UROP Leader Information Submission: Submission #298

First Name: John
Last Name: Polisknowski
Full name as you would like it to appear on the website: Jr Polisknowski
Preferred Pronouns: {Empty}
Hometown, State, and Country (ex: Tallahassee, FL, USA): Tampa, fl, USA
FSU email : jrp25d@fsu.edu
Please check this box if you are willing to be contacted by students interested in UROP: Yes
LinkedIn URL (optional): {Empty}
Major(s): Mechanical engineering  
Minor(s): Math, Physics, Art  
Graduation Semester and Year (ex: Fall, 2022): 2028
What is your current research focus?:
My current research focuses on high-temperature hydrogen effects in refractory metals. We expose materials such as niobium and tantalum to hydrogen in controlled furnace environments to study how elevated temperatures influence oxide stability, surface chemistry, and hydrogen uptake. The goal is to understand how hydrogen reduces protective oxide layers and alters material behavior, which is critical for applications in hydrogen turbine systems.

Are there any other research related activities you participate(d) in?:
I have also studied hydrogen engine systems, including work conducted at Tallahassee State College. This involved exploring how hydrogen is used as a fuel, as well as the design and operation of hydrogen turbines and engines, with a focus on efficiency, materials compatibility, and high-temperature performance in hydrogen-based energy systems. I have also studied crystal structures in materials, focusing on how atomic arrangement and bonding influence properties such as strength, diffusion, and chemical reactivity, especially under extreme conditions like high temperature and hydrogen exposure.

Answer one of the following two questions about being a UROP Leader or your UROP background. : How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader?
Please answer the question you selected above in the area provided.:
I hope to impact my UROP students by inspiring them to pursue their goals with confidence and curiosity. I want to encourage them to take initiative, explore research opportunities, and push beyond their comfort zones. By sharing my experiences and supporting their growth, I aim to motivate them to go out and achieve what they truly want.

Please list any other hobbies or interests you would like to share:
I am a member of the fencing club and car club at FSU, where I enjoy both the competitive and community aspects of each. I also participate in autocross events with my car, which allows me to develop my driving skills and engage with the motorsports community. In my free time, I enjoy playing video games, reading, and photography, particularly capturing landscapes and natural scenes.

Headshot: https://cre.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/urop_leaders_information/22299/jr.jpg
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2026Year2026: 2026
Approved: No
Update URL UROP Leaders: https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=_qd2hqiAwfnIIL-MAck6xnvBXAPSpHnOEdxrHF_5Pq8
Years as a UROP Leader: 2024-2025 and 2025-2026