Many of you may already be aware that I was appointed chair of the department, beginning in October 2002. After serving as associate dean for Academic Programs in the College of Engineering for five and a half years, it is great to be back home! I am looking forward to working with the excellent faculty, staff and students in our department to build and enhance our reputation as the premier materials science and engineering program in the nation.

Over the course of the next few years, I hope this letter will be filled with countless examples of recognition, awards and other progress toward this goal. As part of my first letter, I wish to express my and the department's sincere appreciation to Cal White for his dedication to the department and the commendable job he did while serving as chair for over six years during some very difficult times. Cal has returned to teaching and research within the department and I am confident he will make valuable contributions in those areas.

A second purpose of this letter is to share a vision with all of you about the future of the department. Undergraduate education will remain a strong emphasis in the future. In fact, we are developing and will soon implement a new initiative that will make our undergraduate experience even better.

Building on the very successful MSE senior capstone design experience and the innovative Enterprise Program developed within the college, we will begin a foundry enterprise (actual name yet to be determined) in the fall of 2003. In this program, interdisciplinary teams of students in their second through fourth years will actually organize and operate a real foundry company (or as close to a real company as a university can simulate).

The obvious purpose of this program is to provide an opportunity for students to put into practice their technical knowledge, while at the same time develop a better understanding of how real businesses operate. With respect to research, we are working hard to identify thrust areas in an effort to grow our graduate program to the level we once experienced. Several opportunities have 'materialized' that should facilitate this effort.

First, the Department of Biomedical Engineering has moved into the M&M building. Their close proximity will enable us to develop programs in biotechnology, especially in biomaterials and biosensors. I believe the faculty expertise in both departments will complement each other nicely and strong research teams can be assembled that should be successful in securing a number of research projects. Also, we have been working hard to develop a new and positive relationship with the Institute of Materials Processing in an effort to promote interaction in a number of other research areas. In conclusion, I want to thank all of you who continually support our programs through your generous gifts and pledges.

Your support is critical to all of the MSE programs. If you would like more information about some of the new department initiatives, please feel free to contact me. I look forward to working with our alumni in the future and invite you to stop by for a visit whenever you are in the area.

Sincerely,

Mark R. Plichta
Professor and Chair
mrplich@mtu.edu

New department chair to build foundry enterprise

Although Mark Plichta has been department chair for only six months, he’s already prepared several goals for the future. "I hope to promote multidisciplinary research programs like a foundry enterprise," he said.

"We need to grow in several areas including the number of undergraduate students, graduate students, and research expenditures." Plichta, a materials science and engineering professor and former associate dean of engineering, was appointed to the position in October 2002.

He replaces Calvin White, who has returned to teaching and research within the department. Plichta, 50, holds his bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate in metallurgical engineering from Michigan Technological University. His research interests include phase transformations, microstructural development, and stability in metals and ceramics.

His teaching interests include materials science, kinetics, phase transformations, interdisciplinary design, and manufacturing. "I look forward to the exciting challenge of leading the department," said Plichta. "I want to create a positive and nurturing environment for faculty, students, and staff." Plichta resides in Houghton with his wife Carol, daughter Amanda, and son Adam. Plichta's son Justin, works as a video reporter for MTU. His hobbies include golf, skiing, and singing. This is Plichta’s nineteenth year at MTU.

Wang welcomed to MSE department

Howard (Hao) Wang has joined the Department of Materials Science and Engineering this year as an assistant professor. Wang, 31, holds a bachelor's degree in physics from Peking University, a master's degree in physics from the University of Houston, and a doctorate in materials science and engineering from the University of Pennsylvania. So far, Wang said he's enjoying working at Michigan Tech. "The people are nice here and the facilities are good," he said. "I am looking forward to working with students interested in my research." Wang's research interests include structure and dynamics in soft materials, carbonnanotube/ polymer composites, biomimetic lipids systems, phase transformations and morphology in polymers, polymer thin films, surfaces, interfaces, and scattering methods. His teaching interests include polymer science and materials, thermodynamics, statistics, phase transformations, and scattering methods. Wang has over twenty publications in print. He is assisting with teaching Materials Characterization I and II (MY3200/3210) this academic year. Wang's hobbies are reading, ping-pong, swimming, and playing with his son, Cato.

ASM Honors Professor Courtney

The late professor Thomas Courtney (MSE) is the recipient of the 2003 Albert Easton White Distinguished Teacher Award presented by ASM International--The Materials Information Society. He was cited for "a sustained, productive academic career in teaching, research and administration, throughout which he inspired students to achieve the highest levels of academic and, subsequently, professional career accomplishments." The award will be presented at the ASM Annual Awards Dinner Oct. 14 in Pittsburgh. Accepting the award on behalf of his father will be Edward Courtney.

Professor remembered for being friend, educator
Submitted by Mark Plichta, Chair

On January 13, 2003 Professor Thomas H. Courtney lost his courageous battle with cancer. Like Professors Gary Shannette and Mohan Krishnamurthy before him, Tom was taken from us much too soon and with still so much to offer. Tom was an integral part of our Department of Materials Science and Engineering for such a long time it is hard to imagine it without him. He joined the department in January of 1975 following seven years at the University of Texas. He served as dean of the graduate school at MTU for three years prior to becoming the chair of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Virginia in 1986. Tom returned to MTU as chair of our department in 1992 and served in that capacity until 1996. During all that time and up until his death, Tom never abdicated his role as educator, scholar, leader, mentor, and friend. I had the honor of knowing Tom for nearly three decades. When I was a graduate student, he willingly offered advice on my research and also provided much counsel on my future. I am sure each of us who knew him remember a special moment or an entertaining event that we feel accurately describes Tom's character or personality, or how he in some way influenced our lives. I have too many of these to share in this short note, but one thing I would like to say is that Tom had the most uncanny way of accurately assessing a person's abilities, their limitations, and their character. More than anything I will remember that Tom respected all persons and saw the best in everyone. You may recall from an earlier MSE newsletter that Tom was named the 2003 recipient of the prestigious Albert Easton White Distinguished Teacher Award of ASM International. I believe the award citation most accurately sums up Tom’s accomplishments and career. It states, "For a sustained, productive academic career in teaching, research and administration throughout which he inspired students to achieve the highest levels of academic and, subsequently, professional career accomplishments." Tom, we will miss you greatly. We will never, however, forget you!

Magazine ranks
dept. 13th in nation

U.S. News & World Report ranked Michigan Tech's materials science and engineering program thirteenth in the nation for 2003. MTU was ranked against other undergraduate schools with doctorate programs in materials engineering. University of Illinois-Urbana- Champaign placed first and University of Michigan Ann Arbor placed second. "It's great to see MSE's contributions to Michigan Tech's national reputation are being recognized," said Professor Calvin White.

Engineering students across campus will miss having him around. After twenty-nine-years, engineer/ scientist Dennis Moore retired from Tech in December 2002. Danielle Visser, a fourth-year MSE major, worked with Moore in a casting class. Moore, she said, sparked her interest working in a foundryrelated career. "Students always came first for Dennis," she said. "I'm pretty sure he would have come in at any hour of the day or night or even on weekends if it meant helping us out, fueling our interests, or recruiting new students to a foundry-related career. He never gave anything less than his best." Moore had primary responsibility for the materials processing areas of metal casting, mechanical deformation, and heat treatment. His duties included scheduling equipment use in these areas for either research or undergraduate education, and for maintaining these facilities. He worked with graduate and undergraduate students in material science, mineral processing, mechanical engineering, and chemical engineering technology. "Dennis has countless examples of outstanding performance," said Professor Karl Rundman. "He has provided invaluable help for students in the engineering fields." For one, Moore took the leadership role in developing the Web site for the course in metal casting, MY 4130. This involved keeping the site up-to-date as the students moved through this course. "The Web site was (Moore's) idea and resulted from his initiative alone. He did not have to do that. He wanted to," Rundman said. In addition, Moore helped many mechanical engineering students produce their own inhouse designed castings for use on the Formula Car and Baha Car programs at Michigan Tech. "This is an effort which often involved extra duty on Dennis' part to complete," Rundman said. In the MSE department, he was responsible, as a Co-PI, for helping to develop a long-lived research program with U.S. Army Tank- Automotive and Armaments Command on the microstructure and properties of austempered ductile iron. He assisted senior design teams, involved himself with the PRISM program and presented at national American Foundry Society meetings. "Dennis developed excellent working relationships with many others across campus," Rundman said. "He is one of the most dependable persons that I have encountered in my professional life." Moore also had a funny bone. "What I will remember most about him, was that no matter what the subject, Dennis always had a joke that related to it," Visser said. Outside of work, Moore is interested in photography and gardening. He holds a Master Gardner certificate. He and his wife, Pauline, regularly attend services and other activities at the Byzantine Monastery in Keweenaw County.

Professor in running
for teaching award

Materials science and engineering Professor Karl Rundman was selected as a finalist for the 2002 Distinguished Teaching Award. He also was inducted into the Michigan Tech Academy of Teaching Excellence.

Foundation provides financial assistance

The Foundry Educational Foundation (FEF) awarded 14 students in the MSE department scholarships or travel funds for the 2002-2003 academic year.

At left, Foundry Educational Foundation Executive Director Bill Sorenson and at far right, Neenah Foundry President Bill Barrett present scholarships to MSE students at Michigan Tech.

The following undergraduate students earned awards: Aaron LaLonde, Kevin Pline, Zachary Strauss, James Whitmarsh, Ward Rietz, Greg Jarski, Rodney Moon, Brian Christoff, Kristy Bock, Tyler Nooyen, Nicholas Berkebile, and Robert Schrickel. The FEF also provides additional scholarships during the annual FEF College-Industry Conference, held each fall semester at the Drake Hotel in Chicago. In 2002, Nicholas Nanninga and Danielle Visser received FEF scholarships at this conference. Tyler Nooyen was named the student representative from FEF to attend the Political Affairs Conference in Washington, DC, this spring. The FEF also provides contacts in industry to help the MTU program. The MSE department has received equipment valued in excess of $25,000 to use in its metal casting laboratory as a result of these contacts. "Many students over the years have received employment as a result of contacts resulting from affiliation with FEF," said Professor Karl Rundman. Since 1964, the foundation has awarded approximately $346,000 to Tech students and professors.

Tech students earn awards, scholarships

Three students in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering received scholarships from the ASM International Foundation for the 2002-03 academic year.

Rebekah Policoro received a George A. Roberts Scholarship. This includes a cash award plus travel allowance to the Materials Solutions Conference held in Columbus, Ohio, in October. Policoro also earned a cash award and plaque from the Iron and Steel Institute. She was one of three recipients of a Willy Korf Memorial Scholarship.

Nicholas Nanninga earned an ASM International Foundation Scholarship, consisting of a cash award. Nanninga is president-elect of the joint student chapter of ASM and The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society.

Danielle Visser received the TMS Light Metals Division Scholarship. The award consists of a monetary scholarship, and an award for LMD-sponsored books for personal use and books for the J.R. Van Pelt Library.

Two students earned awards by the Detroit Chapter of ASM International. Kristy Bock received the Sustaining Members Meritorious Scholarship. The award consists of a cash scholarship and a certificate. Rebekah Policoro won the Marion Semchyshen Award. The award consists of a cash scholarship and a certificate. She also was last year's Sustaining Members Meritorious Scholarship winner. The ASM International-Detroit Chapter Scholarships are open to the chapter's own student members, and student members attending college in Michigan or originally from Michigan. "Kristy and Bekah have continued Michigan Tech's traditionally strong showing in this competition by winning two of the three Detroit Chapter scholarships granted this year," said Doug Swenson, associate professor.

Graduate student John Shingledecker received a monetary award from the combined Center for Powder Metallurgy Technology/Axel Madsen Award. The award was used to attend the 2002 World Congress on Powder Metallurgy and Particulate Materials in Orlando, Florida.

Forbes: Alumnus
will reinvent future

Forbes Magazine selected Daniel Branagan, a 1990 MTU metallurgical engineering graduate as one of the top "15 People Who Will Reinvent Your Future." Branagan, 34, developed a powder metallurgy process that applies a microscopic coating that makes steel much harder and extends engine life and its durability. "(It's) a potential development that could have extensive applications in the automotive, military, aerospace, etc.," the December 23, 2002 article stated.

See last years 2002
Newsletter here

Alumni updates

In each edition of Alumni Alloy, we will run alumni updates. To be included in this section, please return the Keeping Connected form included in this newsletter.

John Nelson (’50 MET) retired and lives in Gross Pointe Woods, Michigan.

Mark Miller (’62 BS MY, ’63 MS MY) is president of G&M Agricultural Supply Co. in Arizona. He resides in Payjon, Arizona.

Kenneth Budinski (’63 BS MY) is a technical director at Bud Labs in Rochester, New York. The company performs friction- and wear-testing services, and manufactures equipment. He recently had two books published after retiring from a 38-year career at Kodak. He resides in Rochester.

Rick Perlick (’69 BS MET) is vice president and metallurgy, quality and process engineer at Techalloy Company, Inc. in Union, Ill. Techalloy is a division of the world's largest steel company Arcelor, based in Luxembourgh. He resides in Crystal Lake, Illinois.

David Coulston (’75 BS MET) is a quality assurance engineer for National Standard. He resides in Niles, Michigan.

Todd Hufnagel (’89 BS EMY) is associate professor at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

David Peters (’91 BS MET, MY) is a process engineer at Handspring, Inc. He resides in Santa Clara, California.

David Chmielewski (’92 BS MY) is a senior defect engineer at CypressSemiconductors in Bloomington, Minnesota. He resides in Farmington, Minnesota.

Luke Maucione (’93 BS MY) is the plant manager for Algonquin Industries in Connecticut. He resides in Clinton, Connecticut. He recently had his first child, Koyli Morgan, on November 12, 2002.

Michael Greenewald (’96 BS MET) is a quality-review engineer for chassis at Visteon. He resides in Belleview, Michigan.

Amy Novrocki Gonyer (’97 BS MY) is a metallurgical engineer for Alcoa Inc. in Iowa. She resides in Blue Grass, Iowa.


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05/05/03