JOHN C. LIPPOLD, PhD, is a professor in the Welding Engineering Program at The Ohio State University and leader of the Welding and Joining Metallurgy Group. A Fellow of both the American Welding Society and ASM International, Dr. Lippold has received numerous awards, including the Charles H. Jennings Memorial Award, the William Spraragen Memorial Award, the Warren F. Savage Memorial Award, the McKay-Helm Award, the A.F. Davis Silver Medal, the James F. Lincoln Gold Medal, the William Irrgang Memorial Award, and the Dr. Comfort A. Adams Lecture Award.

DAMIAN J. KOTECKI, PhD, is Technical Director for Stainless and High-Alloy Product Development at Lincoln Electric and Vice President and Fellow of the American Welding Society. His many industry awards include the James F. Lincoln Gold Medal, the William Irrgang Memorial Award, the R.D. Thomas Memorial Award, the R.D. Thomas, Jr. International Lecture Award, the Dr. Comfort A. Adams Lecture Award, and the IIW Thomas Medal.