Dr. Jimmy Williams, Jr. was invited by Dean Dr. John E. Hurtado with the Texas A&M College of Engineering, for a discussion topic this week that included Hypersonics, Panda Powder, and Titanium Sponge and his new appointment as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at ATI, Inc. Williams joins ATI from Carnegie Mellon University, where he served as executive director and distinguished service professor of the interdisciplinary Engineering and Technology Innovation Management program. ATI, Inc. is a global producer of high performance materials and solutions for the global aerospace and defense markets, and critical applications in electronics, medical and specialty energy. ATI, Inc. is solving the world’s most difficult challenges through materials science. Previously, Williams was senior vice president of global engineering of Pall Corporation, where he led a 750-member engineering unit, driving global growth initiatives across its Life Science and Industrial Products business. This newly created role elevates technology at ATI, Inc. and accelerates progress on their product and process technology priorities, more directly enabling and aligning them with our business strategy.

Dr. Jimmy Williams, Jr. recently from Carnegie Mellon University is a Distinguished Service Professor of Engineering and Public Policy, Director of Engineering & Technology Innovation Management Program, and Professor of Technology for Product Management for the new iii Online program. Dr. Jimmy Williams, Jr. earned a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University, M.B.A. from Lindenwood College, Doctor of Science in Engineering and Public Policy from Washington University. He was also inducted into The Academy of Distinguished Graduates of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University in 2021.

Dr. Williams has significant and practical experience in industry, employing both business and technical acumen as a proven business developmental strategist, operational leader, and technology and innovation manager. Previously, he has held roles as the Vice President of Global Engineering at Pall Corp, Senior Director of Research and Development at Alcoa Technology Advantage, and in research and development and program management positions at The Boeing Company.

During his visit, Dr. Williams toured the Hypersonics and Laser Diagnostic labs, and the Material Science and Engineering Labs on the Texas A&M University campus as well as the Bush Combat Development Complex on the RELLIS campus. He finalized his visit with a tour of the Center for Infrastructure Renewal (CIR) for a tour of the research labs with Dr. Anand Puppala the center Director at the RELLIS campus.