The 2025 SAMPE Fellows

Prof. Yutaka Iwahori
Department of Mechanical Engineering, School of Science and Technology, Meiji University

Prof. Iwahori is recognized for his broad and impactful contributions to composite materials research, education, and standardization spanning industry, government, and academia. His extensive SAMPE leadership includes presenting in numerous global forums, serving as a symposium committee member for JISSE, chairing JISSE-15, and helping develop the next generation of materials professionals as a student committee member.

Paul Wienhold
Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Mr. Wienhold is honored for his sustained contributions to advanced materials in composite material design and fabrication, thermal protection systems, thermal instrumentation, and hypersonic materials. His diverse SAMPE engagement includes serving as SAMPE North America President, SAMPE Trustee, General Co-chair of the 2007 ISSE, and maintaining active local chapter membership.

About the Award

The SAMPE Fellow Award recognizes outstanding members for distinguished contributions in materials and processes over an extended period. SAMPE Fellows have demonstrated recognized leadership, outstanding accomplishments, and broad achievements in manufacturing, design, development, research, or education.

These Fellows exemplify SAMPE's mission to advance the materials and process engineering community through global education, technical resources, and professional fellowship, while embodying the organization's values of knowledge transfer, creativity and innovation, professional engagement and inclusion, and absolute integrity.

The awards will be presented September 8, 2025 at the SAMPE Awards Banquet during CAMX 2025 in Orlando, Florida.

Dr. Fujino is being recognized for his extraordinary technical innovation in conceiving, designing, and certifying the HondaJet with groundbreaking composite technology applications that propelled it to a leading position in the business jet market.

Revolutionary Engineering Achievements

Dr. Fujino's most significant contribution is the development of the Over-the-Wing Engine Mount (OTWEM) configuration for the HondaJet. This unconventional design places engines above the wing rather than on the rear fuselage, creating larger cabin space, reduced noise and vibration, improved aerodynamic efficiency, and enhanced fuel efficiency.

Beyond the revolutionary engine configuration, Dr. Fujino pioneered advanced materials technologies including hybrid composite fuselage structures and natural laminar flow technologies that significantly reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.

Commercial Success and Recognition

Under Dr. Fujino's leadership, the HondaJet obtained FAA certification in 2015 and became the best-selling light business jet in its class for five consecutive years (2017-2021). His contributions have earned numerous prestigious awards, including the Daniel Guggenheim Medal (2024) and Elmer A. Sperry Award (2021).

CONGRATULATIONS to Dr. Fujino on this well-deserved recognition! Please join us at CAMX in Orlando, Monday, September 8, 2025 at the SAMPE Awards Banquet to honor Dr. Fujino. 

As a Research Officer at the National Research Council of Canada's Aerospace Manufacturing Technologies Centre in Montréal, Barroeta Robles brings over a decade of polymer composites experience and commitment to creating STEM opportunities.

Since November 2021, she has organized virtual coffee breaks addressing unconscious bias, 2SLGBTQIA+ inclusion, and neurodivergent-friendly workplaces. She has led Women in SAMPE Forums, chaired the Thermoplastic Technical Committee, and conducted DEI panels.

"Julieta Barroeta Robles exemplifies the leadership needed to build a more inclusive future for materials and process engineering," said Ashley Tracey, SAMPE North America President.

Join us celebrating Julieta at CAMX in Orlando on September 8, 2025!

SAMPE North America has awarded its 2025 Organizational Excellence Award to Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), recognizing the lab's transformative impact on advanced materials and composite manufacturing over the past decade.

ORNL's Carbon Fiber Technology Facility has made significant contributions toward lowering the historically high cost of carbon fiber by creating processes that reduce carbon fiber production costs by 50%, making lightweight composites economically viable for automotive, wind energy, and aerospace applications. The lab also pioneered Large Format Additive Manufacturing (LFAM), enabling direct 3D printing of reinforced thermoplastic composites at production scale—one of the most significant advances in composite manufacturing.

"It’s a privilege to recognize ORNL for their outstanding contributions to materials and process engineering," said Ashley Tracey, SAMPE 2025-2026 North America President. "Their pioneering efforts in additive manufacturing, composite materials, and collaborative technology transfer exemplify research excellence and industrial influence.”

Game-Changing Innovations
The laboratory's Manufacturing Demonstration Facility has achieved remarkable milestones, including creating the first 3D-printed thermal protection system launched to the International Space Station in 2021 and manufacturing the nation's first additively manufactured home made entirely from biobased materials. These innovations address critical challenges from space exploration to affordable housing and supply chain resilience.

ORNL's 25-ton-per-year carbon fiber processing line enables validation of innovative raw materials including textile, lignin, and polymer-based precursors at semi-production scale, developing critical intellectual property for converting various carbon precursors into high-performance fibers.

Industry Impact and Recognition
With over 280 industry partnerships and more than $100 million in cost-shared research agreements, ORNL has generated over $5.5 billion in follow-on funding for industry and government partners. The facility has earned approximately 145 honors and awards, including six SAMPE Awards, fourteen CAMX Awards, and eighteen R&D 100 Awards.

Oak Ridge National Laboratory will be presented with SAMPE's Organizational Excellence Award at CAMX 2025 in Orlando during the SAMPE Awards Banquet, September 8, 2025. 

2025-2026 SAMPE Global Executive Cabinet

• Global President – Allan Crasto, Ph.D, FSAMPE, Retired Executive Director, University of Dayton Research Institute

• Global Executive Vice President – Dr. Guy Larnac, Materials, Structures and Industrialization Technical Coordinator, Ariane Group

• Global Immediate Past President – Prof. Yiping Qiu, FSAMPE, Professor and Director Shanghai Key Lab of Advanced Micro & Nano Textile Materials, Donghua University

• Global Secretary – Rebekah Stacha, CAE, Chief Executive Officer, SAMPE

• President, China Region – Xiaosu Yi, Ph.D, FSAMPE, Li Duk Sum Chair Professor, University of Nottingham Ningbo China (UNNC)

• President, Europe Region – Conchúr Ó Brádaigh, Ph.D, Vice President at the University of Sheffield

• President, Japan Region – Kiyoshi Uzawa, Ph.D, Professor and Director, Innovative Composite Center (ICC) at Kanazawa Institute of Technology Japan

• President, North America Region – Ashley Tracey, Ph.D, Engineer, The Boeing Company
  

2025-2026 SAMPE Global Board of Directors

Past Presidents 

• Past President, Europe Region – Christian-Andrew Keun, CEO, CompriseTec GmbH

• Past President, North America Region – Jerome Berg, Technology and Development Manager, Northrop Grumman, Aeronautics Systems
  

China Region

• Zhenghua Cao, Ph.D, Professor and Director, Composite Material Center of AVIC Manufacturing Technology Institute, AVIC Composite Corporation Ltd.

• Yan Li, Ph.D, FSAMPE, Professor and Dean, School of Aerospace Engineering and Applied Mechanics, Tongji University

Europe Region

•  Arnt Offringa, FSAMPE, Director, Global Technology Center Netherlands, GKN Fokker

Japan Region

• Kazuto Tanaka, Ph.D, Professor, Doshisha University
  

North America Region

• Robert Brushaber, Engineering Division Director, Texas Research Institute Austin, Inc.

• Stephen Scarborough, Product Development Manager, Air Liquide

• German Reyes-Villanueva, Ph.D, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering University of Michigan-Dearborn

• Paul Wienhold, Principal Professional Staff, Applied Physics Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University
  

Congratulations to SAMPE’s dedicated volunteers for their continued service to its members and the industry!

The Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) North America today announced that its newly elected Executive Cabinet Officers and Global Representatives for the 2025-2026 term have officially assumed their roles. The exceptional team of industry and academic professionals began their service on July 1, 2025, bringing their collective expertise to advance the organization's mission of fostering innovation in materials and process engineering.

Sarah Cox, SAMPE North America Immediate Past President and Chair of the Nomination Committee, announced the results of the peer-elected positions that will guide SAMPE North America's strategic initiatives and strengthen its global position as a leader in materials and process innovation."

This diverse group of industry and academic professionals brings tremendous expertise and vision to SAMPE's leadership," said Cox. "Their collective experience across aerospace, manufacturing, and academia will be invaluable as we continue to advance the field of materials and process engineering."

The 2025-2026 SAMPE North America Executive Cabinet includes:

President Ashley Tracey, PhD, Engineer, The Boeing Company
Executive Vice President Sana Elyas, Technical Professional-Industrial Collaborations, Oak Ridge National Laboratory Manufacturing Demonstration Facility
Vice President Monica Rommel, Owner and CEO, Specialty Materials
Treasurer Andrew Crouse, President, DH Sutherland
Secretary Francis Samalot, Senior Materials Engineer/Scientist, The Boeing Co.
Immediate Past President German Reyes-Villanueva, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Michigan-Dearborn

Additionally, the following individuals will serve as North America Representatives to the SAMPE Global Board of Directors for the 2025-2027 term:

• German Reyes-Villanueva, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Michigan-Dearborn

• Paul Wienhold, Principal Professional Staff, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory
  

Finally in an appointed position, Eric Schmid, Senior Research and Development Engineer, Aerostar, will serve as Parliamentarian for the North America Executive Cabinet.

The incoming leadership team represents a cross-section of expertise from industry-leading companies, research institutions, and academia. This diverse group will work to enhance SAMPE's educational offerings, technical programming, and membership value while fostering innovation in materials and process engineering worldwide.

For more information about SAMPE and its programs, visit nasampe.org.

About SAMPE

The Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) is a global professional society that provides educational opportunities, technical information, and networking for individuals and companies involved in materials and process engineering. For over 75 years, SAMPE has been the leading authority on advanced materials and processes, serving professionals in aerospace, automotive, defense, manufacturing, and other industries.

March 5 – Open Stage – Paris Nord Villepinte

DIAMOND BAR, California, January 7, 2025 - After joining forces for many years to create the annual Paris Composites Week, combining the SAMPE Europe Summit and JEC WORLD, the global leading event about composite materials, showcasing their applications in various industries, both the SAMPE Global and JEC organizations have decided to expand their cooperation, by launching the “SAMPE Technical Sessions” during JEC World 2025, and they have also committed to highlight young engineers.

Rebekah Stacha, CEO of SAMPE and Eric Pierrejean, CEO of JEC have signed a dedicated agreement to include technical programming organized by SAMPE Global, within the Conferences program of JEC World 2025. These SAMPE Technical Sessions will take place on March 5 at JEC World 2025 in the Open Stage, in Hall 6, from 9.30am to 5pm. And for the first time, JEC World will host the final of the new “Young Engineers Challenge” by SAMPE Europe.

Eric Pierrejean, JEC CEO, stated: “Both SAMPE and JEC are entirely dedicated to the composites and advanced materials community, fostering knowledge sharing and networking at their events. The success of our joint activities for many years and our mutual understanding have led us to expand our cooperation to present worldwide achievements and highlight young engineers.”

Rebekah Stacha, SAMPE CEO stated: “SAMPE Global is proud to collaborate with JEC World to bring technical programming directly to the show floor this year, showcasing expertise from our regions on some of the most critical and innovative topics in advanced materials and composites. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to uniting the global SAMPE community and the wider composites community of JEC, driving innovation and advancing the industry.”

Save the Dates
SAMPE Europe 2025 Summit
March 3 - Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel Hotel JEC World 2025
March 4 to 6 – Paris Nord Villepinte
SAMPE Technical Sessions 2025 and Young Engineer Challenge @ JEC World
March 5 – Open Stage – Paris Nord Villepinte

About SAMPE Global
SAMPE (Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering) is the only global professional society encompassing all fields of materials and processes engineering, with a focus on advanced materials. Since 1944, SAMPE has been the leading international association connecting advanced materials and processing engineers across industry, government, and academia. The organization serves its members through local chapters, conferences, and technical events worldwide. SAMPE's mission is to educate and connect the global community of engineers and scientists working in advanced materials and manufacturing, fostering innovation and knowledge exchange that drives the industry forward. For more information, visit sampe.org.

About JEC
JEC Group is a non-profit organization entirely dedicated to promoting composite materials and fostering their applications globally. Publisher of the JEC Composites Magazine, the industry’s reference magazine, JEC organizes several events around the world, including JEC World, the leading international exhibition dedicated to composites and their applications, which takes place annually in Paris. JEC media, events and digital channels connect a global community of professionals from the composites industry and beyond, to enable knowledge transfer, create networking opportunities, and highlight innovation.
JEC: Connecting the World with Composites.
www.jeccomposites.com

Press Contacts
SAMPE Global
Jennifer Pelkey
jpelkey@sampe.org

JEC
Elodie Chauderlot
chauderlot@jeccomposites.com

The George Lubin Memorial Award acknowledges individuals who have made substantial contributions to the field of material and process engineering. It honors those who have dedicated themselves to teaching, leading, and promoting advancements in technology and global camaraderie within the industry.

According to Dr. Howard Kliger and Mr. Rich Caruso, the principal nominators, Mr. Poveromo has been active in the advanced composite industry for 47 years, and his career has grown alongside the industry's development and expansion in the United States, which led to his being chosen as one of SAMPE’s first Fellows.

Poveromo pioneered the use of composites on production aircraft, including some major milestones:

1.The first implementation of carbon epoxy in a production aircraft application (F-14 main landing gear door)

2. The first carbon/epoxy sinewave beams (B-1horizontal stabilizer)

3. The first analytical control process for polymide composite processing (EA-6B, A-6E, EF-111A)

4. The first implementation of carbon bismaleimides in aerospace production (DC-8)

5. The first application of Nextel ceramics as a fire barrier (engine nacelles for GE)

His teams have also won pioneering CRADAs in nano composites (the first usage of single-wall carbon nanotubes for conductive cable) and metamaterials (the first usage of structural metamaterials for radomes).

Mr. Poveromo’s technical contributions and involvement with professional societies have been significant to the advanced composites industry. His recent work with the Composite Prototyping Center and the Composite STEM and Workforce Development program, continues that legacy which began with his first mentor, Mr. George Lubin.

Dr. Uday Vaidya, Governor's Chair and Professor in Advanced Composites Manufacturing at University of Tennessee-Knoxville, Composites Lead of the Manufacturing Sciences Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and Chief Technology Officer at the Composites Institute.

Shin Utsunomiya, Visiting Researcher, Co-creative Research Center of Industrial Science and Technology, Kanazawa Institute of Technology, and Research Adviser, JASMINE Project at National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ).

The SAMPE Fellow Award is a recognition bestowed upon individuals by their peers for their notable contributions to the Society and the field of advancing materials and process engineering technology. SAMPE Fellows perform a vital role in strengthening the SAMPE community by serving as advisors across all aspects of the Society and its membership.

Citation recaps:

Dr. Uday K. Vaidya

Dr. Vaidya's unwavering dedication to advanced composite technologies across various industries such as automotive, aerospace, defense, infrastructure, healthcare, marine, and sport/recreation has left an indelible mark. His exceptional leadership skills have been evident throughout his illustrious career, spanning national laboratories, academia, manufacturing institutes, and trade organizations. Dr. Vaidya's contribution to SAMPE has been immense, serving as an advisor for four different university SAMPE student chapters. As a member of the Carolinas (North America) Chapter, his unwavering engagement with SAMPE has been both diverse and consistent.

Mr. Shin Utsunomiya

Mr. Utsunomiya has made significant contributions to the development and commercialization of composite technology for use in satellite applications. His work has encompassed the creation of carbon fiber composite reflectors and solar array panels, as well as metal matrix composite primary structures. He has been an active member of SAMPE since its establishment in Japan in 1985, while he was working at Mitsubishi Electric Corporation. Even after retiring, he has continued to contribute by conducting research and taking on leadership roles in SAMPE committees and international activities. He has also served as Vice President of SAMPE Japan. Presently, Mr. Utsunomiya remains an active member of the SAMPE Japan chapter.

2023-2024 SAMPE North America Executive Cabinet

• President — Sarah Cox, Materials Engineer
• Executive Vice President — German Reyes-Villanueva, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan-Dearborn
• Vice President — LaNetra Tate, Ph.D., Industry Vice President
• Treasurer — Sana Elyas, Technical Professional-Industrial Collaborations, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
• Secretary — Daren Davis, Senior Instructor, Engineering Technology, Tarleton State University
• Parliamentarian – Monica Rommel, CEO/Owner, Specialty Materials, Inc.
• Immediate Past President – Scott Stephenson, Director, Strategic Initiatives and Events, CompositesWorld

SAMPE’s North America Executive Cabinet and its Board of Directors will next meet at CAMX – The Composites and Advanced Materials Expo, October 30 – November 2, 2023, in Atlanta, GA.

"Tim is a long-standing SAMPE member who has held many key roles. Tim’s leadership on the North America Executive Cabinet was vital in establishing key staff positions to support SAMPE’s strategic initiatives," said SAMPE North America President Sarah Cox. "Tim’s dedication to SAMPE was particularly noteworthy during the pandemic when he collaborated closely with leadership and staff to integrate new virtual technologies when we couldn't connect in person. Through his efforts, SAMPE successfully adapted to the challenging circumstances, ensuring that SAMPE continued to share advancements and facilitate networking for our members."

Join us as Tim Shaughnessy is presented the SAMPE Distinguished Service Award at the SAMPE Awards Ceremony on Monday, October 30, 2023, at CAMX in Atlanta, GA.

The SAMPE DEI Award was introduced in 2021 to acknowledge and celebrate exemplary DEI leadership and advance SAMPE’s commitment to fostering communities where all are represented and welcome.

“Dr. Trego has shown that she exemplifies all the characteristics and qualities that define those that receive this award,” says German Reyes-Villanueva, Ph.D., SAMPE DEI Strategic Initiative Champion, SAMPE North America Executive Vice President, and Program Director of the MSE in Materials Science and Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan-Dearborn. “It is clear to anyone who knows Dr. Trego that DEI is a guiding principle in her work. From her earliest days in college to her impact with organizations worldwide, she has been a driving force in supporting the values of DEI.”

The DEI Award is the vision of the SAMPE DEI Committee. This volunteer-run group ensures continuous progress toward diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout SAMPE North America. The Committee sets priorities and guides SAMPE in the origination, promotion, and implementation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives, policies, practices, activities, and resources to meet the needs of members and the community.

SAMPE-LA has a long-standing tradition of giving back to the materials and processes community through its monthly chapter meeting speaker series, industry tours, and showcasing its sponsored SAMPE student chapters by holding onsite lab tours and research talks at the student’s respective colleges and exploring new technologies through the Manufacturing Problem Prevention Program (MP3).

This award is a reflection of the excellent work of the Los Angeles chapter members and their passion for giving back to the industry. The chapter had an active role in supporting the SAMPE Foundation’s composites book and video project, ‘COMPOSITES: LIGHTER/STRONGER/BETTER’ and in awarding the George and Irene Epstein Memorial Scholarship to well-deserving first-generation college students majoring in STEM programs from Fairfax High School and GALA High School.

You can follow SAMPE-LA on SAMPE 365.

Friday, June 30, 2023, DIAMOND BAR, CA – The Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) North America Board of Directors is pleased to announce Dr. Scott W. Beckwith, FSAMPE, a renowned expert in the field of materials science, has been named as the recipient of the prestigious SAMPE Mort Kushner Lifetime Achievement Award.

The award, which recognizes outstanding achievements and contributions to the field of advanced materials and processes, is named in honor of Mort Kushner, a pioneer in the use of composites for aerospace applications.

Dr. Beckwith's career has spanned over five decades. He has worked tirelessly to provide the global community with solid educational opportunities on new and advanced materials and processing technology. During his years in the U.S. Air Force, Capt. Beckwith worked on solid rocket motor development, including the Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (“ICBM”) program’s first-stage propellant defect problems.  His work as a civilian consultant has touched on composite downhole drilling, frack-plug and sucker-rod development, deep-sea buoyancy pressure vessels (offshore oil production), arctic downhole methane recovery using heat pipe technology, 2.5-3.5m petroleum tanks for Malaysian Petronas gas stations, filament winding and fiber placement, and the earliest resin infusion development technologies and training. He has held four US Presidential appointments as the US industry-recognized carbon fiber and composites expert for critical technology and export controls.

As SAMPE Global’s Technical Director and long-time member, he has contributed significantly to conferences, exhibitions, and technical forums. He has served as the editor of the SAMPE Journal for over 25 years. He has provided guidance on advanced composite materials and processing methods for making those materials into high-performance products.

Dr. Beckwith is also known for his dedication to education and mentoring. He has taught at several universities and has mentored numerous students who have gone on to make their own contributions to the field. As a SAMPE leader, he is a tireless advocate for student members, oftentimes using personal funds to sponsor SAMPE student chapters and their activities.

The SAMPE Mort Kushner Lifetime Achievement Award is a fitting tribute to Dr. Beckwith's many accomplishments and contributions. His work has paved the way for new innovations and advancements in the field of advanced materials, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations of researchers and engineers.

Join us as Dr. Beckwith is presented the SAMPE Mort Kushner Lifetime Achievement at the SAMPE Awards Ceremony on Monday, October 30, 2023, at CAMX in Atlanta, GA.

SAMPE LAUNCHES 2023 State of the Technology Industry Report

Monday, June 26, 2023, DIAMOND BAR, CA –The Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) proudly announces the inaugural release of its 2023 State of the Technology Industry Report (“SoTIR”). The report, available for free on the SAMPE online store, was developed by the SAMPE Technical Committees (“TC”) below and offers a convenient summary of the latest composite and advanced materials industry advancements and trends.

TC 1 Composites Factory of the Future-Industry 4.0

TC 2 Bonding and Joining

TC 3 High-Temperature Materials

TC 4 Recycling of Composites

TC 5 Rapid Manufacturing of Composites

TC 6 Thermoplastics

TC 7 Space Applications

In conjunction with this report, SAMPE will be hosting a Summer Webinar Series covering key topics identified by a diverse group of experts from industry, academia, and government participating on SAMPE’s Technical Committees.  Join us for three free 1-hour webinars:

Thermoplastic Composite (TPC) Repair: Evolution, Research & Opportunities

Thursday, June 29 | 9:00 – 10:00 AM PT/12:00- 1:00 PM ET 

Wind Power: Sustainability and EOL Blade Reuse Advances & Challenges

Thursday, July 27 | 9:00 – 10:00 AM PT/12:00- 1:00 PM ET

Making Composites Circular: Sustainability Challenges and Opportunities

Thursday, August 31 | 9:00 – 10:00 AM PT/12:00- 1:00 PM ET 

“The SoTIR is a new project of SAMPE’s volunteer community that focuses on developing sustainable solutions to modern-day material and manufacturing challenges through collaboration across TCs,” said Raj Manchanda, Chief Technology Officer for SAMPE.”

All are welcome to join the SAMPE technical committees; from members, non-members, students, and early-career engineers to seasoned M&P professionals throughout the world.

Monday, April 17, 2023, DIAMOND BAR, CA – The Society for the Advancement of Materials and Process Engineering (SAMPE) North America search committee is pleased to announce Rebekah Stacha as its CEO, effective June 1^st. Stacha is the first woman CEO for SAMPE in its 79-year history.

“SAMPE has always been a community that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the appointment of our first female CEO to lead our society into the future is truly something to celebrate, said Scott Stephenson, SAMPE North America President and Acting CEO. “Stacha’s expertise in the strategic planning, implementation, and management of peer-reviewed journals, books, and technical library applications will help SAMPE drive its key initiatives into the future.”

Rebekah Stacha is a seasoned association professional with over 20 years of experience in leadership, publishing solutions, operations management, and people development. As Director of Multimedia and Publishing at the Society of Petroleum Engineers, she was instrumental in the organization's digital transformation and streamlining workflows to increase efficiency and customer satisfaction. A graduate of the Mays School of Business at Texas A&M University with a degree in management, she is a Certified Association Executive (CAE) and is an active member of several professional organizations, including the Council of Engineering and Scientific Society Executives, Society of Scholarly Publishing, and American Society of Association Executives.

“One of the greatest points I’ve learned is that the SAMPE community is filled with kind, compassionate people who want to make a difference,” Stacha says. “I’m honored to be entrusted with growing the SAMPE community.”

To learn more about Rebekah Stacha, visit her LinkedIn page. 

ABOUT SAMPE

The Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE®), a global professional member society, provides enhanced educational opportunities by delivering information on new and advanced materials and processing technology. SAMPE provides growth and educational opportunities via conferences, exhibitions, technical forums, and publications. As the only technical society encompassing all fields of endeavor in materials and processes, SAMPE provides a unique and valuable forum for scientists, engineers, and academicians. SAMPE North America is a regional subsidiary of SAMPE that serves Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Langford’s talk, titled “Hybrid-Electric Airplanes with Human, Gas Turbine, and Fusion Power,” will begin with how a human-powered airplane called Monarch, became the winner of the Kremer World Speed Prize in 1984. Nearly forty years later, key members of the Monarch team are developing the Electra eSTOL, using better batteries and a small gas turbine to carry nine passengers in and out of spaces the size of a football field. Learn how these impressive advances are making a strong argument for electric propulsion in aircraft.

John Langford is an aerospace entrepreneur who has spent his career developing a wide range of aircraft, some of them robotic and many of them electrically powered.  After leading the MIT Daedalus Project in the 1980s, he founded Aurora Flight Sciences and led the company for 30 years before selling it to Boeing.  In 2020 he launched a new company, Electra.aero, specifically to pursue green aviation technologies and products.

To learn more about John Langford and to register for this event, please go here.

ABOUT SAMPE

The Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE®), a global professional member society, provides enhanced educational opportunities by delivering information on new and advanced materials and processing technology. SAMPE provides growth and educational opportunities via conferences, exhibitions, technical forums, and publications. As the only technical society encompassing all fields of endeavor in materials and processes, SAMPE provides a unique and valuable forum for scientists, engineers, and academics. SAMPE North America is a regional subsidiary of SAMPE that serves Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The two-day Forum takes place at the Kimpton Shorebreak Hotel in Huntington Beach, CA, bringing together prominent leaders from aerospace, auto, hydrogen power, and more for a collaborative experience consisting of panel discussions and presentations covering the advancements and trends in the role of composites for sustainability, energy, and transportation applications. This year’s Forum features the following sessions as part of the program:

Wednesday, January 25^th , 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

Composites For Sustainability

Composites in a Hydrogen World

Thursday, January 26^th , 8:00 am – 5:00 pm

Automotive Structural Component Design Analysis & Manufacturing

Sustainable Aerospace – the Vision for 2050

Multi-functional Composite Material Systems for Vehicle Battery Enclosures

Multifunctional Applications

SAMPE will offer a tour of Axiom Materials on Wednesday morning featuring a company overview followed by a walking tour of three composite prepreg facilities with Axiom leadership. Limited to 30 participants and some restrictions apply.

All attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the Forum organizers in developing a SWOT analysis.

To learn more about the Forum, go here, and to register, go here.

ABOUT SAMPE

The Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE®), a global professional member society, provides enhanced educational opportunities by delivering information on new and advanced materials and processing technology. SAMPE provides growth and educational opportunities via conferences, exhibitions, technical forums, and publications. As the only technical society encompassing all fields of endeavor in materials and processes, SAMPE provides a unique and valuable forum for scientists, engineers, and academicians. SAMPE North America is a regional subsidiary of SAMPE that serves Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Media Contact:

Chris Locke

714/403-1855

During his two and half years at the society, Clark successfully guided SAMPE through the pandemic, repositioned SAMPE’s portfolio of assets, and built a company culture that will serve as a platform for future success.

Clark stated, “helping the passionate and committed volunteer leadership navigate the evolving events landscape and lead a world-class team has been extremely humbling and rewarding. What we collectively accomplished will firmly position SAMPE as a global leader in material and process engineering.”

Led by Scott Stephenson, SAMPE North America President and acting CEO, SAMPE will immediately begin an exhaustive search for Clark’s permanent replacement. Stephenson said, “We remain financially strong, and leadership is poised to focus and align our strategic priorities to better serve our members and customers.”

ABOUT SAMPE 

The Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE®), a global professional member society, provides enhanced educational opportunities by delivering information on new and advanced materials and processing technology. SAMPE provides growth and educational opportunities via online and in-person conferences, exhibitions, technical forums, and publications. As the only technical society encompassing all fields of endeavor in materials and processes, SAMPE provides a unique and valuable forum for scientists, engineers, and academicians. SAMPE North America is a regional subsidiary of SAMPE that serves Canada, Mexico, and the United States. 

Media Contact: 

Chris Locke  

Mobile: 714/403-1855

Desk: 626/521-9453

Tuesday, September 6, 2022, DIAMOND BAR, CA –The Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) North America is pleased to announce that The Boeing Company has agreed to, once again, renew their ‘Champion’ level corporate partnership with SAMPE North America.

The Boeing Company is making a significant investment to promote youth engagement in material and process engineering by increasing their sponsored student memberships to well over 600 deserving students, a 65% increase over the prior year.   Other key areas of the agreement include an emphasis on Boeing collaborating with SAMPE on future workshops, tradeshow and conference participation, and the support of SAMPE’s student poster, bridge, and additive manufacturing competitions.

“The SAMPE community is extremely grateful to the Boeing Company for their generous support and commitment to student engagement,” said Zane Clark, CEO of SAMPE North America. “Boeing’s purposeful investment in the SAMPE community means that our industry remains competitive and fosters a pipeline of enthusiastic young people that are developing the core STEM skills needed to innovate and ensure a strong workforce.”

“The Boeing Company is committed to helping students of all backgrounds reach their full potential,” said Karin Anderson, Technical Fellow at Boeing South Carolina, and SAMPE’s representative at Boeing. “By partnering with SAMPE, Boeing is supporting a clear pathway for innovators and the future of STEM that represent a strong and diverse background of talent.”

SAMPE North America offers four levels of corporate partnerships: Champion, Platinum, Gold, and Silver. More information on the partnerships can be found here.

ABOUT SAMPE

The Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE®), a global professional member society, provides enhanced educational opportunities by delivering information on new and advanced materials and processing technology. SAMPE provides growth and educational opportunities via conferences, exhibitions, technical forums, and publications. As the only technical society encompassing all fields of endeavor in materials and processes, SAMPE provides a unique and valuable forum for scientists, engineers, and academics. SAMPE North America is a regional subsidiary of SAMPE that serves Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

“All three of these individuals bring immense talent and dedication to the SAMPE community,” said Scott Stephenson, SAMPE North America President. “Our industry has undoubtedly benefited greatly from their contributions, and they reflect the best values of our society. I look forward to seeing how their continued involvement benefits the SAMPE community and advances the material and process industry.”

The SAMPE North America Distinguished Service Award was established in 2016 by the North America Board of Directors to recognize a SAMPE member who has notably enhanced the Society’s stature or made significant contributions to the Society’s objectives.

This award will be presented at the upcoming SAMPE awards event at CAMX in Anaheim, CA, with details to be announced soon.

ABOUT SAMPE  

The Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE^®), a global professional member society, which provides enhanced educational opportunities by delivering information on new and advanced materials and processing technology. SAMPE provides growth and educational opportunities via virtual and in-person conferences, exhibitions, technical forums, and publications. As the only technical society encompassing all fields of endeavor in materials and processes, SAMPE provides a unique and valuable forum for scientists, engineers, and academics. SAMPE North America is a regional subsidiary of SAMPE, which serves the global advanced materials and processes community.

SAMPE Technical Committees

“SAMPE welcomes participation from professionals who are interested in developing technology solutions to modern-day challenges,” said Raj Manchanda, Chief Technology Officer at SAMPE North America. “Collectively we can accelerate the circular economy and clean energy solutions for a net-zero future. Material and process innovations will assist in the development of novel transportation/mobility, energy generation and storage, and construction and infrastructure options for the environment and our community.”    

Each SAMPE Technical Committee will develop their purpose, formulate their own meeting schedule, and hold regular online meetings throughout the year, with in-person meetings at industry conferences such as the SAMPE Conference & Exhibition and the Composites and Advanced Materials Exp (CAMX). Attention will be paid to state-of-the-art advances, opportunities and challenges within each committee’s purview and will be disseminated to the M&P community on a regular basis.

Further criteria:

1. TC members are not required to be SAMPE members.
2. They are expected to be actively engaged in all aspects of the work undertaken by the group.
3. Each TC will participate in an annual report available to the industry.

TC members will benefit from the following:

1. Expanded professional networks
2. Insight into advanced materials and process solutions
3. Leadership opportunities
4. Address real-world challenges

Applications to join a technical committee are currently being reviewed as part of the planning for the 2023 fiscal year. If you’d like to get ahead of the curve and shape the future of our industry, send Raj Manchandayour one-page write-up and CV today.

ABOUT SAMPE

The Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE®), a global professional member society, provides enhanced educational opportunities by delivering information on new and advanced materials and processing technology. SAMPE provides growth and educational opportunities via conferences, exhibitions, technical forums, and publications. As the only technical society encompassing all fields of endeavor in materials and processes, SAMPE provides a unique and valuable forum for scientists, engineers, and academics. SAMPE North America is a regional subsidiary of SAMPE that serves Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

Tuesday, June 28, 2022 DIAMOND BAR, CA – The Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE) North America, today announced that the prestigious “Chapter of the Year” award goes to the SAMPE Canada chapter.

During the pandemic, SAMPE Canada organized many virtual events for professional and student members. For example, the “Engineers Life Event” series gave new graduates an opportunity to talk about their role in composites. Events for professionals included technical topics such as double-bagged forming and advanced thermoplastic composites. The chapter also organized a trivia event that included multiple in-person sites across Canada, all connected virtually by Zoom. The chapter also held virtual Women, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (WEDI) coffee breaks, creating a new area for accessible discussion.

SAMPE Canada is planning even more events in 2022 with the continuation of the “Engineer’s Life Event” series, four industry events with continued cooperation from regional societies, WEDI coffee breaks, and some in-person meetings.

“We collaborated closely with other Canadian composites associations to maximize the benefit to our members” said Peter Richter, SAMPE Canada Chair. “By working with the Composites Knowledge Network (CKN) and the Canadian Association for Composite Structures and Materials (CACSMA), we were able to host online webinars and virtual coffee breaks on Women, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (WEDI), work together to support the 12th Canadian-International Conference on Composites (CANCOM 2022), organized by CACSMA, and many other events that grew our own chapter’s membership.”

SAMPE Canada also organized three roadshow events to promote their student chapters.

You can follow SAMPE Canada on SAMPE 365 and the SAMPE-Canada LinkedIn page.

ABOUT SAMPE  

The Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE^®), a global professional member society, which provides enhanced educational opportunities by delivering information on new and advanced materials and processing technology. SAMPE provides growth and educational opportunities via virtual and in-person conferences, exhibitions, technical forums, and publications. As the only technical society encompassing all fields of endeavor in materials and processes, SAMPE provides a unique and valuable forum for scientists, engineers, and academics. SAMPE North America is a regional subsidiary of SAMPE, which serves the global advanced materials and processes community.

The SAMPE DEI Award was introduced last year to acknowledge and celebrate exemplary leadership and to further advance SAMPE’s commitment to fostering communities where all are represented and feel welcome.

“SAMPE North America’s unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is paramount to its success,” says German Reyes-Villanueva, Ph.D., SAMPE DEI Strategic Initiative Champion, SAMPE North America Treasurer, and Program Director of the MSE in Materials Science and Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan-Dearborn. “What Dr. D'Souza has accomplished over the years to advance such a wide swath of underrepresented students and professionals should be replicated throughout our industry. We are very proud of her actions.” 

The DEI Award is the vision of the SAMPE DEI Committee, a volunteer-run group that is responsible for ensuring continuous progress towards diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout SAMPE North America.  The Committee sets priorities and provides guidance to SAMPE in the origination, promotion and implementation of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, policies, practices, activities, resources, and policies to meet the needs of members and the community.    

ABOUT SAMPE 

The Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE®), a global professional member society, provides enhanced educational opportunities by delivering information on new and advanced materials and processing technology. SAMPE provides growth and educational opportunities via conferences, exhibitions, technical forums, and publications. As the only technical society encompassing all fields of endeavor in materials and processes, SAMPE provides a unique and valuable forum for scientists, engineers, and academicians. SAMPE North America is a regional subsidiary of SAMPE that serves Canada, Mexico, and the United States.