how things work for as long as I can remember,” he said. “In high school, I was drawn to physics and chemistry because they helped explain the world around me. That curiosity is what first led me to pursue engineering as a career.”

After receiving his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering at Universidad Simon Bolivar in his native Venezuela, Blank earned his master’s in engineering management from the University of Louisville as part of a dual-degree program with Quality Leadership University in Panama.

He then spent 10 years working in the food industry as a process engineer, specifically managing an edible-oil refinery.

“That role allowed me to apply the technical skills from my undergraduate studies to projects involving plant reliability, continuous improvement and the evaluation of new technologies,” Blank said. “But I also developed a passion for working with people in multidisciplinary teams. I learned how to communicate with different audiences, a skill that has been incredibly useful during my Ph.D.”

A conversation with close friend — and VCU alum — Ivan Carmona, Ph.D., put VCU’s Department of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering on Blank’s radar. 

“He mentioned a professor who was looking for new students to join his research team,” Blank said. “I was able to connect with Dr. Joao Soares, and he explained the exciting research opportunities available here.”

At VCU, Blank immediately found a passion in his Ph.D. studies. He also had the opportunity to work closely with Carlos E. Castano, Ph.D., and Karla Mossi, Ph.D.

Blank’s research focuses on studying new technologies that will enable the fabrication of materials with advanced characteristics for biomedical applications. Specifically, he studies the impact of new material architectures for producing alloys of titanium and copper that will exhibit enhanced features, including superior hardness and antibacterial properties, for use in biomedical implants.

“In simpler words, I am studying how to improve current fabrication methods for biomedical implants made of titanium, by adding a small amount of copper, and how that will bring more benefits to patients needing implants with advanced properties,” Blank said.

With his Ph.D. earned, Blank plans to continue his journey as a researcher, applying the knowledge and skills he acquired at VCU.

“Whether in industry or academia,” he said, “I want to work on technologies that directly benefit our society.”