Ceramic Tech Chat
Episodes
Research experiences support next-gen scientists: Mario Affatigato
11 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Undergraduate research experiences have many well-known benefits for those just starting on their potential career path. Mario Affatigato, the Fran Al...
Cement solutions for sustainable construction: Juan Pablo Gevaudan
19 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Reducing carbon emissions in the cement and concrete industry is a complex, multifaceted challenge. Juan Pablo Gevaudan, assistant professor of archit...
Exploring unusual glasses and Indigenous thinking: Courtney Calahoo
29 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Glass is generally considered inert, but recent decades have seen increasing interest in glasses that react more readily with their environment. Court...
Hypersonic research and fast-track education: Rod Trice
24 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Recent decades have seen a resurgence in interest and funding for hypersonics research. Rod Trice, professor of materials engineering at Purdue Univer...
Dental ceramics support oral health: Carolyn Primus
20 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Many patients—and sometimes even dentists—are not aware of the many ceramic and glass materials that sneakily find application in the dental world...
Untapped markets for chemically strengthened glass: William LaCourse
28 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Glass is a solution to many modern challenges, and there remains ample opportunities for further improvements. William LaCourse, Emeritus Professor of...
Transitioning niche research to market: Joe Cesarano
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Developing technologies with a deep impact in certain niche areas is arguably just as important as research that has a widespread impact. Joe Cesarano...
Microwave processing for future lunar colonies: Holly Shulman
19 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As we prepare for a future traveling the stars, energy-efficient processing technologies will be a necessity for both those in space and those remaini...
Joining materials and people together: Monica Ferraris
15 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The rapid advancement of technology has allowed people to more easily join with others in their research community and together support the search for...
Processing pathways for the next-gen workforce: Tim Powers
20 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ceramic and glass manufacturing is a broad field that offers many opportunities for a fulfilling career. Tim Powers, retired engineering design lead a...
Electrospinning of breath-based diagnostics: Perena Gouma
20 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Breath and gas-based diagnostic tools have the potential to revolutionize medical monitoring and diagnosis. Perena Gouma, the Edward Orton Jr., Chair ...
Driving energy conversion progress through diffraction: Scott Misture
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Energy conversion technologies such as fuel cells and photocatalysts have great potential in the future of zero-carbon transportation. Scott Misture, ...
Shaping the future with geopolymers: Trudy Kriven
25 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
We currently live in the Age of Plastics, but the recent push to produce and consume materials more sustainably means a new materials age is up for gr...
Glass recycling challenges and solutions: Collin Wilkinson
21 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Improving glass recycling rates in the United States is an important but complicated task. Collin Wilkinson, assistant professor of glass science at A...
STEM outreach in rural communities: Katrina Donovan
17 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Many rural communities have a great need for expanded access to STEM education. Katrina Donovan, faculty member in the Department of Materials and Met...
Advancing microscopy with machine learning: Sergei Kalinin
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Machine learning has the potential to play a big role in the future of materials discovery and development. Sergei Kalinin, Weston Fulton Professor of...
Networking as an emerging professional: Alessandro De Zanet
15 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
There are many ways for students and young professionals to network and build relationships with others in the materials science community. Alessandro...
Modeling materials and meetings engagement: Jessica Rimsza
17 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Embracing spontaneity in research and networking can be the first step to a successful career. Jessica Rimsza, staff scientist at Sandia National Labo...
Lifelong learning in the changing education system: Carl Frahme
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Even as the tools and platforms for education have changed drastically in the past century, the need for programs to upskill employees remains as stro...
Clay roof tiles inspire past and present passion: David Jensen
21 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From ancient times till today, terracotta remains a steadfast option for roof tiles. David Jensen, sample coordinator and glaze production scheduler a...
Focusing on the fundamentals: Rajendra Bordia
16 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
While planning for the future is important, listening to others and adapting to new opportunities can lead to the most fulfilling and fruitful careers...
Fostering pathways for ceramic engineers: Geoff Brennecka
20 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Training the next generation of ceramic engineers requires engagement on multiple fronts. Geoff Brennecka, Herman F. Coors Distinguished Professor of ...
Innovative solutions for low-carbon cement: Shiho Kawashima
15 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With global demand for cement and concrete continuing to rise, there is a similarly increasing focus on the industry’s carbon footprint. Shiho Kawas...
Designing capacitors of the future: Yoshiki Iwazaki
18 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Multilayer ceramic capacitors, or MLCCs, are at the heart of almost every electronic device today. Yoshiki Iwazaki, senior principal scientist and gen...
Pathways to excellence through research and writing: John Mauro
20 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Glass is a material with nearly infinite possibilities. John Mauro, Dorothy Pate Enright Professor of Materials Science and Engineering at The Pennsyl...
Innovation in materials supply: Michael Silver
16 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Even the most advanced products start with raw materials. Michael Silver, president and CEO of American Elements, explains how he became involved in t...
Specialty glasses for healthcare and more: Steven Jung
19 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Since the discovery of bioactive glasses in the 1960s, specialty glass manufacturer Mo-Sci has played a key role in bringing these materials to market...
New technologies for nuclear energy: Rita Baranwal
21 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Nuclear power has been an important contributor to the U.S. energy portfolio since the 1950s, but few nuclear reactors have been built in recent decad...
Manufacturing innovation at US national labs: Chris Heckle
17 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The U.S. national laboratory system serves a unique role in the country’s research and development landscape. Chris Heckle, director of the new Mate...
Space, the new frontier for business: Jonathan Volk
19 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Government space agencies traditionally drive most space exploration, but new entrepreneurs see opportunity to create space-based businesses. Jonathan...
The everlasting relevance of brick: John Sanders
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
More than one hundred years since The American Ceramic Society began, brick remains an integral—and interesting—part of today’s built world. Joh...
Actions for a sustainable future: Jürgen Rödel
18 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
What will it take to mitigate the effects of climate change? Jürgen Rödel, professor and ceramics group leader at the Technical University of Darmst...
Big picture, small scale—connecting materials and communities: Sanjay Mathur
14 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
When transitioning from student life to your professional career, finding supportive mentors in your community is key. Sanjay Mathur, director of the ...
Deformable ceramics and next-gen functionalities: Xufei Fang
09 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What if ceramics are not as brittle as conventionally believed? Xufei Fang, junior group leader in the nonmetallic inorganic materials research group ...
Exploring space and the future of travel: Valerie Wiesner
12 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
While astronauts have some of the most public-facing roles at NASA, what other research takes place behind the scenes to make launching into space pos...
Discovering the magic in ceramic science and art: Ryan Coppage
14 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What are the benefits and challenges of researching and publishing about ceramics from both an art and science perspective? Ryan Coppage, director of ...
Materials research for space and in space: Rick Weber
10 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
To develop materials that function in extreme environments, scientists need instruments capable of measuring material properties in those environments...
Modern techniques reveal historic secrets: Katherine Faber
13 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Materials scientists often look ahead to the next big thing—but sometimes looking back may inspire future research. Katherine Faber, Simon Ramo Prof...
Advancing the Age of Glass: Mathieu Hubert
08 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Now halfway through the International Year of Glass, glass scientists are looking to carry the momentum beyond this year to advance the future Age of ...
The Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation: Marcus Fish
11 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As the current generation of materials scientists approaches retirement, it’s essential to inspire a new generation to take up the reins. Marcus Fis...
Engineering surfaces using thermal spray: Christopher Berndt
13 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Every artifact in the universe has a surface, and modifying that surface can endow an object with new and improved properties. Christopher Berndt, Dis...
The Glass of Wine: Jim and Penelope Shackelford
09 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For centuries glass has been the material of choice for storing, shipping, and sipping wine. How did that come to pass, and why? Jim and Penelope Shac...
Welcome to IYOG 2022: Kathleen Richardson and Manoj Choudhary
09 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In May 2021, the United Nations declared 2022 the International Year of Glass. University of Central Florida professor Kathleen Richardson and The Ohi...
Holistic academia—teaching, research, mentoring: Beth Dickey
12 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Being a professor requires you to wear many hats, including being a teacher, researcher, mentor, and possibly more. Beth Dickey, Teddy & Wilton Ha...
How to craft a strategic plan: Mark Mecklenborg and Dana Goski
08 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Strategic plans are a crucial tool for businesses to track their progress toward certain goals, but how do you develop a strategic plan? ACerS executi...
Superheroes and open access inspire research: Ricardo Castro
10 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Inspiring research in materials science works best when the information is relatable and easily accessible. Ricardo Castro, professor of materials sci...
Building cross-border research communities: Olivia Graeve
13 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
While increased innovation is a desirable outcome of a diverse workforce, the compassion and understanding that arise is what will truly help us break...
Diversifying energy sources and workforce: Sossina Haile
08 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Diversifying both energy sources and workforce are necessary as we move toward a sustainable future. Sossina Haile, Walter P. Murphy Professor of Mate...
Teaching science through experience: Adelle Schade
11 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Sometimes the best way to learn is through doing something yourself. Adelle Schade, director of the Science Research Institute at Albright College, de...
A teacher’s thoughts on glass and money: Steve Feller
14 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
While focusing on a topic is important when pursuing a Ph.D., you should give yourself the freedom to explore other interests as well. Steve Feller, B...
Materials Genome Initiative 10 years later: James Warren
09 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Started in 2011, the Materials Genome Initiative (MGI) aims to accelerate the pace of new materials development. James Warren, director of the Materia...
Thermodynamics in the classroom and lab: Scott McCormack
12 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Finding the way that you learn best can help you to achieve goals that may once have seemed out of reach. Scott McCormack, assistant professor of mate...
Ceramics in Thailand: Rattikorn Yimnirun and colleagues
14 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Thailand is known for its traditional ceramics industry—but there are signs that research in more advanced ceramic technologies is taking off as wel...
Scanning TEM unlocks grain boundary secrets: Yuichi Ikuhara
10 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Advances in transmission electron microscopy allow researchers to explore the structure of materials at atomic resolutions—and improvements in TEM c...
Why science communication matters: Taylor Sparks and Andrew Falkowski
10 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What does it take to communicate science effectively? Taylor Sparks and Andrew Falkowski, associate professor and BS/MS student, respectively, at the ...
Ceramics in the family: Greg and Ashley Hilmas
13 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
What is it like to pursue the same degree as your parent—or to have your child working in a field similar to yours? Dad and daughter duo Greg and As...
Leading a Global Refractories Company: Carol Jackson
09 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Being the CEO of a corporation takes more than a degree and managerial experience. Carol Jackson, chair and CEO of HarbisonWalker International, descr...
Research and Education for Nuclear Waste: Charmayne Lonergan
11 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
If nuclear energy is to become a major contributor to the energy portfolio, we must find ways to safely and effectively dispose of the radioactive was...
How to Build an Additive Manufacturing Company: Johannes Homa
14 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Additive manufacturing is a hot topic in the ceramics industry right now, but that was not always the case. Johannes Homa, cofounder and CEO of Lithoz...
Local Manufacturing in a Global Economy: Matt Creedon
09 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Global collaboration is important, but local manufacturing has its place as well. Washington Mills R&D manager Matthew (Matt) Creedon explains wha...
Intercultural Collaboration Benefits Science: Tessa Davey
12 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Science is a global endeavor—especially in today's world. Tohoku University assistant professor Theresa (Tessa) Davey discusses the importance ...
Integrating Research for a Greener, Cleaner World: Clive Randall
08 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Materials research is about more than technical impact—it’s about having a human impact as well. Director of the Materials Research Institute at T...
Why We Like Two-Year Tech Degrees: Dana Goski
10 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The global refractories industry offers many fulfilling career paths with opportunities from two-year degree technicians to PhD R&D. Allied Minera...
Ceramic Tech Chat Introduction
13 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Ceramic Tech Chat is a new monthly podcast by The American Ceramic Society that gives you a look at ceramic and glass materials through the eyes of ou...
Aircraft Ceramics at NASA and University: Beth Opila
13 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know ceramics play a vital role in protecting aircraft engines? University of Virginia professor Beth Opila discusses her work on ultrahigh-te...