Alfred University’s Gottfried participates in Ceramics Expo panel discussion

four people, three women and a man, sitting in chairs — Participants in a panel discussion at the Ceramics Expo are, from left: Amanda Engen, director of Communications and Workforce Development, American Ceramics Society; Marissa Reigel, senior R&D manager, Saint-Gobain NorPro; Fatima Majid, senior manager Talent Programs, LIFT; and David Gottfried, deputy director, Center for Advanced Ceramic Technology at Alfred University.

David Gottfried, deputy director of the Center for Advanced Ceramic Technology (CACT) at Alfred University, participated on a panel discussion held May 1 during the American Ceramic Society’s annual Ceramics Expo.

The Ceramics Expo was held at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, MI. Gottfried participated on a panel discussion titled “Solving the Workforce and Talent Development Crisis.” He was joined on the panel by representatives from Saint-Gobain NorPro and LIFT.

The session focused on identifying possible solutions to address the shortage in materials science, engineering, and manufacturing talent in the United States. As it relates to the ceramics industry specifically, the panelists addressed ways the sector can attract more young people to the ceramics and glass industries, train them effectively, and keep them for rewarding careers.