Dearborn, Mich. - August 19, 1998 - J.T. Black, Ph.D., PE of Auburn, Ala. has been elected by the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) for induction into the 1998 College of Fellows. Chosen for his many years of outstanding contributions to manufacturing and SME, Dr. Black will be installed as a Fellow November 8 during the Society's Fall Board of Directors Meeting in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Black, professor of industrial engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering Department, Auburn University, Auburn, Ala., is a pioneer in applying solid state physics to the understanding of machining.
In his doctoral thesis, Dr. Black introduced the most advanced concepts of physics and materials science to unravel deep problems in the chip formation when cutting metals. He currently has more than 25 publications in refereed technical journals.
His work in using electron microscopy to "see" what happens when a metal is machined has been significant in the metal cutting industry. He has also contributed extensively to manufacturing as one of the premier researchers and teachers of lean manufacturing systems and cell design.
Dr. Black is active in SME both as a member and as editor-in-chief of the SME Journal of Manufacturing Systems. In addition, he has been involved in the North American Manufacturing Research Institution (NAMRI) of SME by publishing, organizing and leading in its programs. He was instrumental in the founding of the SME Education Foundation and is currently a member of its board of directors.
Dr. Black has published a number of seminal papers and textbooks on a variety of manufacturing related topics. He received his doctorate degree from the University of Illinois, Urbuna, Ill., his masters degree from West Virginia University, Morgantown, W.Va., and his bachelor's degree from Lehigh University, Lehigh, Pa.
The fellows, nominated by industry and SME peers, are elected for their outstanding contributions spanning over 20 years of manufacturing experience in areas such as industry or educational service management, technical publishing, research and development, inventions and patents, consulting, and SME service. Additional requirements include SME membership and a bachelor's degree of equivalent engineering experience.
SME, headquartered in Dearborn, Mich., USA, is an international professional society dedicated to serving its members and the manufacturing community through the advancement of professionalism, knowledge, and learning. Founded in 1932, SME has 65,000 members in 70 countries. The Society also sponsors some 275 chapters, districts and regions, as well as 240 student chapters worldwide.

(This was taken directly from SME newsrelease No. 153)