There are and have been many great women to recognize, but I would like to expand from STEM to STEAM as the art aspect is also important. I would like to recognize Professor Susan Van Geest who was my drawing professor in 2004 and invited me as a freshman to take the Junior/Senior only sculpture class with her instructor approval. That was the pivotal moment I decided to pursue both a B.S. Engineering & B.F.A in Studio art. That helped me find the balance of theory and application of art and engineering.
Another woman that had a pivotal point in my career was finding out about the course taught by Dr. Laura Moyer on Metallography. I was in a different class at the Dome when her class was being taught and our class got to see a presentation by her, I believe about grain growth, and I wanted to learn more about metallography after that. I took that class the following year. Along with that I need to give a shout-out to all the amazing support staff at ASM including Andrea Currington, who helped me figure out a plan to earn my Certificate in General Applied Metallurgy, Weld Metallurgy, & Non-Ferrous Metallurgy.
One person who I have admired the blending of knowledge, skill, and persistence is Kelly Franko who is pioneering in making FR clothing(base layers). I have the men's base layers, but I am glad that someone is making safety equipment fit for women as many people in the art metal casting community(specifically) can think of someone who has had a burn from either grinder sparks, splattered metal, or being to close to something hot (who has had conventional bra material melt to their skin). So I think it is great that someone saw the need(originally designed for race car drives to wear under their fires suits), had the skills, researched/developed solutions and is actively selling a product to fill a reel need that the big companies are not.
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David Lammers
Engineer
Total Component Solutions
Sioux Center IA
(712) 451-6646
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Original Message:
Sent: 03-08-2024 11:52
From: Vicki Burt
Subject: Happy International Women's Day!
We are marking Women's History Month and International Women's Day (March 8) by celebrating pioneering women in materials science and engineering.
Dianne Chong was ASM's first woman president. Read her presidential biography from 2008 here: https://www.asminternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Chong2Bio_proof-3-4.pdf
Join us by sharing your stories and celebrating the groundbreaking women who have influenced your career.
Let's flood ASM Connect with women who are leading members of the community, industry, and academia and are paving the way for the next generation of women in STEM!
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Vicki Burt
Managing Editor
ASM International
Materials Park OH
(440) 338-5467
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