HIGHLIGHTS ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | MARCH 2024 51 FROM THE FOUNDATION Encouraging Next-Gen STEM Leaders As a STEM education and workforce development partner, the ASM Materials Education Foundation delivers a comprehensive menu of programs based in materials science to inspire young people through STEM-focused learning and career exploration. In 2024 alone, 65 ASM Materials Camps for Teachers and Students are planned across the country with two in France and two in Canada. More than 700 teachers will be equipped to bring materials science curriculum into their classrooms—literally opening the doorway to materials science, engineering, and technical professions for approximately 68,000 young people this year. And ASM Materials Camps are only the beginning! To further empower the next generation, the ASM Materials Education Foundation Action in Education Committee is tasked with encouraging students and faculty leaders by: • Awarding K-12 Teacher Program Grants to professional teachers to incorporate materials science curriculum at their schools. • Awarding scholarships to undergraduate students to support materials science education throughout their academic careers. • Facilitating the High School Materials Challenge and Undergraduate Design Competitions to stimulate young minds and challenge teams with problem-based learning. • Naming an organization for the Pacesetter Award based on their support of volunteers and financial resources towards materials, science, and engineering. • Selecting the Kishor M. Kulkarni Distinguished High School Teacher who influences and has a lasting impact on students. Thank you to everyone who supports the Foundation with their generosity and service. I encourage ASM members to get involved with the Foundation, as your efforts not only shape the next generation of materials science professionals, but also inspire the future members of our Society in the process. Elizabeth Perepezko Chair, Action in Education Committee ASM Materials Education Foundation FROM THE FOUNDATION ASM Member Spotlight ASM International recognizes the extraordinary efforts of Dr. Abhijit Sengupta, for his work growing membership in his regional area. His citation reads: In recognition of the 2023 Membership Champion, Abhijit Sengupta, for his exceptional dedication and outstanding achievements in increasing our community’s vitality by inspiring others to join in the mission of ASM International. Dr. Abhijit Sengupta has worked in nuclear, electric vehicle battery research, and other materials engineering areas. In 2018, he was one of only three people awarded the American Society for Quality’s highest honor of Fellow. Sengupta has a Ph.D. in engineering with a focus on materials and is also a Six Sigma Black Belt, Quality Auditor, Reliability Engineer, and Quality Engineer. He has authored several publications and federal reports in various engineering areas and co-authored a book. Dr. Sengupta is passionate about the field of materials engineering and ASM International. He worked extremely hard to restart a new chapter of ASM in his tri-cities area of Washington state, which had been shut down in 2009. By inviting people in his network to join ASM, he was able to secure enough members to form an executive committee. Sengupta also has made presentations to ASM young people nationwide to share various career path options for students with a materials engineering background. Sengupta has been passionate about materials and metallurgical engineering since his undergraduate days in India and has found that materials science brings many engineering disciplines into perspective. OPPORTUNITIES FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS Undergraduate Design Competition This competition encourages the strengthening of design curricula in materials science and engineering departments. The awards include: First Prize: $2000 + $500 travel assistance + $500 to the department for support of future design teams; Second Prize: $1500 + $500 travel assistance; Third Prize: $1000 + $500 travel assistance. Deadline June 30. Student Chapter Grants These grants support Material Advantage student chapters in their outreach activities. Grants of $500 each are available. Deadline November 15. Perepezko Sengupta
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