One chapter closes as a new chapter opens

Dear ACerS members and readers,

The time has come for me to turn the page to a new chapter in the book of my life. I will retire from ACerS at the end of December 2023. This ACerS Bulletin is the last with my name at the top of the masthead.

As I reflect on the already written chapters of my life, it has been an extraordinary journey. I have worked as a research ceramic engineer, consultant, and editor. Along the way, I helped myself to a 17-year sabbatical to raise four children, all busy living their best lives.

When I reentered the workforce, I found an opportunity to rejoin the community as an editor. This position has been a great fit for me, and my 20-plus years as an editor (13 years at ACerS) have been stimulating, rewarding, and a lot of fun.

Many have heard me say, “I know a little bit about everything, and not much about anything.” I find great satisfaction in hearing about your work, helping you tell your stories, and helping the broader world understand the impact of our members’ work and why it is deserving of resources.

This career has given me the opportunity to meet and work with the best minds from around the world in industry, academia, and national labs. Many of you have become cherished friends.

I am truly grateful to all who have been part of my story along the way as colleagues, supervisors, friends, and acquaintances. It would be too risky to try naming you all, but please know that I deeply value our interactions and collaborations across the arc of my career.

The next chapter at ACerS opens with two exceptionally talented women stepping into my roles.

Amanda Engen will assume the senior management role of director of communications and workforce development. She joined ACerS’ Ceramic and Glass Industry Foundation two years ago to develop and manage outreach programs. Because of her work, literally hundreds of thousands of middle and high school students know what engineered ceramics and glasses are and how they are used. She holds a Ph.D. in mass communications from the University of Florida, Gainesville, and has several years of experience teaching writing and communications and building workforce development programs. She will oversee ACerS Bulletin and communications operations as well as drive ACerS’ young but vibrant Learning Center for workforce development.

Lisa McDonald joined ACerS five years ago after earning two B.A.s in physics and communication studies from Coe College (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) and followed her passion to earn a master’s in science communication from Laurentian University (Sudbury, Ontario, Canada). Her undergraduate research on tellurium vanadate glasses at Coe College with ACerS Board member Mario Affatigato and an internship with the ATLAS Experiment at CERN in Switzerland made her an excellent addition to our staff. She joined ACerS as a science writer and was quickly promoted to associate managing editor of the ACerS Bulletin. With the Jan/Feb 2024 issue, she takes the helm as editor of the Bulletin, Ceramic & Glass Manufacturing, and Ceramic Tech Today.

Both Amanda and Lisa’s contact information is on the masthead. They will be happy to hear your ideas!

And my next chapter? You may still see me around a bit helping ACerS with special projects. This community is hard to leave!

With thanks and best wishes,

Eileen
Director of technical content and communications
Editor, ACerS Bulletin and Ceramic & Glass Manufacturing