HIGHLIGHTS ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | SEPTEMBER 2025 80 FROM THE FOUNDATION Thermal Spray Hall of Fame Seeks Nominations The Thermal Spray Hall of Fame, established in 1993 by the Thermal Spray Society (TSS) of ASM International, recognizes and honors outstanding leaders who have made significant contributions to the science, technology, practice, education, management, and advancement of thermal spray. For a copy of the rules, nomination form, and list of previous recipients, visit tss.asminternational.org or contact maryanne.jerson@asminternational.org. Nominations are due September 30 for recognition in 2026. TSS President’s Award for Meritorious Service The TSS President’s Award for Meritorious Service recognizes exceptional service to the Society and the thermal spray community. Nominees should be TSS members with at least 10 years of service. For a copy of the rules, nomination form, and list of previous recipients, visit tss.asminternational.org or contact maryanne.jerson@ asminternational.org. Nominations are due September 30 for recognition in 2026. International Metallographic Contest at IMAT Deadline September 26 The International Metallographic Contest (IMC), an annual contest cosponsored by the International Metallo- graphic Society (IMS) and ASM International to advance the science of microstructural analysis, will be held at IMAT 2025 in Detroit, October 20-23. Five different classes of competition cover all fields of optical and electron microscopy: Class 1: Light Microscopy—All Materials Class 2: Electron Microscopy—All Materials Class 3: Student Entries—All Materials (Undergraduate Students Only) Class 4: Artistic Microscopy (Color)—All Materials Class 5: Artistic Microscopy (Black & White)— All Materials Best-In-Show receives the most prestigious award available in the field of metallography, the Jacquet-Lucas Award, which includes a cash prize of $3000. For a complete description of the rules, tips for creating a winning entry, and judging guidelines, visit asminternational.org/ims/ membership/imc or for further information, email IMC@ asminternational.org. FROM THE FOUNDATION Partners in STEM: Our Materials Science Road Trip When our principal first suggested we attend an ASM Materials Camp, we had no idea it would spark a journey that would take us across the country and transform the way we teach. We were just two science teachers working in the same department, signing up for a summer Professional Development opportunity. Now, years later, we’re still hitting the road together every summer to lead ASM camps for educators. That first camp changed everything. We saw the magic of co-teaching in action and thought, why aren’t we doing this in our own classrooms? When we got back, we asked to team-teach our freshman physical science classes. We’ve never looked back. From that moment on, our partner- ship took off. We each started as ASM Master Teachers on our own but soon found ourselves co-leading camps. These days, we make it a priority to teach together at least once every summer. Somehow, it’s already been six years. The road trips between camps have become our favorite tradition. Scott drives. Brianna navigates and finds the best local food. There’s always a lot of laughter, spontaneous lesson planning, and, yes, Dave Matthews Band playing on repeat. We’ve solved more classroom problems (and life problems) on those drives than we can count. And we never skip a Buc-ee’s stop. At least once a summer is a must! Of course, the joy isn’t just in the journey. Every camp is a reminder of why we love this work. Hearing teachers reflect on their experiences during the last day of camp is the best part. It’s incredible to know that what we’re sharing isn’t just reaching our students. It’s spreading through classrooms all over the country. We keep each camp fresh by embracing the unique vibe of every location and feeding off the energy of the teachers we meet. This summer alone, we braved 120°F heat inside a steel mill and watched grad students set off dynamite. There’s truly never a dull moment. Our advice for teachers attending their first ASM Materials Camp? Pick one thing to try in your classroom. Don’t overwhelm yourself trying to do everything at once. And if you can, find a teaching buddy to try it with. We’re proof that it makes all the difference. Richardson and Spohler
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