Composites Weekly

On this episode, Kyle Jordan joins the show to share some updates on the ACMA's Certified Composites Technician programs. Kyle is Director of Certifications with the ACMA. He'll be discussing some of the new digital training options launched over the last couple of months, including those for CCT recertification.  You can learn more about these CCT training programs by visiting https://acmanet.org/education/certified-composites-technician-program.   

On this episode, Anna Brady-Estevez, PhD, joins the show. She is the founding partner of American Deep Tech, a technology investment firm that focuses on aerospace & space tech, energy, AI, biotech and more. Anna has served as a Program Director at the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), where she led the Small Business Innovation Research portfolio focused on Space Tech, Energy, Chemical, and Environmental technologies. During her tenure, Anna invested and managed over $250M in grants to early-stage, high-impact startups. 

On this episode,  David J. Neivandt and Greg Simms join the show to discuss their research work developing a sustainable, biodegradable composite material derived from waste lobster shells and a natural binder, engineered for high mechanical performance. Collaborating with the Advanced Structures and Composites Center at UMaine, their team has established a pilot-scale production line for this material, which features compressive strength greater than concrete and flexural strength surpassing eastern white pine lumber. From a sustainability perspective, the composite has the potential to replace single-use plastics in applications where the item needs to maintain structural integrity for a short period and then biodegrade rapidly at the end of life. Team NRG's recent work is moving them towards the ultimate goal of using the composite to construct temporary disaster shelters. 

On this epiosde, Ollie Taylor and Alessandro Stagni join the podcast to discuss the MarineShift360, Impact Accelerator program. It's a year-long initiative equipping marine organizations with lifecycle assessment expertise, and access to an industry-wide sustainability network. Ollie is the Founder of Marine Futures and the program director of Marine Shift 360. Alessandro is the Chief Technology Officer at nlcomp (Northern Light Composites).  Three companies were selected for the 2026 MarineShift360 Impact Accelerator, covering the full vessel lifecycle from materials to propulsion to end-of-life. One of those companies is nlcomp, an Italian deep-tech startup developing recyclable thermoplastic composite materials designed to solve one of the biggest challenges in advanced materials: end-of-life waste. On this episode, we'll explore what it really takes to build a sustainable marine industry, and where the biggest opportunities exist.    

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id= "request-69dda32d-eb0c-832a-954a-163d5a618519-4" data-testid= "conversation-turn-16" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> On this episode, Professor Hatsuo Ishida, PhD of Case Western Reserve University, joins the show to discuss the development of next-generation composite materials engineered for deep-space travel. He shares the origin of their work with ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) with hydrogen-rich polybenzoxazine resins, and how these materials have been engineered into composites that integrate structural performance with radiation attenuation. We also unpack the results from exposure on the International Space Station (ISS), where these composites were subjected to the harsh conditions of low Earth orbit for several months. Dr. Ishida explains how surface-level oxidation occurred without compromising bulk mechanical properties such as strength, density, and glass transition temperature. The discussion highlights what these findings mean for long-duration missions and the future of spacecraft design, where materials may serve both as structure and protection. Looking ahead, we examine the remaining challenges in scaling these materials for deeper space environments and what it will take to validate them for missions beyond Earth orbit. You can read about their research at https://www.scribd.com/document/952673614/s42114-025-01451-6

On this episode, researchers Caitlin Howell and Mehdi Tajvidi from the University of Maine join the show to discuss their research in developing a fully bio-derived composite coating that is grown, not manufactured. By combining edible fungal mycelium with cellulose nanofibrils, they have developed a barrier coating that can be formed directly on paper and textiles through a low-energy process. The result is a highly water-resistant surface with contact angles approaching 140° and significantly reduced water absorption, pointing to a viable path toward replacing traditional plastic-based barrier coatings. We'll discuss how the material works at a structural level, what it takes to scale a growth-based process, and where this material could be used first. You can learn more about their research at https://umaine.edu/news/2026/02/researchers-use-fungus-to-create-plastic-free-food-packaging/

On this episode, Teong Tan, Arclin's Chief Research Officer joins the podcast to discuss Arclin's $1.8 billion acquisition of DuPont's aramid business, adding the iconic Kevlar® and Nomex® brands to its portfolio. Teong leads the company's innovation agenda with a focus on strategic growth, talent development, and high-performing teams. 

On this episode, John Kehoe of Boaz Partners joins the show. Boaz isn't your typical recruiting firm—they operate as strategic partners, using a proven, deeply embedded process to understand business goals, culture, and long-term objectives before ever presenting a candidate. It's a fundamentally different approach to hiring—one that's built around precision, alignment, and impact. In this conversation, we unpack what separates great hiring organizations from the rest, why so many companies struggle to attract and retain top talent, and how a more disciplined, strategic recruiting process can become a true competitive advantage—especially in niche industries like composites. You can learn more about their company and access their latest ebook, called The Talent Formula, by visiting https://boazpartners.com/advancedmaterials. 

On this episode Aaron Fitzgerald, CEO of Mars Materials, joins the show. Carbon fiber has long been a cornerstone of aerospace and defense—but the reality is, the supply chain behind it is anything but secure. Today, much of the world's high-performance carbon fiber depends on globally concentrated precursor production, leaving critical industries exposed at a time when resilience matters more than ever. But what if you could rethink carbon fiber from the ground up—making it not only domestically sourced, but actually carbon-negative… and still capable of meeting the demands of fighter-jet-grade applications? That's exactly what Mars Materials is setting out to do with their breakthrough product, Hoigen-C. By leveraging what they call an "impurity-advantaged" approach, they're challenging long-held assumptions about how carbon fiber precursors are made—while building a pathway toward localized, scalable, and strategically resilient supply chains. Recent validation work with researchers at North Carolina State University has put Hoigen-C through the kind of rigorous testing required for some of the most demanding composite applications. So today, we're going to unpack what this really means—for performance, for sustainability, and for the future of industrial resilience.  

On this episode, Krishnan Veluswamy, Ph.D., joins the podcast to discuss the upcoming Demo Day at Fibers and Composites Manufacturing Facility (FCMF). Krishnan is an Assistant Professor, Mechanical, Aerospace & Biomedical Engineering Department and Affiliated with Fibers and Composites Manufacturing Facility, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN. This upcoming event on Wednesday, March 25th, will provide an opportunity to see the facility in operation through live machinery demonstrations and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies led by the facility's undergraduate and graduate student researchers and staff.  

On this episode, we're looking at a project that could say a lot about where advanced manufacturing is headed next. America Makes has awarded UDRI $450,000 for its AACAMS (Affordable and Agile Composite Additive Manufactured Structures) project, focused on pushing forward the integration of additive manufacturing and advanced composites for aerospace and defense. The DOD has prioritized continuous fiber additive manufacturing (CFAM) for its ability to produce strong, lightweight parts by reinforcing polymers with continuous carbon or glass fibers for high-performance applications. Steven Floyd and Clark Patterson join the show to discuss the details of the project. You can learn more by visiting https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=gGWnnqHHCUCj4FsTAqdg5koHgAfVuEJJoOmkPSbaEpVUREhPRlVXSEhKTE5ZNk9VMzJPQkdOS05TVC4u. 

On this episode, we feature more interviews from the 2nd day of JEC World 2026. These include a mix of Innovation Award winners, and Startup Booster finalists. 

On this episode, we feature several interviews from day one of JEC World 2026, including some Innovation Award winners, and Startup Booster finalists. 

On this latest episode, Lisa Anderson, President of LMA Consulting Group joins the podcast. Lisa is one of the most respected voices in manufacturing strategy, supply chain transformation, and SIOP. She's the author of a recently released book titled AI & Advanced Technologies in Manufacturing, where she explores how manufacturers are using AI and advanced analytics to drive real, measurable results—from demand forecasting to optimized production planning. She'll be sharing how AI is actually improving manufacturing supply chains, where companies are seeing real value versus hype, and what leaders need to get right to turn technology into predictable performance. You can learn more about her company at https://www.lma-consultinggroup.com.     

On this episode, Bryan Hassin, CEO of DexMat joins the show to discuss Galvorn - a next-generation conductive material designed for high-performance, weight-constrained applications across aerospace, defense, automotive, and data infrastructure. Their latest funding marks a transition point for the company, from deep materials R&D into production scale and customer qualification. Bryan has spent his career working at the intersection of lab innovation and manufacturing reality. You can learn more about Galvorn at https://dexmat.com/why-galvorn. 

Self-healing composites have been talked about for years, but sometimes a piece of research comes along that looks meaningfully different. This week, Andrew Tomaswick, a science journalist, joins the show to discuss his recent article, "The Composite That Heals Itself 1,000 Times." It highlights a self-healing composite material developed by researchers at North Carolina State University that can repair damage repeatedly, over 1,000 cycles.  It incorporates a 3D-printed thermoplastic healing agent with embedded carbon-based heaters that, when heated, melt the agent into cracks and restore the composite's structural integrity. It's a process that proved effective over many intentional break-and-repair tests. Andy is a writer at Universe Today and has been interested in space exploration ever since reading Pale Blue Dot in middle school. An engineer by training, he likes to focus on the practical challenges of space exploration, whether that's getting rid of Perchlorates on Mars or making ultra-smooth mirrors to capture ever clearer data.   

On this episode, Nancy Hairston, CEO of MedCAD joins the show to discuss their innovative approach to the design and production of patient-matched medical devices using 3D printing. They've recently produced 3D-printed implants for wounded Ukrainian soldiers, an application where speed and accuracy can be life-changing. Their approach is 100% patient-customized, with every implant and every procedure planned and manufactured in-house in cooperation with a patient's attending surgical team.  You can learn more about their company at https://www.medcad.com. 

On this episode, Marty Johnson, VP of Product and Technical Fellow at 3D Systems, joins the show to take a clear-eyed look at additive manufacturing materials—what they can do, what they can't, and what engineers should realistically expect when composites and filled materials enter the 3D-printing conversation. Marty brings a mechanical engineering first perspective to additive manufacturing—cutting through marketing claims to focus on real data, long-term performance, and where printed composite materials truly make sense in aerospace, automotive, tooling, and beyond.  As a company, 3D Systems delivers industry-leading 3D printing technologies, materials and software to high-value markets such as medical and dental, aerospace, space & defense, transportation & motorsports, AI infrastructure, and durable goods. You can learn more about them by visiting https://www.3dsystems.com.  

On this episode, we're joined by Kjirstin Breure, President and CEO of HydroGraph—a company that may finally be turning graphene from a promise into a product. For more than a decade, graphene has been called a wonder material, but most producers struggled with impurities, inconsistency, and the inability to scale. HydroGraph has taken a different path—developing a proprietary explosion-synthesis process that delivers pure, identical batches of fractal graphene at industrial scale. In just the past year, HydroGraph has moved from lab-driven R&D to real commercial momentum, with dozens of active customer projects across composites, aerospace, medical devices, coatings, and energy storage. With aggressive U.S. expansion underway, growing engagement with federal and defense agencies, and discussions around deeper capital market integration, the company is hitting a rare inflection point. You can learn more by visiting their website at https://hydrograph.com.   

On this episode Thomas Lepretre joins the show to talk about JEC World 2026. Thomas is Vice President of Events, Sales & Operations at JEC Group. We'll be discussing what's in store for this year's big show in Paris, March 10-12.  JEC World's mission is to promote composite materials globally by connecting innovation, business, and applications across all major industries. You can learn more about this year's event by visiting https://www.jec-world.events. 

On this episode, Daniel Murphy, founder of Alcove Media, joins the podcast. His company helps companies turn trade shows from expensive branding exercises into measurable revenue engines. Daniel works closely with technology companies that invest heavily in expos but struggle to connect booth traffic to real sales outcomes. In this conversation, we break down why most trade shows fail to deliver ROI, how a lack of strategy quietly bleeds marketing budgets, and what it takes to generate qualified leads, engagement, and follow-through that converts. If your company spends serious money on trade shows, and expects more than vague "exposure," this episode is one you'll want to take notes on. You can learn more by visiting https://tradeshowsecrets.com. 

On this episode, Dr. Michael Murdoch joins the podcast to discuss how visual cues can act as diagnostics for material performance, and how engineers can preview color, gloss, translucency, surface texture, and material mixtures long before a physical prototype exists.  He is the head of the Integrated Sciences Academy at the Munsell Color Science Lab at Rochester Institute of Technology. His work focuses on how material appearance—things like color, gloss, translucency, and surface texture—can be digitally simulated, measured, and used as meaningful data long before a physical part ever exists. With an early career as a chemical engineer at Eastman Kodak, working hands-on with thermoplastics and injection-molded components, Dr. Murdoch brings a rare blend of manufacturing experience and advanced research insight. The Munsell Color Science Laboratory and the Program of Color Science unite to form one of the world's foremost color science research and education organizations. Their mission is to provide world-class education, research, and outreach in all areas of color science. You can learn more at https://www.rit.edu/science/munsell-color-lab. 

On this episode, Ryan Condron joins the podcast to discuss his vision for moving cargo containers across vast distances with zero emissions. Ryan is the CEO of Float, a company working to build the next generation of aerial freight systems—fusing hydrogen-powered carbon fiber blimps with quadcopter agility to move cargo containers across vast distances with zero emissions. You can learn more at https://floatair.com. 

On this episode, Dr Robert Brüll, founder and CEO of FibreCoat joins the show to discuss their strategic partnership with Lofith Composites to develop next-generation thermoplastic composites for space. This partnership joins FibreCoat's expertise in fibre coatings with Lofith's thermoplastic tape and composite manufacturing. Together, the companies will integrate FibreCoat's coated fibres into Lofith's recyclable, high-performance composites to produce lightweight structural materials designed to meet the extreme demands of space. The first orbital demonstration of the joint material is planned for 2026, when a satellite will carry test panels into orbit for 12 months.

On this episode, Michael Campbell, president of ACD Consulting, a division of Coltala Aerospace, joins the podcast. Michael works closely with aerospace and defense programs across the U.S., helping organizations navigate workforce constraints through smarter engineering deployment, embedded expertise, partnerships, and technology adoption. You can learn more by visiting https://www.acdc.aer. 

On this episode, Roy Silvas, Business Development Director at Enduro Composites joins the podcast. We'll discuss where composites fit in the rapidly expanding data-center ecosystem, what adoption barriers still exist, and how the next generation of facilities could benefit from smarter material choices. You can also read Roy's recent article at https://www.cablinginstall.com/data-center/article/55313169/integrating-composites-into-data-center-design. 

On this episode, Dr. Valentyn S. Volkov joins the show to discuss how AI is being used to generate new materials. Dr. Volkov is ranked among the top 2% of scientists worldwide, with over 260 publications and more than 8,000 citations. He is also the founder of XPANCEO, a Dubai-based deep tech company developing the world's first invisible and weightless smart contact lenses, merging all your gadgets into one infinite screen.

On this episode, we'll delve into the world of printable biomaterials designed to heal the human body more quickly and safely. Our guest is Robert Joyce, founder of FibreTuff, a company developing a new class of bio-based composites—including a unique PAPC + Nylon 66 "alloy" that could redefine how we approach bone repair and tissue integration.  FibreTuff's material isn't just strong and printable—it's amphiphilic, meaning it promotes natural cell adhesion and faster healing. You can learn more at https://fibretuff.us.   

On this episode, Rob Glenn of Forza joins the show. In business since 1979, Forza is a family-owned adhesive, sealant & specialty tape manufacturer based in the US. They supply the global industry with superior, high-performing, customized products. You can learn more by visiting https://forzabuilt.com. 

On this episode, Brittany Greer, executive director of Rosie Riveters, joins the podcast.Their organization works very closely with the manufacturing industry with a particular focus on preparing the workforce of tomorrow. They work to close the gaps in today's workforce by increasing participation in STEM, fostering critical thinking and problem solving skills.  Brittany is a guest writer for The AI Journal and we'll be discussing their work in preparing the the gneration of workers with the skills needed to succeed alongside AI.   

On this episode, Joe Steele of LIFT joins the podcast to share some recent news. Their organization has been awarded a contract to accelerate the development of ceramic-based materials for use in industrial and defense applications. This new four-year, $9 million "Critical Materials Processing" program will advance the state of technology and readiness for ceramics, ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), and ultrahigh-temperature materials. LIFT is an accelerator connecting advanced materials, manufacturing processes, systems engineering and talent development enhancing America's manufacturing competitiveness, national economy, and security.    

On this episode, Cindy Squires joins me to highlight Composites Evolution taking place October 22-23 in Knoxville, TN. This event brings together leading manufacturers, suppliers, and technical experts to explore practical, profitable solutions to the EPA's new styrene regulations. This focused, forward-looking conference will show you how to turn compliance into a competitive advantage – boosting efficiency, improving processes, and unlocking new market opportunities. You can learn more by visiting https://acmanet.org/event/composites-evolution. 

On this episode, we'll be featuring several interviews from day two at CAMX 2025, including:  Max Thouin of Fairmat discussing FairPly Recycled Technology. 0:21 Mike Siwajek, VP of R&D at CSP discussing their ultra-lightweight TCA Float™: 5:47 Yannick Willemin, founder of Catalysium: 10:39 Imad Atallah, VP of Product Management at Hexcel Corporation: 19:31 David Leach, SAMPE Fellow & Co-chair of the CAMX Conference: 35:34 Jacob Clark of ReForm Composites Engineering: 43:38  

On this episode, we'll be featuring several interviews from CAMX 2025, including:  John Kehoe of Boaz Partners: 2:24 Paul Salach discussing SUSTAINA® Loop by Owens Corning: 12:04 Gary Owen, CEO of Lineat Composites Limited: 18:54 Russell Gentry, Professor of Architecture and Civil Engineering at GA Tech discussing the Monogirder BladeBridge: 23:39 Matthew Hardman discussing Loop Technology's FibreLINE system: 30:45 Mark Adams of Polynt Group and Dr. Wayne Huberty from Mississippi State University discussing accelerated composite manufacturing using CRTM and 3D-printed thermoset tooling: 38:45 Bryan Beimel of Pulflex Technologies: 51:52 Dr. Moutushi Dey discussing AI in Manufacturing:  58:46 Monica Rommel of Specialty Materials and Chantel Camardese of Toray Advanced Composites discussing the Hy-Bor® technology: 1:07

On this episode, Cindy Squires and Rebekah Stacha join me to talk about CAMX 2025, taking place in just over a week down in sunny Orlando, FL (Sep. 8-11). You can still register by visiting https://www.thecamx.org. 

On this episode, Jamey Embree and Ken Bisconer from L&L Products join us to discuss their work in bringing L&L's extensive expertise to solutions for the aerospace, construction, sporting goods, and emerging mobility industries.  L&L is well-known in the automotive space for developing innovative solutions that help OEMs create lighter, stronger, and quieter vehicles, but they also provide high-performance solutions for Aircraft interiors, electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing vehicles (eVTOL), and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), including drones. On this episode, we'll be discussing three products L&L will be highlighting at CAMX in Orlando next month. They will be located at booth Q45 on the exhibit hall at CAMX.  These new products include:  PHASTER® : A proprietary two-component ambient temperature curing technology with superior adhesion performance and processing ease, in various indoor or outdoor application conditions. https://phaster.llproducts.com/ Continuous Composite Systems ™ (CCS™): Continuous fiber-reinforced composite materials that can be used as a carrier when combined with our highly engineered sealants and/or structural adhesives. The system is designed to provide strength, stiffness, and rigidity to a lightweight structure. https://ccs.llproducts.com/ InsituCore®: a family of one-component, heat-activated foaming materials that can be used to create composites with a foam core. Placed in a heated tool, the material foams to fill the mold cavity and form net-shape parts without time-consuming machining processes or energy-intensive autoclave operations. https://insitucore.llproducts.com/    

On this episode, Brian Fitzgerald joins the podcast to discuss how artificial intelligence is transforming the factory floor by predicting machine and equipment failures before they occur—boosting efficiency, increasing production uptime, and cutting downtime costs. Brian is the Chief Growth strategist at Augury, a manufacturing technology leader valued at over $1 billion. Their platform is helping manufacturers unlock greater production capacity, improve operational predictability, and advance sustainability, reshaping the way manufacturing teams operate. More information is available at www.augury.com.

On this episode, Edward Crawford, and Rick Armstrong of Coltala Aerospace join me to discuss Evans Composites' accelerated growth in aircraft repair operations under Coltala Aerospace.  Evans Composites has experienced transformative growth this past year, powered by Coltala Aerospace's precision integration strategy. This momentum has brought alignment and strength to Evans, driving significant gains in operational performance, scalability, and customer experience.  You can learn more by visiting https://www.coltalaaerospace.com.   

On this episode, Dr. Michael Ponting joins the podcast to talk about his work on nanolayered metamaterials and polymer nanocomposites. Dr. Ponting is the chief science officer at Peak with over 20 years of experience in micro and nanolayered polymer materials.  His work has enabled breakthroughs in everything from high-temperature capacitors and night vision optics to sustainable packaging and ballistic materials. You can learn more about their technology at https://www.peaknano.com. 

On this episode, Derek DeGeest discusses Nitrotherm - a patented new spray technology system that replaces conventional compressed air with heated, ionized nitrogen as the spray carrier. Nitrogen is cleaner and atomizes more effectively. 

On this episode, Harrison Langley, CEO of MDLR Brands, joins the podcast to discuss their core technology: LiteSIP®, a proprietary, ultra-lightweight panel system made from fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) skins bonded to high-performance foam cores. Their panels deliver unmatched strength, insulation, and resilience, outperforming traditional SIPs, wood framing, and metal panels. You can learn more at https://www.litesip.com. 

IACMI CEO Chad Duty joins the podcast to discuss their big event next week in Dayton, OH. The IACMI Members Meeting will celebrate a decade of innovation and a future of impact as it brings together top leaders in composites, manufacturing, and workforce development. Attendees will dive into groundbreaking research, discover the latest DOE-funded technical projects, and see how IACMI workforce programs are scaling up to meet industry needs. You can learn more by visiting https://iacmi.org/event/2025-members-meeting. 

Dan Neumann joins the podcast to discuss last week's Composites Fly-In in Washington DC. This event provided a unique setting for members of our industry to meet with Members of Congress and agency leadership and educate them on the capabilities of composite materials. 

On this episode, Justin Hamilton of Hexcel will share some of the latest news regarding their partnership with JetZero to qualify composite materials for a new "all-wing" design aircraft demonstrator. They are advancing this partnership through the FAA's Fueling Aviation's Sustainable Transition (FAST) program, qualifying composite materials for JetZero's all-wing design aircraft development program. The Z4 is the world's first all-wing design commercial airplane. This design produces greater lift and reduces drag, resulting in up to 50% better fuel efficiency than comparably sized tube & wing aircraft.

This week, Mark Stiving joins us on the podcast. Mark is the author of the recent book Selling Value: How to Win More Deals at Higher Prices.  In the last 25 years, Mark has consulted, trained and/or coached hundreds of companies, including Cisco, Procter and Gamble, Grimes Aerospace, Splunk, and Crowdstrike. Today, he works regularly with PE firms, helping their portfolio companies increase profits and drive valuation by learning how to price, package, communicate, and sell value. Mark's passion is teaching the power of pricing. He evangelizes pricing at major conferences and has conducted over 400 days of corporate training around the globe. Mark's Price class maintains a net promoter score (NPS) of 81, higher than Apple's. His podcast, Impact Pricing, maintains a 5 star rating on Apple Podcasts. You can learn more about him by visiting https://impactpricing.com/markstiving. 

On this episode, Kyle Jordan and Steve Kane join the podcast to discuss some updates on SpaceTEC® Partners' new Florida training facility and its role in preparing the next generation of composite technicians. Kyle is the director of certifications for the ACMA and Steve is the executive director of SpaceTEC® Partners.  SpaceTEC® Partners offers Aerospace, Aviation, and Advanced Manufacturing skills validation for the U.S. defense, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing sectors, certifying technicians employed in civil, defense, and commercial organizations worldwide.  You can learn more by visiting https://spacetec.us. 

On this episode, Professor Shu Yang and Alicia Ng of the University of Pennsylvania join me on the podcast to discuss their latest research work. Their team has successfully developed a cutting-edge method to 3D print cholesteric liquid crystal elastomers (CLCEs), opening the door to dynamic, color-changing materials that can respond to mechanical stress. This work paves the way for groundbreaking applications in smart sensing, displays, and robotics. At the heart of this advancement are CLCEs – soft, rubbery materials capable of changing color when subjected to mechanical stress. Shu Yang is a materials scientist and Professor of Engineering and Applied Science and Chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania.  Alicia Ng is a Ph.D. student in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) and is the lead author of this study. You can learn more by visiting https://shuyang.seas.upenn.edu. 

On this episode, Dr. Davood Askari joins the podcast. Davood, an Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Wichita State University, leads a research team that has created a breakthrough nanocomposite material. Engineered to significantly enhance the strength, durability, multifunctionality, and performance of lightweight structures, this innovation has broad applications across industries. Their patent-pending technology offers a scalable solution to one of the most persistent challenges in composite design: strengthening weak interlaminar bonds.      

On this epiosde, Patrick Egan joins me on the podcast. Patrick is a drone expert with over 25 years of experience in unmanned aircraft and systems, including data collection, safety, RDT&E operations, and systems training course development. We'll be discussing some recent news of Cummings Aerospace's new 3D printed, Hellhound S3 turbojet-powered kamikaze drone, which is said to fly faster than 375 mph. 

On this episode, John Kehoe of Boaz Partners joins the podcast to talk about their specialized approach to finding qualified candidates for their clients.  Boaz Partners is an executive recruitment firm providing companies in the composites and advanced materials industry with custom recruiting solutions.  Their partners and consultants have extensive experience working in a broad array of functional areas and have also developed unique expertise in recruiting for these types of firms and roles.