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HIGHL IGHTS A D V A N C E D M A T E R I A L S & P R O C E S S E S | F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 0 1 8 7 3 What is your engineering background? My background is actually in chemistry. I received my B.S. in chemistry from Northeastern University and then earned a Ph.D. in physical organic chemistry at Yale University. My graduate research focused on thermal rear- rangements of highly strained organic ring systems. At Yale, I developed an understanding of reaction kinetics and ther- modynamics. I also learned to “engineer” equipment to suit my needs. The experience prepared me very well for prob- lem solving in the real world. After graduate school, I began my industrial career at DuPont, developing cleaning products based on biodegrad- able polymers. When the first of our four sons was born, I left full-time employment and began a consulting career. This allowedme to stay at home to raise my children—which was very important to me—but also allowed me to keep in touch with science and maintain a presence in the workforce. When my children were old enough to be self-sufficient, I transitioned to my current role as senior scientist. What part of your job do you like most? I have always loved problem solving. So I enjoy running lab experiments. This hands-on experience helps me to fully understand how vacuum heat treating works at a practical level and provides a strong sense of accomplishment. I also enjoy being a member of the great team we have at Solar. If a young person approached you for career advice about pursuing engineering, what would you tell them? I am a big fan of co-op and internship programs. I was fortunate to take part in the co-op program at Northeast- ern in the early 1980s. I worked with Dr. Julie Yang, who ran the analytical laboratory at W.R. Grace. In those days, there were not many female leaders in industry, so Julie was an early role model for me. She was a Ph.D. organic chemist who moved into materials science. I learned from her the importance of being flexible in my career choices. A final, but very important point, is not to fear failure. A career in STEM education is going to be very challenging. There will be failures—probably many—along the way. It is important to recognize that we learn from our failures and they can lead to great success. Hobbies? Piano, reading, quilting, and baking (chemistry you can eat). Last book read? “The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah and “The Jazz of Physics” by Stephon Alexander. Do you know someone who should be featured in an upcoming Women in Engineering profile? Contact Vicki Burt at vicki.burt@asminternational.org . VOLUNTEERISM COMMITTEE Profile of a Volunteer Robert Shemenski, Retired Metallurgist & Consultant As a materials professional and nearly 60-year member of ASM Inter- national, Bob Shemenski has learned much—and given back much. Studying metallurgical engineering at the Uni- versity of Cincinnati in 1958, he joined ASM’s student chapter, which provided him with formative resources, networking, and technical presentations. “I still have the 1948 Metals Handbook I used my first year,” he recalls. Shemenski earned his Ph.D. at The Ohio State Uni- versity in 1964 before being called up for two years in the VietnamWar. “That was the most important part of my edu- cation. I was running a crash failure investigation lab, serv- ing troops on the mainland, and making decisions on my own,” he recalls. Shemenski later created a PowerPoint pre- sentation called “Combat Metallurgist” to share his experi- ence with ASM chapters. After the war, Shemenski was hired by Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in Akron as it developed the first steel cord reinforced tires. He was manager of wire science during a 24-year career with Goodyear. An active member of the ASM Akron Chapter, he served on the Executive Commit- tee. When ASM board member Aziz Asphahani invited him to help start a materials camp for teachers at the University of Akron, Shemenski resisted—but ultimately said yes— to organizing the first of 10 camps serving more than 200 teachers. “I would spend all five days there, learning from master teachers, helping with coursework, and organizing field trips,” he says. In 1994, Shemenski was recruited by Amercord Inc. in Georgia for his expertise in steel cord science and became vice president of quality and technology until retiring in 1999. Returning to North Canton, Ohio, he started his own consulting business. As an adjunct professor at the Univer- sity of Akron, Shemenski was very successful in bringing students onto Akron’s ASM Executive Committee, creating a pathway for other students. Named an ASM Fellow in 1990, he says, “There’s such fulfillment in helping at the camps and meeting people. ASM was a great advantage in my career.” PROFILE OF A VOLUNTEER Shemenski