HIGHLIGHTS ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024 43 CHAPTERS IN THE NEWS ASM President Manjooran Helps Revitalize Columbia Basin Chapter On October 24, ASM President Navin Manjooran, FASM, visited the ASM Columbia Basin Chapter in the Tri-Cities metropolitan area, Wash., marking a milestone as the chapter had been inactive for the past 16 years. Abhijit Sengupta and Matt Olszta played pivotal roles in organizing the event, which drew over 50 attendees. Manjooran delivered an inspiring presentation titled, “Inventing the Future with Materials: The Backbone of Modern Technology & Innovation.” He showcased real-world case studies on materials innovation across energy, industry, and healthcare sectors, highlighting the critical role of predictive material selection in enhancing performance for specific applications. His talk reenergized the local materials community, resulting in approximately 20 new ASM memberships prior to the event and sparked discussions about forming a student chapter at Washington State University Tri-Cities. The next day, Manjooran toured the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), where he explored its advanced research facilities in microscopy and manufacturing technologies. He also met with PNNL Director Steven Ashby to share ASM initiatives and discuss collaboration opportunities. Manjooran’s visit fostered engagement and dialogue on cutting-edge innovations, laying a promising foundation for the Columbia Basin Chapter’s renewed growth and impact. Houston Transforms Classrooms The ASM Houston Chapter hosted an ASM Teacher Camp during July 15-19 at the University of Houston. Teachers traveled from as far away as Dallas and Mexico to take part in the program, with 20 completing the training. This is the first year of the ASM Houston “Adopt a Classroom” Program. These 20 teachers were each eligible to apply for a $250 scholarship to purchase classroom supplies. Scholarships were awarded to: • Bridgette Vincent, Beckendorff Junior High, Katy, Texas • Bridget McDonald, Beckendorff Junior High, Katy, Texas • Jokasta M. Maldonado-Mullet, Red Oak Middle School, Dallas area • Cynthia Maye, Red Oak Middle School, Dallas area Maldonado-Mullet said, “After receiving a $250 classroom grant for attending the camp, I immediately put it to use. We bought a conversion oven and other materials that my students are already using in our lab. The materials have made such a difference in how engaged the students are.” Cecilia Alvarado from Colegio Euroamericano de Monterrey, a middle school science teacher, shared how the camp changed her approach, “The ASM camp didn’t just give me new ideas, it transformed the way I teach chemistry, turning it into a hands-on adventure that leaves students hungry for more.” CHAPTERS IN THE NEWS Dr. Manjooran holds the famous Columbia Basin Chapter Bell with Chapter Chair Matthew Olszta. Dr. Manjooran with a friction stir welding machine in PNNL’s advanced manufacturing facility. Students work on hands-on projects that their instructor learned about at the Teachers Camp.
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