Dr. Julie M. Schoenung of the Departments of Materials Science and Engineering and Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University has been selected as the recipient of 2024 TMS/ASM Joint Distinguished Lectureship in Materials and Society Award. This esteemed recognition, jointly presented by ASM International® and The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS), marks a significant milestone in Schoenung’s career.
Schoenung’s achievement in receiving the Distinguished Lectureship in Materials and Society is not merely a personal accolade; it’s a celebration of her tireless dedication, innovative research and commitment to pushing the boundaries of materials science for a better tomorrow. Her forthcoming lecture promises to enlighten and inspire, further cementing her legacy as a trailblazer in the field of sustainable materials research and societal advancement through pioneering engineering solutions.
Schoenung will deliver her talk, “Saving the Planet through Sustainability-Informed Selection, Design and Discovery of Materials,” as part of the TMS Fall Meeting at Materials Science & Technology 2024 in October in Pittsburg, PA. Her selection for this prestigious lecture serves as a testament to Schoenung’s outstanding contributions to the field of materials science and engineering. Established in 1971, the lecture explores the interplay between technology, society and the evolving landscape of materials science, aligning with Schoenung’s expertise and passion.
With an impressive academic background and career, Schoenung’s journey spans various academic institutions, each adding a unique dimension to her expertise. Her current role as professor and Wofford Cain Chair III at Texas A&M University, coupled with her position as co-director of the World Institute for Sustainable Development of Materials, speaks to her dedication to advancing sustainable materials research.
Schoenung’s impact on the field is further highlighted by her academic affiliations. She is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and serves as an elected fellow in the American Association for the Advancement of Science and TMS, among others.
Her groundbreaking work in high entropy ceramics, additive manufacturing and sustainable materials development exemplifies her pioneering spirit. She conducts research into the analysis of factors that guide the materials-selection decision-making process, such as economics, environmental impact and toxicity, cost-performance trade-offs, policy, and sustainability standards. At her lecture, Schoenung hopes to inspire and guide future generations in the pursuit of sustainable materials and societal progress.