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NAMRC MSEC 2025

BIAM Forum

4th Blacks in Advanced-Additive Manufacturing (BiAM) Forum

4th BiAM Networking Forum at NAMRC MSEC 2025

Title: Accelerating Innovation: Strategies for Career Growth in Additive Manufacturing
Date & Time: Tuesday, June 24, 2025, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location: Ballroom

smeasmelogos

Overview:

Hosted by Blacks in Advanced-Additive Manufacturing (BiAM), this forum brings together faculty, graduate students, researchers, and industry professionals to explore practical strategies for professional success in additive and advanced manufacturing. From building academic careers to launching industry collaborations, this event offers guidance, mentorship, and community. This event is sponsored by ASME and SME.

Open to all NAMRC MSEC attendees – no separate registration required.

Agenda:

0–5 mins: Welcome & Introduction
Dr. Chukwuzubelu Ufodike (Texas A&M University)
Dr. Chinedum Okwudire (University of Michigan)
Opening remarks and forum objectives.

5–15 mins: SME & ASME Collaboration Spotlight
Invited Representatives from SME and ASME
Overview of programs, resources, and organizational efforts to support early-career growth and innovation.

15–45 mins: Panel Discussion – Building a Successful Career in Advanced Manufacturing
Moderator: Dr. Chukwuzubelu Ufodike
Panelists: Faculty, national lab researchers, and industry experts
Topics include:

  • Transitioning from graduate school to academia or industry
  • Research visibility and funding
  • Collaboration and networking strategies
  • Lessons from cross-sector career paths

45–55 mins: Audience Q&A
Live audience engagement with panelists, addressing real-time questions and advice-seeking.

55–65 mins: Launch of the BiAM Mentorship Program
Dr. Chukwuzubelu Ufodike
Announcement of BiAM's new mentorship program designed to help aspiring academics and researchers prepare for competitive career pathways. Includes application instructions for mentors and mentees.

65–85 mins: Facilitated Networking Session
Small-group discussions around key topics such as:

  • Tenure-track navigation
  • Industry-academia engagement
  • Proposal writing and funding strategies
  • Research collaboration

85–90 mins: Closing Remarks
Dr. Chinedum Okwudire
Summary, acknowledgments, and invitation to continue participating in BiAM initiatives.

Forum Highlights

  • SME and ASME collaboration spotlight
  • Expert panel with cross-sector AM professionals
  • Official launch of the BiAM Mentorship Program
  • Facilitated breakout networking sessions

About the Founders

Ufodike Dr. Chukwuzubelu Ufodike is an Assistant Professor and Charlotte and Walter Buchanan Faculty Fellow in the Department of Engineering Technology & Industrial Distribution at Texas A&M University. He holds joint appointments in Mechanical Engineering, Multidisciplinary Engineering, and EnMed. He is the Director of the Digital Manufacturing and Distribution Lab (DMD-Lab) and leads the Professor Ufodike Research Group (PURG). He is also the founder of BiAM and PrintLearn.

ChiDr. Chinedum (Chi) Okwudire is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Miller Faculty Scholar at the University of Michigan. He is also CTO of Ulendo Technologies and has served in industry and academia. He has earned multiple national awards for excellence in research, teaching, and leadership, and currently serves on SME's Additive Manufacturing Technical Community Leadership Committee.

Contact:
For more information or sponsorship inquiries, please contact: Dr. Chukwuzubelu Ufodike – Texas A&M University - ufodike@tamu.edu

BiAM: Empowering talent. Accelerating innovation. Building community.