Welding chair, center established at University of Alberta

The University of Alberta's Faculty of Engineering has named Dr. Patricio F. Mendez as the inaugural Weldco/industry chair in welding and joining in the Dept. of Chemical and Materials Engineering. This new industrial research chair is the cornerstone of the Canadian Centre for Welding and Joining, where Mendez also will serve as director.

Mendez holds M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in materials engineering from MIT and a mechanical engineer degree from the University of Buenos Aires. He joined the University of Alberta in January 2009.

Leadership support from Weldco Companies was the driving force in establishing the research chair and center. The center gives the University of Alberta an opportunity to develop a strong research program, bridging development of scientific knowledge with the needs and expertise of Canadian industry.

The research conducted in the Canadian Centre for Welding and Joining will focus on productivity, weldability, automation, and performance. Other studies will include new processes, materials, and technologies; difficult-to-weld materials such as aged and embrittled alloys; and nondestructive testing, corrosion, and fracture.

The center also will place emphasis on the education and training of welding engineers and area experts.