The Future Looks Bright - A Student's Perspective on the Tribology & Lubrication Engineering Field

In this interview, we talk to Anna Mayo (pictured at right), a high school student who has completed a number of science fair projects related to tribology and lubrication engineering including studying different materials that reduce friction, viscosity levels for lubricity and mechanical applications and the role of a lubricant and its viscosity in that application (see photo: a project in process).

She has presented at the Annual Meeting of the Ohio Academy of Science and has had abstracts published in the Ohio Journal of Science – click here or here to read two of her poster abstracts. In addition to her research and projects, she is an active volunteer and has been very active at her school – participating in student council, basketball, softball and cheer leading. She is involved with the biomedical program at her school and absolutely loves science. While unsure of her ultimate career path, she knows she’d like to do something related to the field. Listen to this interview to hear about her projects and get her perspective about the field and her work.

Important to note is the role of a mentor from the society – (Jack) Mike Miller, Product Manager at Mid-State Industrial Lubricants. While the work is her own, Mike has been a good sounding board for Anna as she has progressed and as she comes up with new, more challenging projects for the Science Fair. Try your hand at mentoring - you may find it very rewarding. Read what two of our members have to say about the subject: Maureen Hunter and Noreen Cherry. You can mentor by contacting us at (847) 825-5536 or at information@stle.org. Our current President, Michael Dugger, also wrote an article on high school students and the importance of fostering the future generation and the field for December's TLT. Click here to read the current issue, and to view December's issue when it becomes available.

STLE is dedicated to developing new professionals and supporting students who are working in the tribology field. Visit our website for resources for both students and young professionals, and to join the community of tribology and lubrication professionals. If you are looking for a resource, or have ideas on resources or events we should offer, let us know via email or feedback.

Food Grade Lubrication Webinar Series - December, February and March

December's upcoming webinar is part of the Food Grade Lubrication Series. The other two events are coming up in February and March. See below for more information on the 2012 webinars, click here to see the current schedule, click here for December's event information, or click here to view the event flyer.

You can attend one of the following events for $39/59 member/non-member, or you can register for all 3, have access for a year, and get them all at a discount! For all 3 it is only $99 for members and $159 for non-members.

Title: Grease and its Use in Food Processing
Date/Time: December 14, 2011, 12:00-1:00 p.m. CST with extended Q&A from 1-1:30 p.m.
Presenter: (pictured at right) Wayne Mackwood, Grease Technology Manager, Chemtura
Presentation Abstract: One of the most critical industries on the planet today is that of food production and any disruption in that industry can have significant impacts on the human population. Disruptions can include natural ones such as drought and blight to human caused ones such as contamination and can lead to a lack of product, product recall, sickness and even death. All of this can cause fear, panic, and anger in various populations particularly if negligence or worse, intentional acts were involved. Therefore it is imperative that all stages of the food process be managed in a safe and effective manner. Grease and proper lubrication are a small but critical part of all stages of that process...click here to read the full abstract.

Title: Food Grade Lubricants
Date/Time: February 15, 2012, 12:00-1:00 p.m. CST with extended Q&A from 1-1:30 p.m.
Presenter: Lawrence Ludwig, Chief Chemist Technical Director at Schaeffer Manufacturing Company

Title: Food Grade Lubricants and Their Regulation

Date/Time: March 21, 2012, 12:00-1:00 p.m. CST with extended Q&A from 1-1:30 p.m.

Presenter: Jessica Evans, Business Unit Manager - Nonfood Compounds, NSF International

Recap of the UEIL Metal Removal Fluid Symposium with Greg Foltz and John Burke

Listen to this week's episode as we talk to both Greg Foltz (right), Engineering and Development Manager at Cimcool Industrial Products and John Burke (lower left), Director of Engineering Services at Houghton International Inc. Greg and John were 2 of the 3 chairs for the technical tracks at the conference. The tracks included Innovation, Application and Regulation. Greg and John covered the first two, with John addressing Innovation and Greg covering Application. Listen to the highlights and key take-aways, and their recommendations for moving the industry forward.

Click on the slider bar to play the episode in your screen, click here to download the episode (you have the option to open it to play immediately or save it and listen later), or click here to read (and translate) the transcript of the interviews.

Robert Gresham, one of STLE's staff members was also present at the symposium. Be sure to read Bob's upcoming article in the December issue of TLT to get his take on the symposium. You can easily stay updated by reading TLT online, with the digital version. Click here to read this month's issue. You can also check out the UEIL website for more information on the Symposium, including the list of presentations by track. Be sure to visit our website for a number of resources on MWFs and related topics. We have started to compile some of the MWF resources available through STLE here, but you can also conduct a search. If you have suggestions as to content we should provide, let us know.