Welcome to the December Edition of USACA's Advanced Ceramics Insights! | |
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USACA’s working groups are the lifeblood of our association, bringing members together to address shared challenges and shape our policy agenda.
USACA recently launched a Microelectronics Working Group and is revitalizing others to strengthen our collective efforts to secure public and private investment in next-generation capabilities.
We caught up with representatives from two active USACA members, CoorsTek and Alfred University, who are playing pivotal roles in developing the microelectronics initiative and enhancing USACA’s efforts to train and nurture the future workforce in advanced ceramics.
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‘The whole ecosystem’: Andy Thomas, Vice President for Research and Development at CoorsTek, the nation’s largest ceramics manufacturer, co-chairs the new Microelectronics Working Group with Jeff Vervlied of Free Form Fibers, and Cheryl Xu of NC State University. One of the new working group’s objectives is to scale up semiconductor packaging and explore related funding opportunities.
USACA: Why microelectronics and why now?
AT: Semiconductors, and the infrastructure to produce them, use all sorts of advanced materials that are ceramics. But it’s not something folks usually think about. They don't understand how ceramics make your smartphones possible. There's a real need for more education and advocacy about this sector, particularly with our elected officials, who often don’t fully understand our industry plans for semiconductors.
USACA: What must we do to build a more robust microelectronics industrial base?
AT: Our competitors in the semiconductor space are primarily located in Asia. So, when we talk about onshoring, it's not just the fabrication facility itself – it’s also the equipment that goes in it and the supporting supply chain. The process extends across various layers in the whole ecosystem. And we play an important role in that ecosystem.
USACA: How is the role of ceramics changing in microelectronics?
AT: Historically, silicon has been the material of choice for all chip manufacturing. However, silicon carbide and gallium nitride are becoming prominent alternatives. These materials process differently, which means that the focus of the working group will not only be on existing legacy silicon infrastructure but also on preparing the U.S. to maintain its leadership in these new technologies.
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‘Falling behind’: USACA is also renewing its focus on workforce development, a key area of emphasis for David Gottfried, Director of the Government Relations for Alfred University, which is home to the New York State College of Ceramics. Gottfried is a member of the Workforce Development Working Group, chaired by Tom Nixon at Rolls-Royce and Dr. David Lipke at Missouri S&T.
USACA: You are a member of the USACA Workforce Development Working Group. Why do you feel this issue is so important?
DG: We are falling behind other nations in technical ceramic education, particularly compared to the big three: China, Japan, and Germany. Universities with dedicated undergraduate programs, such as Missouri University of Science and Technology and the Colorado School of Mines, need to emphasize the importance of ceramic education. This focus is essential in supporting critical national needs. What can we implement to raise awareness and improve our programs?
USACA: Does that also go for the current workforce?
DG: Yes, what can we do when it comes to those who are already working in the industry? For example, if we want to train metallurgists to become ceramic engineers, what kind of education can we provide to help them better understand the nature of ceramic materials and how they behave differently than metals?
USACA: CoorsTek is once again sponsoring the student luncheon at our Composites, Materials and Structures Conference next month.
AT: I attended the conference when I was a student, and I still have the proceedings from the early 90s in my bookcase. We’re involved in various programs to engage kids in STEM education. CoorsTek is also the lead sponsor of the Denver Metro Regional Science and Engineering Fair.
We are working to elevate and bring visibility to STEM for kids who are naturally inclined in that direction, encouraging them to stay in the field and see where it takes them. They may end up at CoorsTek, or they may not, but it’s an important way we can add value and contribute to the country. It is also important for getting the CoorsTek name out there in the recruiting war.
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LEADERSHIP CHANGE: Republican control of the White House and both chambers of Congress next month means new agency leaders and chairs of House and Senate committees that set policy and funding priorities. Here’s what we know so far:
President-elect Donald Trump is responsible for filling 4,000 vacancies in executive branch departments, from cabinet and sub-cabinet appointments to a variety of other political appointments. He intends to nominate Pete Hegseth to be Secretary of Defense and Chris Wright to be Secretary of Energy for Senate confirmation.
Taking the gavel: In the Senate, where Republicans have gained a four-seat majority, Sen. John Thune of South Dakota has been elected Majority Leader, while Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming has been elected Majority Whip.
Sen. Susan Collins of Maine will chair the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, while Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, the outgoing Republican leader, is slated to chair the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.
Other lineups: Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas is likely to be the next chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, while Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi is almost certain to chair the Senate Armed Services Committee.
Republicans narrowly retained their majority in the House, where several key committee chairmanships are up for grabs.
On the Energy and Commerce Committee, Reps. Brett Guthrie of Kentucky and Bob Latta of Ohio want to replace outgoing Rep. Cathy McMorris Rogers of Washington State. But Rep. Tom Cole of Oklahoma will remain chair of the House Appropriations Committee and Rep. Ken Calvert of California will retain the gavel of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee. The Republican conference is slated to settle on committee rosters this month.
Meanwhile, Rep. Brian Mast of Florida has been elected chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. He, along with his counterpart Sen. Jim Risch of Idaho, chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, will play a key role in shaping America’s relations with China and the implementation of President Trump’s tariff policy.
Policy chop: The compromise version of the Fiscal Year 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, the annual legislation that sets defense policy, is now out. Next stop is final consideration by the House and Senate this month, before it goes to President Joe Biden for signature.
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EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR UPDATE | |
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SPACE IS THE PLACE: USACA is also excited about the recent news that Alfred University has established a Space Materials Institute, supported by Washington Mills Ceramics Corporation and Blue Star Advanced Manufacturing, a NASA contractor headed by the new institute’s director Dr. Holly Shulman.
The university’s role in supporting NASA dates to the early days of the Space Shuttle program and high-temperature ceramic tiles for the reusable spacecraft’s heat shield. “Now it's taking it and moving it to the next generation,” said Gottfried.
He explained that one major thrust of the institute will be research on how to turn the Moon’s regolith into materials suited for landing pads or other construction materials, as the space agency and commercial companies eye a long-term presence on the lunar surface.
‘More opportunities for growth’: “Alfred University is excited to bring all of these high-value projects and others together in the Space Materials Institute,” said Alfred University President Mark Zupan. “We will be able to leverage even more opportunities for growth in this sector for our students, staff, and faculty in addition to our collaborators in industry.”
Read more: Alfred University launches Space Materials Institute
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HERE COMES THE SUN: The CMS Conference is just around the corner in St. Augustine, Florida, from Jan. 26 to 30.
On hand will be reps from the Navy, Air Force, Army, Missile Defense Agency, NASA, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, the FAA, Department of Energy, engine manufacturers, missile and aircraft makers, commercial space companies, and material and component suppliers.
Special thanks to our sponsors CoorsTek and Lucideon!
SAVE THE DATE: USACA’s Spring Technical Meeting will be held in Washington, DC., March 25-26, 2025. Stay tuned for more details. But it’s not too early to RSVP to Karen Coleman-Dillon at karen@strategicmi.com.
JUST IN TIME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Keep an eye out for USACA’s new and improved website, which will offer an interactive platform that fosters more robust engagement and collaboration. USACA needs your input to advocate for policies and foster new partnerships that take our industry to the next level. Let’s keep the conversation going!
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