Ceramic Tech Chat

Ceramic and glass manufacturing is a broad field that offers many opportunities for a fulfilling career. Tim Powers, retired engineering design lead at Owens Corning, shares his personal experiences working on some of the most well-known products produced by Corning and Owens Corning and describes how he is now supporting the next generation of the ceramic and glass workforce through the Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation.View the transcript for this episode here.About the guestTim Powers (retired) was the engineering design lead for glass furnace rebuilds in the Insulation Division at Owens Corning. Throughout his career at Corning and Owens Corning, he worked on some of the companies’ most well-known products, including catalytic converter substrates, Pyrex, and fiberglass insulation. He currently serves as chair-elect of the Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation Board.About ACerSFounded in 1898, The American Ceramic Society is the leading professional membership organization for scientists, engineers, researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, and students working with ceramics and related materials.

Breath and gas-based diagnostic tools have the potential to revolutionize medical monitoring and diagnosis. Perena Gouma, the Edward Orton Jr., Chair in ceramic engineering at The Ohio State University, describes how she became interested in this area of research, explains how electrospinning can be used to fabricate components for these devices, and shares her passion for educating students and the public about these discoveries.View the transcript for this episode here.About the guestPerena Gouma is the Edward Orton Jr., Chair in ceramic engineering at The Ohio State University. Her research involves using the nanomanufacturing technique of electrospinning to fabricate ceramics and composites for use in biomedical and environmental applications, including breath and other gas analysis devices. Recently, in collaboration with the Edward Orton Jr. Ceramic Foundation, her group developed a high-throughput electrospinning setup that opens the door to widespread use of this technique.About ACerSFounded in 1898, The American Ceramic Society is the leading professional membership organization for scientists, engineers, researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, and students working with ceramics and related materials.

Energy conversion technologies such as fuel cells and photocatalysts have great potential in the future of zero-carbon transportation. Scott Misture, Inamori Professor of materials science and engineering at Alfred University in New York, discusses the benefits and challenges of adopting this technology, describes how he uses diffraction techniques to study materials for energy conversion applications, and shares his thoughts on the personal and broader benefits of being involved in the materials science community.View the transcript for this episode here.About the guestScott Misture is an Inamori Professor of materials science and engineering at Alfred University in New York. His research involves using diffraction techniques to study the dynamic behavior of ceramics and glasses related to energy conversion devices. He is currently chair of the International Center for Diffraction Data, a nonprofit scientific organization dedicated to collecting, editing, publishing, and distributing powder diffraction data for the identification of materials.About ACerSFounded in 1898, The American Ceramic Society is the leading professional membership organization for scientists, engineers, researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, and students working with ceramics and related materials.

We currently live in the Age of Plastics, but the recent push to produce and consume materials more sustainably means a new materials age is up for grabs. Trudy Kriven, the Donald Biggar Willett Professor of materials science and engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, shares how her passion for research led her on a globetrotting adventure from Australia to Illinois, describes how she now focuses that passion on advancing the development of geopolymers, and explains how she transitions this technology into commercialization through her company Keanetech.View the transcript for this episode here.About the guestTrudy Kriven is the Donald Biggar Willett Professor of materials science and engineering at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Her research involves phase transformations in inorganic compounds and their applications in structural ceramic composites, geopolymers, and low-temperature synthesis of oxide ceramic powders. Since 2004, she has run a company called Keanetech to transition technologies her group developed at the university into commercialization.About ACerSFounded in 1898, The American Ceramic Society is the leading professional membership organization for scientists, engineers, researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, and students working with ceramics and related materials.Update 10/03/2024 – Episode updated to better reflect historically accurate information.

Improving glass recycling rates in the United States is an important but complicated task. Collin Wilkinson, assistant professor of glass science at Alfred University, shares how he became interested in this topic, describes how he uses both modeling and experimentation to develop sustainable solutions, and discusses the importance of involving undergraduate students in the research process.View the transcript for this episode here.About the guestCollin Wilkinson is assistant professor of glass science and director of the Center for Glass Innovation at Alfred University in New York. He uses both modeling and experimentation to address sustainability challenges in the glass industry, with a focus on glass recycling. He is also involved in building up the Summer Research Institute at Alfred University, which offers unique learning opportunities and research experiences for undergraduate students.About ACerSFounded in 1898, The American Ceramic Society is the leading professional membership organization for scientists, engineers, researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, and students working with ceramics and related materials.

Many rural communities have a great need for expanded access to STEM education. Katrina Donovan, faculty member in the Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, discusses her expansive background across different materials, describes her current research on using local materials to create clays and ceramic glazes, and shares her numerous STEM outreach programs to help inspire and teach students and educators across the state.View the transcript for this episode here.About the guestKatrina Donovan is faculty member in the Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. Her current research focuses on using local materials to make clays and ceramic glazes. She is passionate about STEM outreach and runs several different programs to support science education in her local community. Learn about some of these programs: STEM experiences for high school students in partnership with the U.S. Army; National Science Foundation grant to incorporate creative ceramic and glass science elements into the undergraduate materials engineering curriculum; and National Science Foundation grant to establish an educational research experience for students that is tied to local South Dakota geology and culture.About ACerSFounded in 1898, The American Ceramic Society is the leading professional membership organization for scientists, engineers, researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, and students working with ceramics and related materials.

Machine learning has the potential to play a big role in the future of materials discovery and development. Sergei Kalinin, Weston Fulton Professor of materials science and engineering at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, shares how his development of advanced scanning probe microscopy techniques led to an interest in machine learning and describes some of the benefits, limitations, and challenges of adopting machine learning for materials research.View the transcript for this episode here.About the guestSergei Kalinin is Weston Fulton Professor of materials science and engineering at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and chief scientist in artificial intelligence and machine learning for physical sciences at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. He previously helped develop several advanced scanning probe microscopy techniques when working at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and he now investigates the use of machine learning methods to improve the technique’s downstream applications for materials discovery and optimization. He taught a course on automated experimentation through the ACerS Online Learning Center in spring 2024, and he will teach another course on scanning probe microscopy this fall.About ACerSFounded in 1898, The American Ceramic Society is the leading professional membership organization for scientists, engineers, researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, and students working with ceramics and related materials.

There are many ways for students and young professionals to network and build relationships with others in the materials science community. Alessandro De Zanet, Materials Research Fellow at Leonardo Labs, explains how networking led to his involvement in the ceramics field, describes some of the communities he’s involved with in ACerS, and previews the reimagined annual student section of the upcoming June/July 2024 ACerS Bulletin.View the transcript for this episode here.About the guestAlessandro De Zanet is Materials Research Fellow at Leonardo Labs in Rome, Italy. His research is focused in two areas: adhesion technologies for coatings and for joining of dissimilar materials, and ceramics and ceramic matrix composites. He is currently chair of ACerS Young Professionals Network, and he will be one of the featured authors in the “Emerging Professionals” section of the upcoming June/July 2024 ACerS Bulletin, which publishes June 6.About ACerSFounded in 1898, The American Ceramic Society is the leading professional membership organization for scientists, engineers, researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, and students working with ceramics and related materials.

Embracing spontaneity in research and networking can be the first step to a successful career. Jessica Rimsza, staff scientist at Sandia National Laboratories, discusses her work on modeling disordered and complex material systems, describes what is involved in organizing a scientific conference, and explains how joining a professional society can help young researchers define their identity as a scientist.View the transcript for this episode here.About the guestJessica Rimsza is a staff scientist at Sandia National Laboratories. She works in the Climate Security Division at Sandia, where she models disordered and complex material systems. She is currently chair of ACerS Meetings Committee, which is responsible for planning, developing, and organizing the Society’s conferences.About ACerSFounded in 1898, The American Ceramic Society is the leading professional membership organization for scientists, engineers, researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, and students working with ceramics and related materials.

Even as the tools and platforms for education have changed drastically in the past century, the need for programs to upskill employees remains as strong as ever. Carl Frahme, longtime consultant and educator in the ceramic, metals, and materials industries, shares how he first became involved as an instructor for ACerS educational courses, describes how these courses evolved over time, and explains why he finds being a science educator so fulfilling.View the transcript for this episode here.About the guestCarl Frahme is a long-time consultant and educator in the ceramic, metals, and materials industries. He offers consulting through his company, Frahme Consulting Services, and teaches many of the courses available on ACerS Online Learning Center.About ACerSFounded in 1898, The American Ceramic Society is the leading professional membership organization for scientists, engineers, researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, and students working with ceramics and related materials.

From ancient times till today, terracotta remains a steadfast option for roof tiles. David Jensen, sample coordinator and glaze production scheduler at Ludowici Roof Tile, describes the advantages of and his work on clay roof tiles, shares how he became interested in the history of Ludowici, and explains how that interest led to the discovery of a glass slide collection created by ACerS founder Edward Orton Jr.View the transcript for this episode here.About the guestDavid Jensen is  sample coordinator and glaze production scheduler at Ludowici Roof Tile in New Lexington, Ohio. After joining Ludowici, Jensen became the company’s de facto historian, and his research led to a surprise discovery of more than 800 glass sides created by Edward Orton Jr. that provides a look at the ceramics industry in the early 1900s. The Columbus Metropolitan Library is digitizing these slides as part of a Columbus area history project, and people can freely view the digitized slides at this link.About ACerSFounded in 1898, The American Ceramic Society is the leading professional membership organization for scientists, engineers, researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, and students working with ceramics and related materials.

While planning for the future is important, listening to others and adapting to new opportunities can lead to the most fulfilling and fruitful careers. Rajendra Bordia, the George J. Bishop, III Chair Professor of Ceramics and Materials Engineering at Clemson University, shares his somewhat unplanned pathway from mechanical into ceramic engineering, describes his approach to mentoring students, and discusses his goals as this year’s president of The American Ceramic Society.View the transcript for this episode here.About the guestRajendra Bordia is the George J. Bishop, III Chair Professor of Ceramics and Materials Engineering at Clemson University in South Carolina. His research focuses on how processing conditions affect the final microstructure and properties of ceramics, with a specific focus on thermal processing methods. He is currently serving as president of The American Ceramic Society for 2023–2024, a role in which he will lead the Society through the development of a new strategic plan.About ACerSFounded in 1898, The American Ceramic Society is the leading professional membership organization for scientists, engineers, researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, and students working with ceramics and related materials.

Training the next generation of ceramic engineers requires engagement on multiple fronts. Geoff Brennecka, Herman F. Coors Distinguished Professor of Ceramic Engineering at Colorado School of Mines, discusses the importance of having degree programs that focus specifically on ceramics, recalls the history and evolution of ACerS President’s Council of Student Advisors, and describes how the Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation’s new Teacher Training Workshops provide K–12 teachers guidance on effective ways to teach materials science.View the transcript for this episode here.About the guestGeoff Brennecka is the Herman F. Coors Distinguished Professor of Ceramic Engineering at Colorado School of Mines, which recently launched a degree program in ceramic engineering. His group works on the fabrication, characterization, and analysis of advanced dielectrics, ferroelectrics, and piezoelectrics. He is actively involved in ACerS, helping to establish ACerS President’s Council of Student Advisors, and currently serves as chair of the Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation Board.About ACerSFounded in 1898, The American Ceramic Society is the leading professional membership organization for scientists, engineers, researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, and students working with ceramics and related materials.

With global demand for cement and concrete continuing to rise, there is a similarly increasing focus on the industry’s carbon footprint. Shiho Kawashima, associate professor of civil engineering and engineering mechanics at Columbia University, identifies the main culprits behind high carbon emissions in the cement and concrete industry, outlines several approaches to lowering emissions, and describes the role her research plays in innovating solutions to this challenge.View the transcript for this episode here.About the guestShiho Kawashima is associate professor of civil engineering and engineering mechanics at Columbia University in New York. Her research group studies cement rheology and processing, including a recent focus on 3D concrete printing. Their work supports the development of low-carbon cements and concretes. More information on this topic can be found in the U.S. Department of Energy report Pathways to Commercial Liftoff: Low-Carbon Cement.About ACerSFounded in 1898, The American Ceramic Society is the leading professional membership organization for scientists, engineers, researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, and students working with ceramics and related materials.

Multilayer ceramic capacitors, or MLCCs, are at the heart of almost every electronic device today. Yoshiki Iwazaki, senior principal scientist and general manager at Taiyo Yuden in Japan, describes his research on MLCCs using first-principles calculations, discusses the changes that come with transitioning into a managerial role at work, and shares where he sees electroceramics research at Taiyo Yuden headed in the future.View the transcript for this episode here.About the guestYoshiki Iwazaki is senior principal scientist and general manager at Japanese materials and electronics company Taiyo Yuden. He uses simulations based on first-principles calculations to study materials and processing of multilayer ceramic capacitors. He is a previous recipient of The American Ceramic Society’s Richard M. Fulrath Award, which promotes technical and personal friendships between professional Japanese and U.S. ceramic engineers and scientists.About ACerSFounded in 1898, The American Ceramic Society is the leading professional membership organization for scientists, engineers, researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, and students working with ceramics and related materials.

Glass is a material with nearly infinite possibilities. John Mauro, Dorothy Pate Enright Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University, shares his experience working with glass in the worlds of industry and academia, discusses the do’s and don’ts of publishing your research in journals, and talks about the similarities between scientific and fantasy fiction writing.View the transcript for this episode here.About the guestJohn Mauro is Dorothy Pate Enright Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at The Pennsylvania State University. Before moving to Penn State six years ago, he spent the first 18 years of his career as a glass scientist at Corning . He has made numerous contributions to the development of new glass systems, including a family called LionGlass that has half the carbon footprint of soda lime silicate glass. In his spare time, Mauro writes reviews of fantasy fiction books. His reviews can be found on Grimdark Magazine, Before We Go Blog, and Goodreads.About ACerSFounded in 1898, The American Ceramic Society is the leading professional membership organization for scientists, engineers, researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, and students working with ceramics and related materials.

Even the most advanced products start with raw materials. Michael Silver, president and CEO of American Elements, explains how he became involved in the materials supply chain, describes what comprises innovation at a materials supply company, and discusses how these companies handle some of the most challenging market factors affecting industries right now.View the transcript for this episode here.About the guestMichael Silver is president and CEO of American Elements, a global manufacturer and distributor of advanced materials. Silver founded American Elements in the 1990s and has personally experienced the growth in importance that materials suppliers play in today’s global market.About ACerSFounded in 1898, The American Ceramic Society is the leading professional membership organization for scientists, engineers, researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, and students working with ceramics and related materials.

Since the discovery of bioactive glasses in the 1960s, specialty glass manufacturer Mo-Sci has played a key role in bringing these materials to market. Steven Jung, chief technology officer at Mo-Sci, overviews the history of the company, discusses the science behind some of their well-known products, and describes how the company develops specialty glass products for a variety of end-user industries.View the transcript for this episode here.About the guestSteven Jung is chief technology officer at Mo-Sci, a specialty glass manufacturer located in Rolla, Mo. Throughout his career, Jung has helped develop dozens of glass-based healthcare innovations, including the world’s first bioactive glass-based wound care product, MIRRAGEN.About ACerSFounded in 1898, The American Ceramic Society is the leading professional membership organization for scientists, engineers, researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, and students working with ceramics and related materials.

Nuclear power has been an important contributor to the U.S. energy portfolio since the 1950s, but few nuclear reactors have been built in recent decades. Rita Baranwal, senior vice president for energy systems at Westinghouse Electric Company, provides an overview of the nuclear power industry today, talks about the emerging focus on small modular reactors as well as full-size plants, and describes the new technologies that Westinghouse is developing to support the future of low-carbon energy. View the transcript for this episode here.About the guestRita Baranwal is senior vice president for energy systems at Westinghouse Electric Company. She is responsible for the development of the company’s new AP300 small modular reactor, which you can learn more about in this video.  Baranwal recently served as assistant secretary of nuclear energy at the U.S. Department of Energy, from July 2019 to January 2021.About ACerSFounded in 1898, The American Ceramic Society is the leading professional membership organization for scientists, engineers, researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, and students working with ceramics and related materials.

The U.S. national laboratory system serves a unique role in the country’s research and development landscape. Chris Heckle, director of the new Materials Manufacturing Innovation Center at Argonne National Lab, talks about how the national labs contribute to the innovation ecosystem, overviews the research that takes place at Argonne specifically, and describes how the new Materials Manufacturing Innovation Center aims to improve and expand the labs’ support for industry. View the transcript for this episode here.About the guestChris Heckle is director of the Materials Manufacturing Innovation Center at Argonne National Lab. She came to Argonne from Corning Inc., where she served as research director for inorganic materials research and Asia research labs. The Materials Manufacturing Innovation Center is a new initiative at Argonne that aims to accelerate the scale-up of advanced materials and process technologies. Learn more about working with the Center at this link.About ACerSFounded in 1898, The American Ceramic Society is the leading professional membership organization for scientists, engineers, researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, and students working with ceramics and related materials.