Mario Affatigato, Fran Allison and Francis Halpin Professor of Physics at Coe College, gave the annual Samuel L. Scholes Sr. Memorial Lecture at Alfred University, on Thursday, April 23, in Holmes Auditorium, Harder Hall.
In his lecture, titled “Strange Transformations: Nontraditional Techniques for Fabricating Glass,” Affatigato discussed traditional thermodynamic methods (roller and splat quenching, spray cooling), levitation techniques of various kinds, chemical methods, and mechanical/optical strategies for creating disorder in the solid state in the fabrication of glass.
Prior to Affatigato delivering his lecture, Gabby Gaustad ’04, dean of the Inamori School of Engineering, presented sophomore William Timpano with the Scholes Scholar Award, which is given to the engineering major who earns the highest GPA during their first year of studies. Timpano is a glass engineering science major from Severn Bridge, Ontario, Canada. A member of the Saxons’ baseball team, he is the son of Timothy and Wendy Timpano.
Affatigato obtained his undergraduate degree from Coe College in 1989, followed by his Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University in 1995. He has developed a research effort primarily investigating the relationship between the optical properties and structure of glassy materials. He has worked with over 100 undergraduates in projects that include laser-induced modification and exotic manufacturing methods like aerolevitation. His research primarily deals with oxide glasses, especially vanadates, borates, and samples with heavy metals.
A fellow and current president of the American Ceramic Society (ACerS), Affatigato is a past recipient of the APS Prize for Research at an Undergraduate Institution, a PECASE award from the National Science Foundation (NSF), a SEED Award from the Research Corporation, as well as other research grants from industry, NSF and the Research Corporation. He is a fellow of the UK Society of Glass Technology, and a Research Corporation Cottrell Scholar. Currently Affatigato holds the Fran Allison and Francis Halpin Professorship at Coe College and is the Editor in Chief of the International Journal of Applied Glass Science.
Prior to the lecture, the Inamori School of Engineering held a memorial for the late James Thiebaud, technician in the Inamori School of Engineering who passed away last summer. After the Scholes Lecture luncheon, a poster session was held in honor of James Shelby, emeritus John F. McMahon Professor of Ceramic Engineering.
The Scholes Lecture Series was established in 1982 by alumni of Alfred University to honor the late Samuel R. Scholes, who in 1932 established the first glass science program in the United States at the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University. He served as dean, associate dean, head of the Department of Glass Technology, and professor of glass science.
