AFRL Senior Scientist Emeritus elected to National Academy

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – Election to the National Academy of Engineering is among the highest professional distinctions afforded to an engineer. For one Air Force engineer, it’s the culmination of a long and storied career.

Dr. Sheldon (Lee) Semiatin, from the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Materials and Manufacturing Directorate was recently elected to this prestigious honor and is only one of a handful of AFRL alumni ever elected.

Academy membership honors those who have made outstanding contributions to engineering research, practice, or education, including significant contributions to engineering literature and pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of engineering, or developing innovative approaches to engineering education.

Dr. Semiatin is recognized for his contributions to thermomechanical processing of aerospace alloys and emerging intermetallic materials.

Thermomechanical processing is a procedure that integrates metal forging, rolling, extrusion, and more, with heat-treatment to control metallic structure and material properties. Such techniques are widely used in industry to make components for aircraft, spacecraft, propulsion and power systems and ordnance. Development of the scientific and technological foundations for TMP methods have reduced cost, improved reliability, and enhanced service performance of these systems.

“I view this wonderful honor as an affirmation of the quality and impact of outstanding research and development and technology transitions performed by the Materials and Manufacturing Directorate over many decades,” said Semiatin. “Needless to say, our work for the Air Force and the Nation results from the efforts of numerous bright and dedicated individuals who strive for excellence.”

“This is a testament to the laboratory culture, one that despite all the noise and chaos in the everyday world, enables excellence in science and engineering research and development,” said Dr. Timothy Bunning, Materials and Manufacturing Directorate Chief Scientist.

AFRL Commander, Maj. Gen. William Cooley, congratulated Semiatin for his outstanding work and commended him for representing AFRL and the Air Force in the highest manner.

A formal inauguration of new members into the academy will take place Oct. 6, 2019, in Washington, D.C.