Distinguished Lecture w/ Dr. Priti Wanjara

On February 5, 2024, the Materials Industry Club (MIC) hosted an engaging lecture featuring Dr. Priti Wanjara, a Principal Researcher at the National Research Council of Canada. The event aimed to promote CIM and Metsoc membership while providing a platform for students to engage with an esteemed speaker from outside the local MSE network.

The planning phase involved coordination with CIM and Dr. Wanjara, facilitated by Professor Barati, who had a personal connection with the speaker. MIC handled logistics, including room bookings, scheduling, and promotional materials, which encompassed an Instagram post a week prior, Discord announcements, and sharing the event poster with faculty and lab groups.

The lecture took place in GB202 from 6 PM to 8 PM, attracting over 20 attendees, including about 15% graduate students. Professor Barati's presence added an official tone to the event, enhancing communication with Dr. Wanjara. The lecture lasted approximately 1.5 hours, followed by a 30-minute Q&A session. Dr. Wanjara delivered a motivational speech, sharing her journey from student to accomplished professional, inspiring attendees and fostering networking opportunities among students and professionals in the materials industry.

Dr. Priti Wanjara is recognized internationally for her expertise in advanced manufacturing technologies, particularly in welding process design and additive manufacturing solutions for various industries. With a B. Eng. and Ph.D. from McGill University, she has authored 250 refereed articles and 140 technical reports and has been a contributing member of CIM for over 30 years. Her numerous accolades include the Brimacombe Award, Silver Medal, Distinguished Scientist Award, and Research Excellence Award from the Metallurgical Society of CIM.

In her lecture, Dr. Wanjara discussed the transformative impact of additive technologies in manufacturing. She highlighted the current focus on metal additive manufacturing, particularly laser powder-bed 3D printing, and explored the emerging wire-fed electron beam additive manufacturing (EBAM) technology. This method offers significant advantages, including a large build envelope and high material efficiency, positioning it as a promising solution for fabricating near-net-shape metallic components. Dr. Wanjara’s insights addressed the challenges faced by the global scientific community in implementing and qualifying additive manufacturing techniques, making the event a valuable experience for all attendees.