University of North Texas

Jim Williams, left, one of the world’s leading authorities on titanium alloys and a member of the National Academy of Engineering, has joined the College of Engineering faculty.

Williams is a distinguished research professor with a part-time appointment in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering.

Williams is the second National Academy of Engineering member to join the faculty. The other is Alan Needleman, also a professor in materials science and engineering.

 Williams previously served on the faculty and as dean of engineering at Ohio State University. He also served on the faculty at Carnegie Mellon University for 13 years, including six years as the dean of the College of Engineering.

Williams also has had an impressive career in the aerospace industry. He has worked for Boeing, Rockwell and GE’s aviation division. His work in the aviation industry is credited with improving safety, fuel efficiency and environmental impact. While at GE his team introduced several new materials and worked to decrease titanium defects in aeronautical turbine engines. No titanium-related catastrophic engine failures have occurred since this work was implemented.

Williams plans to help the department further strengthen its structural materials program by collaborating on research projects, participating in strategic planning and facilitating outreach with industry.

“I enjoy interacting with the students, and, particularly in engineering, I think it is really important that the undergraduate students get exposed to people with industrial experience,” said Williams.

“Structural materials are important to high-quality manufactured goods in this country, yet many of the materials departments around the country have either abandoned or reduced their effort in that area,” said Williams. “To revitalize America’s manufacturing sector we are going to have to make high-value products. High-value products can’t be competitive without high-quality and high performance materials.”

 “Dr. Williams is a world-renowned materials researcher and academician. His long experience and expertise will help the Department of Materials Science and Engineering reach its goals, mission and path to prominence in structural materials,” said Narendra Dahotre, department chair.

  -Alyssa Yancey, News Promotions