July/August_AMP_Digital

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 | J U L Y / A U G U S T 2 0 1 8 1 7 materials will certainly benefit human- ity. Many parts of the world have yet to benefit from improvements that are commonplace in developed countries. Advancements that ensure the avail- ability of critical materials must evolve, whether they’re used for construction of residential communities or enhanced energy sources. For example, in under- developed areas such as Africa where housing and other basic infrastructure improvements are needed, the ability to efficiently use readily available ma- terials will be a real plus. Hwang: In addition to food, wa- ter, and education, the global humanity challenges go to energy, environment, and health. Advanced materials that deliver better properties and/or cost less can help tackle these issues. Spe- cific needs in the types of materials and processes vis-à-vis performance are to be delineated. Å gren: Lighter and stronger com- ponents will lead to lower energy consumption. Gray: Advancements in solar tech- nologies—more efficient and afford- able solar cells—can provide additional energy generation potential in many places in the world where sunny days make solar energy an effective possibil- ity. Progress in energy storage capabil- ity is an urgent need to make the best use of intermittent energy generation technologies such as solar and wind. The ability to efficiently and cost effec- tively store energy will greatly improve the potential for renewables to meet a larger percentage of the overall energy needs of society. How can ASM play a role in support of practicing and future materials scientists and engineers? Hwang: As a professional associa- tion, the organization can first make a concerted effort to identify the needs of materials scientists and engineers and then prioritize the order of imple- mentation; this may include continuing education in various formats or other specific programs. Å gren: Continue the present ac- tivities—organizing interesting confer- ence and workshops. Gray: ASM can support prepar- ing the materials engineers of the fu- ture through: continuing the Materials Camps in their dual roles of training both students and teachers about ma- terials; fostering a systems approach to materials education that embraces traditional materials structure/prop- erty training with increased emphasis on ICME, materials modeling, and im- proving the linkages between process- ing and microstructure; continuing to inform our nation’s leadership in Wash- ington about the importance of ma- terials and its effect on society; and continuing to enhance ASM’s interna- tional presence in the worldwide field of materials. Matlock: ASM’s current activities to encourage students to pursue ca- reers in materials must continue and expand. Because of the importance of materials for the future of all, ASMmust recognize it is only one of multiple soci- eties with a materials focus. ASM must continue to work and interact with oth- er societies to ensure that thememberships of all receive the maximum benefits possible. Due to both costs and time commitments, it will continue to be difficult for engineers to justi- fy participation in mul- tiple societies and thus potential organized in- teractions between so- cieties to minimize over- lap in offerings will be essential. ASM could take on the leadership role in this endeavor. A team of British and Chinese research- ers say their new carbide coating could revolutionize hypersonic travel. Courtesy of University of Manchester. Self-driving cars are the focus of many research projects around the globe. Courtesy of Northeastern University. What advice do you have for the next generation of materials scientists and engineers? Å gren: Learn how to apply fun- damental knowledge to problems of practical importance. This is where the engineer can make a difference com- pared to the “pure” scientist. Hwang: Here are a few excerpts from my commencement speech to the 2007 graduates of Ohio University: Broaden perspectives and acquire glob- al enrichment. Always gain new knowl- edge and new skills, and learn fast. Look and think deeper beneath and beyond the surface characteristics. The best preparation for tomorrow is to do today’s work well. Matlock: The need for a life of con- tinuing education will only increase. New engineers must embrace contin- ued learning as a critical component of their future. Gray: Embrace the challenges and opportunities that are afforded to you. Think out of the box. Be open to seemingly different career paths and opportunities that you come across as a materials person, whether geo- graphically by changing job locations or adopting new avenues in your own career path. Be an engaged educator: Find places where you can apply your expertise and pass on your excitement and passion about materials. This could be advising students and postdocs, do- nating time at your local high school, or teaching a merit badge at a local Girl Scouts or Boy Scouts troop. ~AM&P