NACE International Podcasts

With decades of writing and editing experience, Kerry Cole was recently hired as Editor of Materials Performance (MP) Magazine. In this interview, Cole chats with Ben DuBose, AMPP’s News Editor, about his new role. Topics include Cole’s career background in journalism and the transition to covering corrosion and coatings; how his previous experience with associations may help; first impressions on the job; hobbies and personal interests; and much more.

As of April 2023, Alan Thomas is now CEO of the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), replacing Bob Chalker. In this chat with Ben DuBose, AMPP’s News Editor, Thomas discusses his past career experience and the process leading to his appointment, along with insight on his initial priorities as CEO; key takeaways from the recent AMPP Annual Conference + Expo; background on his leadership style and personality; and much more.

Charles (Charlie) Brown, deputy director of coatings at Greenman-Pedersen, Inc., joins CoatingsPro Magazine’s “member profile” series with reflections on nearly 40 years in the industry. Topics include the evolution of coatings and market trends over that time; Brown’s advice for the next generation; and how associations such as AMPP, NACE International, and SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings have bolstered his career.

Drs. Arjan Mol (co-Editor in Chief of Corrosion Science), Sanna Virtanen (Technical Editor of the corrosion section of the Journal of the Electrochemical Society), Nick Birbilis (co-Editor in Chief of npj Materials Degradation), and John Scully (Technical Editor in Chief of CORROSION journal) join our podcast to discuss the future of corrosion research. In Part 2 of this Editor Roundtable series (listen to Part 1 here), discussion topics include areas of future research and challenges that the field will need to overcome. The conversation encompasses subjects such as sustainability and the use of artificial intelligence in research and publishing. 

Drs. Arjan Mol, Sanna Virtanen, Nick Birbilis, and John Scully, Editors in Chief and Technical Editors of four corrosion-related journals, join the CORROSION journal podcast to discuss trends in corrosion research and how that compares to the past. In part one of this roundtable series, the panelists explore changes they have seen over the past decade, along with a brief look at where the research is heading.

Drs. Narasi Sridhar, with MC Consult LLC, and Chris Taylor, with DNV, join our podcast to discuss corrosion life predictions, the topic of CORROSION journal’s March 2023 special issue dedicated to the 2022 Research Topical Symposium. This episode provides an overview of the March issue and delves into a broader discussion of the advances and challenges experienced in lifetime predictions.  For more information about the March 2023 special issue or lifetime predictions, contact Narasi Sridhar via www.mcconsultco.com or by email at nsridhar@mcconsultco.com. Chris Taylor can be contacted via LinkedIn or at  Christopher.Taylor@dnv.com.

Brunno Batista, a worldwide brand ambassador and social media influencer, tells our CoatingsPro Magazine how the roof coatings industry has evolved over his decades in the business. Topics include challenges and opportunities in the market; where the industry is going in the future; highlights from Batista’s career; why diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are critical; and how contractors and vendors can use social media to their advantage.

Malcolm McNeil, owner and president of McNeil Coatings Consultants, Inc., recently joined the “member profile” podcast series of CoatingsPro Magazine for an exclusive interview.   McNeil has been an industry mainstay since his original jobs at Sherwin-Williams and Glidden Paint Company in the 1950s and 1960s, and he broadened his scope as the years progressed by retiring to start his own consulting business and becoming a lead instructor for NACE International’s flagship Coating Inspector Program (CIP). Today, he also serves as Technical Editor for CoatingsPro Magazine.   To no surprise, McNeil picked up on quite a few tips and lessons learned over the years that could prove useful to others in the industry. For more information, contact: McNeil Coatings Consultants, (317) 885-1557, www.mcneilcoatingsconsulting.com

Based in Edmonton, Canada, Dr. Harry Tsaprailis is the protective coatings subject matter expert (SME) at energy infrastructure company Enbridge. In this member profile with CoatingsPro Magazine, “Harry T” shares his perspective on important industry priorities entering 2023, along with the role of AMPP in addressing those challenges and enhancing his career growth.

Drs. Ryan Katona, Erin Karasz, and Rebecca Schaller with Sandia National Laboratories join our CORROSION journal podcast to discuss their recent invited critical review, “A Review of the Governing Factors in Pit-to-Crack Transitions of Metallic Structures.” Based on an open access review, this discussion provides key takeaways and insights from the authors.

Now 74 years old, Phil Fouche has traveled the world for decades as a Coating Inspector Program (CIP) Instructor and as a CIP subcommittee member. Today, Fouche holds an AMPP Senior Certified Coatings Inspector credential and continues to educate the next generation of coatings professionals across many countries and continents. In this “member profile,” we explore highlights and lessons learned from his distinguished career.

Jeremy Sukola, water and wastewater market manager at coatings, linings, and fireproofing manufacturer Carboline, joins our podcast to discuss key industry trends, feedback from the marketplace, and much more.    Discussion topics include lessons learned over Sukola’s distinguished career; education initiatives, technical development, and other resources available from Carboline to address market needs; advice for the next generation of coatings professionals; and how Sukola’s work as a NACE/AMPP education instructor has proven beneficial on many levels.

The 2023 AMPP Annual Conference + Expo will be held next March in Denver, Colorado, and the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) is actively gearing up for its annual flagship event for the corrosion control and protective coatings industries. Greg Muha, director of conferences, exhibits, and sponsorships, tells us about what to expect in Denver and why there will be some changes from previous years.

In a collaborative discussion, Joe Mazzella and Tom Hayden of Engineering Director, Inc. (EDI) join Enbridge’s Keith Parker to discuss the group’s engineered, integrated approach to external corrosion management (IECM). Topics explored on the IECM-themed podcast include the roles of machine learning, data governance, and the importance of building an observable system. More information on their work is available in recent technical articles of Materials Performance (MP) Magazine, and they will be delivering a symposium on the topic on March 22, 2023 at the AMPP Annual Conference + Expo in Denver, Colorado, USA.

Traditional high-performance coatings provide a strong cohesive film. But at times, this can unintentionally contribute to the undercutting effects of corrosion, leading to failures that could lead to a full rehabilitation or replacement. In response, Induron Protective Coatings has developed a unique line of ceramic epoxies that are formulated to provide strong corrosion protection through high film build, low permeability, and self-healing properties. These coatings can be used on potable water tanks; water and wastewater treatment plants; power transmission towers; and as a lining for ductile iron sewer pipes. Davies Hood, president of Induron, explains more about the company’s technologies and its keys to success.

Roland Anderson, business development director at monitoring solutions company Axess Corrosion, explains how the group’s patented Janus range works to reduce risk. With integrated alarm systems available to measure process corrosion, erosion, wall thickness, and more, Anderson elaborates on feedback from the field; trends in the marketplace; unique needs for oil and gas clients; and much more.

Dr. Poorwa Gore, Director of AIChemy and an Associate Editor with CORROSION journal, joins our podcast to give advice to students considering a career in corrosion research. This includes short-term research projects, presenting and networking at conferences and events, and keeping your research organized.   For more information, contact: Poorwa Gore, poorwagore@gmail.com.

Bob Chalker, CEO of the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), discusses his decision to retire in July 2023 and what the path forward looks like for the corrosion and coatings organization.  Topics include motivations for the decision; the process of naming a replacement; highlights from Chalker’s 13-year tenure at AMPP and NACE International; and the legacy he leaves behind.

Coatings industry leader and consultant Alison B. Kaelin (ABKaelin, LLC) joins us to discuss proposed changes to OSHA’s Lead Standards for General Industry and Construction. Topics include the expected timeline and its implications for U.S. coatings professionals; what companies should be doing now to prepare; the role of engineering controls and new technologies (PPE, equipment, and materials) in the transition; and what industry organizations like AMPP and its members can do to help.

In our latest member roundtable, longtime member Stephanie Decker discusses recent updates to AMPP's Coating Inspection Program (CIP) with Alicia Yust, senior manager of learning and development, and Pam Nicoletti, senior director of global operations.