Alumni Highlights: Dr. Josh O’Neal

Josh O’Neal earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science & Engineering with Dr. Lutkenhaus.

He is currently a Sr. Staff Research Engineer at Lockheed Martin and the founder of Kinetic Leadership. Read further to learn about his professional experience,  PhD experience at Texas A&M and his advice for current graduate students.

1.      Please provide us a brief information on your professional background and current role.

I joined Lockheed Martin in 2018, spending four years in the Skunk Works division, the company's legendary advanced development program, designing advanced materials for both legacy and next-generation platforms. In 2022, I moved into Corporate Operations, where I lead strategic initiatives focused on deploying automated systems to drive manufacturing efficiency across all Lockheed Martin business areas. In 2025, I founded Kinetic Leadership with a single mission: equipping the next generation of leaders to discover who they are, lead with character, and make a deeper impact in everything they do. As a Texas A&M graduate myself, holding a B.S. in Chemistry and a PhD in Materials Science & Engineering, I know firsthand the journey from Aggieland to the professional world.

2.      Please specify the major and degree you completed at Texas A&M University.

B.S. Chemistry (2013)

PhD Materials Science & Engineering (2018)

3.      What inspired you to pursue the degree?

Materials Science is a critical field with broad applications across nearly every major industry, and that range of impact is exactly what drew me to it. My undergraduate degree in Chemistry gave me a strong scientific foundation, and Materials Science & Engineering allowed me to take that foundation and apply it in meaningful, real-world ways. But honestly, what I didn't fully appreciate at the time was that technical expertise was only part of the equation. Learning to combine that knowledge with strong leadership and communication skills is what ultimately shaped my career, and it's a big part of why I'm passionate about developing the next generation of leaders today.

4.      What were your key experiences during your time at Texas A&M? Were you a part of any student organization?

I had several key experiences during my time at A&M. Working as an undergraduate researcher got me exposed to research and the type of work graduate students were involved in. That experience gave me more confidence in myself and pushed me to go beyond the undergraduate degree. Throughout my graduate program, I had the opportunity to mentor younger students and train several undergraduate researchers who later went on to earn advanced degrees. This mentoring experience fueled my desire to influence and equip people to lead themselves and others more effectively and played a role in starting Kinetic Leadership.

5.      Please tell us about your research work during your time at Texas A&M

I did my PhD research under Dr. Jodie Lutkenhaus, studying the physical and thermal properties of polyelectrolyte multilayers. My work explored the structural and thermal property responses of these multilayers to varying assembly and post-assembly environments.

6.      What is your advice for current graduate students?

Make the time to enjoy life during school. Believe it or not, this season of your life will end, and you will move on to the next phase of your development and career sooner than you realize. Learn as much as you can in areas that matter to you, both in your field of study as well as in areas of personal interest. Make friends and foster deep relationships. What you learn and do in this phase will carry over to the next. The relationships you build may be some of the most important ones in your life. Don’t waste this season!

7.      How do you feel about returning to campus for the ChEGSA Symposium?

I love Texas A&M. I love the energy of College Station. It is amazing to see all the growth and positive changes that have taken place since I graduated. The greatest excitement for me as a former student comes from having the opportunity to add value to current students and the College of Engineering as a whole.