Before the 1960s, “steel was king.” With its silvery-gray physique and multipurpose use, steel is found everywhere. The alloy of iron and carbon provides a foundation for roads, railways, bridges and kitchen appliances. Steel is also the foundation of Carl Koch’s career.
An expert in metallurgy and material science, Koch began researching structural materials, specifically steel, in graduate school at Case Institute of Technology, now known as Case Western Reserve University. Koch has since published over 360 research articles, with his most recent work involving aluminum wire and its electrical conductivity.
The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society recognized the North Carolina State University professor for his accomplishments and leadership in the field of materials science engineering by granting him the 2023 Institute of Metals Lecture and Robert Franklin Mehl Award.
Koch expressed his gratitude for receiving this award, “I am very honored because the previous winners are all people I have a great deal of respect for.”
The Mehl award seeks to recognize outstanding scientific leaders, and invites recipients to present a lecture at the TMS Annual Meeting. As the 100th recipient of the TMS award, Koch said, “I am honored to be included in this group.”
Reflecting on his path in engineering, Koch pointed out that before 1959, which is the year he received his bachelor’s degree, the field of materials science did not exist. “Basically materials science merged all of the material classes. So, instead of just metals, it included ceramics, polymers, electronic materials and so on.” The transition from metallurgical engineering to materials science is one of the main topics Koch intends to discuss in his lecture for TMS.
Since the field has evolved from strictly metals to the physics and chemistry of all materials, Koch likes to consider materials science an “enabling technology.” In other words, he said, “If you can make a better material, you can make all kinds of better objects. You can make jet engines that are more efficient, you can make better electronic equipment and so on.”
Koch spoke about the importance of having good mentors throughout his path of engineering. “I was always lucky to have good group leaders, section heads and department heads.” His advice for the engineers of the future is to not get discouraged, but to learn from other research: “Read the literature, and try to keep up on what are the new, important areas.”
The department of materials science collaborated with Koch and his partner Carolyn Koch in a lecture series that seeks to highlight next generation materials scientists. The inaugural talk of the series took place Nov. 4, 2022. To learn about Koch and the Koch Research Group, visit https://www.mse.ncsu.edu/carlkoch/
About the Author
Mary Obiol is the assistant communicator for the department of material science and engineering. As an undergrad at NC State, she is pursuing a degree in communication media with a minor in journalism. In addition to writing for MSE, Mary is a published researcher in the field of communication, and seeks to help people through her written and communicative abilities. She also participates in University Theatre at NC State and is a member of the Ladies in Red, NC State’s all-female a cappella group.