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FROM THE
PRESIDENT’S DESK
On Becoming a Role
Model and Mentor
Over the past several years,
I’ve read many studies about the
state of engineering in the U.S.,
and the problems with workforce
development. Here are some inter-
esting metrics from these studies:
• 80% of students who enter
STEM fields have had calculus
and physics by the time they fin-
ish high school.
• The choice of science and math level for 9th grade is a
strong indicator of whether a student is prepared to en-
ter an engineering curriculum at college. Most 8th grade
students don’t know that by opting for the “easier” math,
they are making a decision that eliminates an entire class
of highly compensated employment options.
• Achievement levels for boys and girls on standardized
math and science tests are comparable until about 10th
grade; the variation has less to do with ability and more to
do with confidence.
I realized that I couldn’t be a role model and mentor by
just sitting in my office, so I judged science fairs and spoke
to any group that asked me about my career. In 2000, I was
able to attend the first ASM Materials Camp ever held. The
excitement of the students and theirmentorswas infectious.
From this simple start, the ASM Foundation’s flagship pro-
gram has evolved into camps for both students and teach-
ers, tailored to local needs and dependent on the untiring
efforts of volunteers. Our efforts are part of the increased
focus on STEM education across the country, and they are
paying off. If you want to help prepare the next generation
of engineers, here are some ideas:
• Start thinking about yourself as a role model and mentor.
Your unique experience is worth sharing so others can
learn from you.
• Judge a science fair, attend a career day, tutor students
in math, or have lunch with a student interested in
engineering.
• Find a mentoring opportunity that you enjoy and stick
with it! Your efforts are needed and appreciated.
Sunniva R. Collins
sunniva.collins@case.edu
AUTHOR
SPOTLIGHT
Ramnarayan
Chattopadhyay
Dr. Ramnarayan Chatto-
padhyay published his new
book, G reen Tribology, Green
Surface Engineering, and
Global Warming, with ASM in
2014. Chattopadhyay is also
the author of Surface Wear: Analysis, Treatment, and Pre-
vention (ASM, 2001), Advanced Thermally Assisted Surface
Engineering Processes , (Kluwer Academic Publishers, 2004),
and co-author of Global Warming, Origin, Significance, and
Management (Global Vision Publishing House, 2012).
His new book describes green engineering concepts
that improve energy efficiency by reducing energy losses
due to friction and wear in metalworking operations, and by
extending component life. Reducing energy consumption
lowers emissions and conserves resources, thereby improv-
ing sustainability. He said he had a great experience working
with ASM on this book because he was able to concentrate
on the manuscript and “leave the rest to the professional
teams.”
Chattopadhyay has presented and published more
than 100 research and technical papers at national and in-
ternational conferences on diverse subjects such as tribol-
ogy, surface engineering, welding, and powder metallurgy.
He is recognized for his books, contributions to solving crit-
ical wear problems in major industries, and support of re-
search and academic training.
Collins
Chattopadhyay
For information on upcoming ASM courses, contact Liz Halderman,
ASM Lifelong Learning Representative at
STEM EDUCATION HIGHL IGHTS
A D V A N C E D M A T E R I A L S & P R O C E S S E S | M A R C H 2 0 1 5
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