Ceramic Tech Chat

While focusing on a topic is important when pursuing a Ph. D., you should give yourself the freedom to explore other interests as well. Steve Feller, B.D. Silliman Professor of Physics at Coe College, describes the benefits of pursuing teaching opportunities during his physics graduate studies, his use of NMR in glass research, and how his interest in numismatics led to numerous research projects...

Started in 2011, the Materials Genome Initiative (MGI) aims to accelerate the pace of new materials development. James Warren, director of the Materials Genome Program at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, talks about how he became involved with the MGI, describes the initiative's goals and successes, and considers what the next decade holds for the MGI. View the transcript f...

Finding the way that you learn best can help you to achieve goals that may once have seemed out of reach. Scott McCormack, assistant professor of materials science and engineering at the University of California, Davis, discusses how he overcame learning challenges during his elementary school years, how he helps his own students learn the sometimes scary topic of thermodynamics, and his experienc...

Thailand is known for its traditional ceramics industry—but there are signs that research in more advanced ceramic technologies is taking off as well. Rattikorn Yimnirun, dean of the School of Energy Science and Engineering at Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology, and his colleagues Naratip Vittayakorn and Jakrapong Kaewkhao discuss the current state of the ceramics industry in Thail...

Advances in transmission electron microscopy allow researchers to explore the structure of materials at atomic resolutions—and improvements in TEM continue to be made. Yuichi Ikuhara, professor of engineering innovation at the University of Tokyo, discusses his work using scanning TEM to characterize grain boundaries in ceramics, the recent advances that have greatly improved this technique's...

What does it take to communicate science effectively? Taylor Sparks and Andrew Falkowski, associate professor and BS/MS student, respectively, at the University of Utah, discuss how they got into the field of materials science, what led them to start their podcast Materialism, and offer ways for scientists to improve their science communication skills. View the transcript for this episode here . A...

What is it like to pursue the same degree as your parent—or to have your child working in a field similar to yours? Dad and daughter duo Greg and Ashley Hilmas, university professor and government research materials engineer, respectively, describe their similar journeys to becoming ceramic engineers, how their career paths diverged after earning their Ph. D.'s , and what it is like working i...

Being the CEO of a corporation takes more than a degree and managerial experience. Carol Jackson, chair and CEO of HarbisonWalker International, describes her pathway to becoming the CEO of a global refractories company, the challenges of operating during a global pandemic, and why she believes in cultivating a strong corporate culture. View the transcript for this episode here . About the guest C...

If nuclear energy is to become a major contributor to the energy portfolio, we must find ways to safely and effectively dispose of the radioactive waste it generates. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory materials scientist Charmayne Lonergan discusses what she's learning through her research on vitrifying Cold War era nuclear waste at PNNL, how the laboratory helps educate the public about...

Additive manufacturing is a hot topic in the ceramics industry right now, but that was not always the case. Johannes Homa, cofounder and CEO of Lithoz GmbH in Vienna, Austria, describes his journey to launching the ceramic additive manufacturing company in 2011, some of the challenges that he and his business partner had to overcome, and why he sees a very bright future for the additive manufactur...

Global collaboration is important, but local manufacturing has its place as well. Washington Mills R&D manager Matthew (Matt) Creedon explains what it is like being a local manufacturer in an increasingly global economy, how R&D takes place at Washington Mills, and why he believes the importance of a ceramic engineer is being more appreciated. View the transcript for this episode here . Ab...

Science is a global endeavor—especially in today's world. Tohoku University assistant professor Theresa (Tessa) Davey discusses the importance of intercultural collaboration, her work using the CALPHAD method, and why she sees diversity and equity as keys to advancing science in the future. View the transcript for this episode here . About the guest Tessa Davey is assistant professor at Tohok...

Materials research is about more than technical impact—it’s about having a human impact as well. Director of the Materials Research Institute at The Pennsylvania State University Clive Randall discusses the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration between scientific fields, his work on cold sintering, and his experience as a first-generation college student. View the transcript for this episo...

The global refractories industry offers many fulfilling career paths with opportunities from two-year degree technicians to PhD R&D. Allied Mineral Products vice president of research and development Dana Goski shares the value of two-year technician programs, the importance of and opportunities offered by the refractories industry, and her experience as a woman in the field. View the transcri...

Ceramic Tech Chat is a new monthly podcast by The American Ceramic Society that gives you a look at ceramic and glass materials through the eyes of our members. For the guests on our show, being a ceramic scientist or engineer is more than just a job description—it’s the culmination of interesting and sometimes roundabout journeys to a career that lets them make a big impact on today’s world. Thro...

Did you know ceramics play a vital role in protecting aircraft engines? University of Virginia professor Beth Opila discusses her work on ultrahigh-temperature ceramics at both NASA and university, how good research comes from weaving together ideas from a variety of sources, and her suggestions for students unsure of what career to pursue. View the transcript for this episode here . About the gue...