Materials engineering turned out to be a good fit for Andy Frerichs. Since childhood, he was the guy who liked to experiment with chemistry sets, take things apart, and build new versions. After earning a bachelor’s degree at Iowa State University, he completed a Ph.D. program spanning multiple projects in mechanical materials processing, followed by postdoctoral work with a chemistry focus in oxidation reduction reactions.
His wide range of academic experience helps Frerichs in his current work with The NanoSteel Company, a venture-backed business. He is constantly learning and adapting skills in a company that designs and commercializes advanced steels to make stronger and lighter automotive materials.
Frerichs had his first exposure to ASM while at Iowa State—and liked it. “ASM gave us a window into life as a materials engineer, with tours and guest presentations.” After he finished academics and started working in the profession, he decided to get more involved in volunteering with ASM. “We shape the state of this profession,” says Frerichs. “We’re made up by our members—and if you don’t take an active part, you don’t have a say in how it goes. I believe a professional society is a way to affect change and make better engineers for the future.”
Because there are no local chapters near Idaho Falls, for the past two years Frerichs has served on the national ASM Emerging Professionals Committee. He helped organize the symposium for the MS&T 2017 conference and is taking the lead on the 2018 Perspectives for Emerging Materials Professionals symposium. “The goal is to present students and professionals with ideas for advancing their careers and becoming better materials engineers,” explains Frerichs. “I didn’t get this, so I try to make sure others do. ASM gives me a broader perspective beyond steel—into how other materials interface. I see a broader picture of the profession and my own career path.”
