GOLDEN, Colo., Nov. 30, 2015 – Colorado School of Mines has been selected as a pilot member of the Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation's newly launched University-Industry Network, one of just five universities to be chosen.
The program focuses on encouraging schools around the world to align more closely with industry as they continue teaching key concepts in ceramic and glass science, providing resources to professors and undergraduates, and connecting students with industry leaders.
Mines’ selection is a sign of the university’s status as a leader in ceramics education and research in the United States, said Ivar Reimanis, head of the George S. Ansell Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering. He added that universities were chosen “because of their potential to provide industry with a new-generation workforce in the glass and ceramics area.”
“Ceramics education at Mines has been around for more than three decades, but lately has become quite vibrant,” Reimanis said. The new recent gift from CoorsTek, which is helping fund the construction of the CoorsTek Center for Applied Science and Engineering, equipment, and a research fellowship program, has already had a major impact, he said.
Mines and other universities that join the network will have access to programmatic resources aimed at ceramic and glass education, and funding will be available to help support programs and initiatives to give undergraduate students more opportunities to develop an interest in the ceramic and glass fields.
“The University-Industry Network is designed to provide students with richer hands-on experiences in the ceramic and glass fields,” says CGIF Development Director Marcus Fish. “It’s vital that these programs get the funding and resources they need to help attract the next generation of professionals to work in the ceramic and glass industry.”
The network is also designed to connect professors and students to industry partners who are passionate about recruiting the next generation through lectures and workshops, plant tours, donation of equipment and supplies, and internship/career opportunities to students who have joined the network.
Four other universities have signed on to join the program: Alfred University, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Penn State, and Clemson.
CGIF was created by the American Ceramic Society in 2014. Founded in 1898, The American Ceramic Society is the leading professional membership organization for ceramic and glass materials scientists, engineers, researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, and students, and serves more than 11,000 members from more than 80 countries.
Contact:
Mark Ramirez, Information Specialist, College of Applied Science & Engineering | 303-384-2622 | ramirez@mines.edu
Karen Gilbert, Director of Public Relations, Colorado School of Mines | 303-273-3541 | kgilbert@mines.edu