Joseph McDermid, an expert in steel physical metallurgy and the metallic coating of advanced steels, has been elected as a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3), the organization’s highest membership grade.
This prestigious recognition is awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions or established a record of achievement in the materials, minerals, or mining fields, and is a mark of esteem for both academia and industry professionals.
McDermid, a Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and long-time director of the McMaster Steel Research Centre, has been integral in collaborating with industry to research and develop advanced materials and techniques for the ever-evolving steel industry. Their integrated research efforts span from iron making to refining, casting, rolling of steel, and metallic coatings for rust protection.
“I’m honoured to be recognized as a Fellow with IOM3,” says McDermid. “I’m also tremendously proud of the collective work of faculty and students at the Steel Research Centre over the decades in driving advancements in steel processing.”
McDermid’s primary research focus is on the relationship between microstructure and mechanical properties in advanced steels, particularly for automotive applications and their metallic coatings. The complexity of these interactions, especially with the galvanizing process, has increased, requiring precise control of properties and surfaces.
“Joe’s leadership at the Steel Research Centre since 2003 has been instrumental in ensuring it remains at the forefront of industry’s needs,” says Heather Sheardown, Dean of Engineering. “The IOM3 Fellowship is a well-deserved honour.”
The IOM3 Fellowship adds to McDermid’s list of prestigious accolades, including the Dale CH Nevison Award from the Galvanizers Association in 2018 and his tenure as the NSERC Stelco Industrial Research Chair from 2003 to 2023.
