Special Session on R&D challenges and applications in Materials Science and Engineering

Materials Science and Engineering's course 27-704, “Introduction to Surface Engineering and Industrial Coatings,” is hosting yearly round table panels with prominent leaders from academy and industry on current R&D challenges and applications in material science and engineering.

The discussion is open to students and faculty, and the panel encourages questions and contribution from the audience.   

Topic: Applied Materials Science & Engineering for National Security and Science Challenges.

Moderators: Dr. Aharon Inspektor (Materials Science and Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University) and Dale Clemons P.E. (Applied Physics Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University)

The panel members are managers, technology leaders, and experts from John Hopkins University's Applied Physics Laboratory (APL), which is the largest of 13 DOD-sponsored university affiliated research centers in the USA.

They are involved in a wide range of research and applied topics, from materials for extreme environments to multifunctional coatings, including design for the Parker Solar Probe, a self-healing paint for corrosion protection, an environmentally durable low-friction coating, anti-fouling coating for maritime applications, and Aluminum CoolCoat for corrosion protection.

As such, they acquired wide-ranging perspective of global challenges, R&D needs, and future directions in materials science and engineering to share with us. The panel will also share a brief introduction to the organization, their role, and opportunities at APL.

Panel members

• Dale Clemons, group supervisor in the Research & Exploratory Development Department’s Multifunctional Materials & Nanostructures Group with 30 years of JHU/APL experience focusing on development and demonstration of advanced materials concepts. Clemons is also a project manager that leads efforts related to advanced materials applications, particularly related to materials for extreme environments and other operational challenges.
• Adam Maisano, assistant group supervisor of REDD’s Multifunctional Materials & Nanostructures Group. In his 14 years at APL, Maisano's work has focused on applied engineering of materials and mechanical systems for survivability. He has expertise in ballistic testing of armor systems, environmental testing of materials, adhesive degradation, and significant field test experience.
• Chris Hoffman, section supervisor of REDD’s Multifunctional Materials & Nanostructures Group’s Organic Synthesis section. In his eight years at APL, Hoffman has taken on diverse roles as researcher, project manager, and line supervisor in creating a strategy for building synthetic chemistry capabilities in the group. His research has focused on the synthesis of novel molecules and polymers to realize transformative material applications.
• Bill Denning, APL’s recruiting lead. Denning has been with APL for five years in the College Recruiting Office. Denning works with new Ph.D. student's to help them understand the wonderful career waiting for them at APL.