FAMU-FSU Researcher Ezekiel Salama and Record-Setting Athlete Throws His Way to Success

Most days, Florida A&M University’s Ezekiel Salama is inside one of two places: a laboratory at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering or a throwing circle spinning with enough force to launch a hammer more than 200 feet through the air. 

A doctoral student in the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering, Salama is proving that he has the best of both worlds. Both demand precision. Both demand discipline. And both show the reward is worth the sacrifice. 

While conducting advanced materials research under the guidance of Professor Tarik Dickens, Ph.D., at the High-Performance Materials Institute, he is also building a championship legacy as one of FAMU Track and Field's most accomplished throwers.

"I first started track and field in middle school with hurdles, then transitioned to the triple jump," Salama said. "In high school, I began throwing the shot put and discus. It wasn't until college that I began throwing the hammer and the weight throw."

A three-time Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) champion and three-time silver medalist, Salama has set school records in the hammer and weight throw while maintaining a 4.0 grade-point average and contributing to cutting-edge engineering research.

His journey in track and field began long before he arrived at FAMU and the transition presented a steep learning curve, but Salama embraced the challenge.

"Through blood, sweat and tears, I was able to refine my technique," he said.

The hammer throw, which uses a 16-pound metal ball attached to a wire, and the 35-pound weight throw require a unique blend of strength, balance and technical precision. Salama believes the sport is deeply connected to the engineering principles he studies each day.

"For each throw, I have to create an orbit and keep the implement extended from my body while maintaining correct posture and explosiveness into the ground," he said.

Photo credit: Scott Holstein/FAMU-FSU College of Engineering

The combination of physics, rotational speed and controlled movement mirrors the analytical thinking he applies in the laboratory.

"When you hit your technical position, you automatically know it's going to be a good throw," he said. "I was taught to chase the feeling of a good throw rather than the distance. If you can continuously repeat that feeling, then you are golden."

That pursuit of consistency has fueled his success both on the field and in the classroom.

Salama said he chose FAMU and the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering because of the opportunities available through the unique partnership between two nationally respected institutions.

"Both universities are strong in research and academic excellence, and having two colleges in one is truly one-of-a-kind," he said. "From my perspective, I get the best of both worlds."

Salama’s research focuses on metal additive manufacturing, commonly known as metal 3D printing. The technology allows engineers to produce complex metal components with greater design flexibility while reducing production time, costs and material waste.

"We can build complex metal components at lower cost and with less material loss," he said. "Boat propellers, engine brackets and heat exchangers are just a few examples."

His work builds on previous experiences at Sandia National Laboratories, where he spent multiple summers supporting solar energy research. There, he analyzed weather data and predictive models to help identify optimal testing conditions for the facility's solar tower operations.

Ezekiel Salama describes his FAMU-FSU College of Engineering experience as the "Best of Both Worlds." (Photo by Scott Holstein/FAMU-FSU College of Engineering)

As he advances through his doctoral studies, Salama's focus has shifted toward reducing defects in additively manufactured metal components, an area of research with significant implications for industries ranging from aerospace to energy production.

Despite his many accomplishments, Salama credits his success to the support of others and to his faith.

"I would first like to thank God, who is the head of my life. If it were not for my faith in Christ, I would not have been here today." he said. "Day in and day out, there were times that I felt like throwing in the towel, but not by my own strength was I able to get through it."

He also expressed gratitude for his family, coaches, teammates, advisor and lab colleagues who have helped shape his journey.

"To think that I have been excelling in my academics, research and athletics is surreal," Salama said. "I am beyond grateful and blessed."

As he looks toward graduation, Salama hopes to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation through a career in research and development.

"I value being on the front lines of innovation and breaking through research," he said. "I envision myself working for a national laboratory or an organization that is leading the way in formulating new ideas and creating state-of-the-art technologies."

For students striving to balance competing demands and pursue ambitious goals, Salama offers a simple message.

"Do not lose faith," he said. "You are put in the position you are in for a reason. Make the best out of it and positively impact those around you. Continue to grind and show up day by day."

A three-time Southwestern Athletic Conference champion, Salama has earned multiple medals while maintaining a 4.0 GPA and conducting research at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. (Photos by Scott Holstein/FAMU-FSU College of Engineering)