At The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) Annual Meeting and Exhibition, which took place earlier this month in Orlando, Fla., a symposium was held in honor of SUNY Poly President Dr. Winston Soboyejo.

In his research, Professor Soboyejo has used materials science and technology to address global grand challenges in the areas of human health, sustainable energy, clean water, affordable housing, and education for people in the developing world. This symposium, titled “Materials Science for Global Development – Health, Energy and Environment,” provided an opportunity for scientists, engineers, educators and students to discuss the current interest and progress in advanced structural and functional materials that are relevant to global challenges and international development. Presentations on experimental, theoretical, and computational research were solicited.

One of the organizers, Pennsylvania State University Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Dr. Jing Du, had Soboyejo as her Ph.D. advisor when she studied at Princeton University.
 
“He not only taught me fracture mechanics, but also how to focus, persist, and be resilient,” said Du. “He has been a great advisor, mentor, and friend to me and to many other students and scholars around the world. We organized this symposium to celebrate Professor Soboyejo's 60th birthday and to honor his significant contributions to materials science and global development.”