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ASC 2005 Conference – 20th Annual Technical Conference at Drexel University

By Navid Zobeiry, Communications Editor, American Society for Composites, Last updated: May 14, 2025

The 20th Annual Technical Conference of the American Society for Composites was held from September 7–9, 2005, at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The conference was chaired by Prof. Frank Ko, with co-chairs Dr. Giuseppe Palmese and Dr. Yury Gogotsi, and honorary chair Dr. Albert Wang. Over 157 technical papers were presented, covering a wide range of composite research topics, from nanomaterials and textile composites to mechanical performance, processing techniques, damage mechanics, and smart materials applications.

For more details, you can access the program and the list of papers below:

Plenary and Invited Highlights

  • Russ Maguire (Boeing Phantom Works) – “Nanocomposites in the Next Generation Airplanes”
    A discussion on the role of nanotechnology and composite materials in future aerospace applications, with an emphasis on next-generation airplane design.
  • Byron Pipes (Purdue University) – “Pedagogy and Scholarship in Composite Materials and Structures”
    Insights on transforming education and scholarship approaches to advance composites research and train future engineers.
  • Goichi Ben (President, Japan Society for Composite Materials) – “Applications of CFRP to Automotive Members for Absorbing Impact Energy”
    An overview of how carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP) are increasingly used in automotive components for impact energy absorption and safety improvements.
  • Suong Hoa (President, Canadian Association for Composite Structures and Materials) – “Research and Development Activities on Composites in Canada”
    A survey of composites research initiatives and industrial collaborations across Canada, highlighting national R&D trends.

Special Activities

Tutorials led by Dr. Frank Ko and Dr. Satish Kumar provided pre-conference training focused on advanced textile composites and nanoscale reinforcement technologies.

Awards and Recognition

  • ASC Fellow: Dr. Michael Wisnom (University of Bristol)
  • ASC Fellow: Dr. Ronald F. Gibson (Wayne State University)
  • ASC Fellow: Dr. Paul A. Lagace (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
  • Outstanding Researcher Award: Dr. Michael W. Hyer (Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University)
  • DEStech Award in Composites: Dr. Ozden O. Ochoa (Texas A&M University)
  • ASC Best Paper Award (2004 conference): N. Roberts, T. Huschilt, D. McLarty, C. Norris "Composite Design and Manufacture of the Swift Toyota Atlantic Race Car"
  • Ph.D. Research Scholarship: Ying Shan (Penn State University)
  • Ph.D. Research Scholarship: A. Andres Leal Ayala (University of Delaware)

By the Numbers

  • 157 technical papers presented
  • 4 plenary speakers
  • Special poster sessions and competitions
  • 2 pre-conference tutorials
  • 1 banquet and awards ceremony

Organizing Committee

  • Conference Chair: Prof. Frank Ko (Drexel University)
  • Conference Co-Chairs: Prof. Giuseppe Palmese (Drexel University), Prof. Yury Gogotsi (Drexel University)
  • Honorary Chair: Prof. Albert Wang (Drexel University)