Celebrating Engineers Week: Honoring Future NDT Leaders

Engineers Week is a time to recognize the innovators, problem-solvers, and visionaries who shape our world through engineering. At ASNT, we're excited to celebrate the role of engineering in nondestructive testing (NDT) and highlight the bright minds who represent the future of this industry.

This year, we’re shining a spotlight on three outstanding ASNT Foundation Engineering Undergraduate Scholarship recipients—Brooke Lastinger, Agustin Harte, and Nadia Lafontant—who exemplify dedication, innovation, and leadership in their pursuit of engineering in NDT. These individuals, through their studies and hands-on experiences, are helping to drive advancements in NDT and ensure a safer world.

Brooke Lastinger, a student at the University of Florida, is pursuing combined bachelor’s and master’s degrees in materials science and engineering. With a passion for hands-on learning, she has interned at Naval Air Station Jacksonville’s Materials Engineering Laboratory, where she gained experience in multiple NDT methods and worked on failure analysis and engineering investigations. Her research focuses on developing nondestructive techniques for measuring oxygen diffusion in oxide thin films, showcasing her commitment to advancing inspection technology.

Agustin Harte, a student at The Pennsylvania State University, is studying engineering science with a minor in energy engineering. As an active researcher in the Argüelles Research Group, he explores ultrasonic applications for nondestructive material characterization. Recently, Agustin presented his research on ultrasonics in dairy processing at a national conference, demonstrating how NDT principles can be applied in diverse industries. With plans to further his education, he aims to bring his expertise to renewable energy solutions through NDT innovations.

Nadia Lafontant, an undergraduate student at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, is leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance nondestructive evaluation techniques. Her work in the Intelligent Measurement and Evaluation Laboratory focuses on developing AI models that improve fault detection in metals with greater precision and efficiency. As a teaching assistant and researcher, she is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology into traditional NDT practices.

The ASNT Foundation: Supporting the Next Generation of NDT Technicians and Engineers

The ASNT Foundation plays a crucial role in fostering the next generation of NDT professionals. Through initiatives like the Engineering Undergraduate Scholarship, the ASNT Foundation provides financial support to students who are pursuing degrees in engineering with a focus on NDT. By investing in individuals like Brooke, Agustin, Nadia, and many others, the ASNT Foundation is helping to ensure the continued advancement of the NDT personnel and the workforce.

We're always excited to celebrate all the aspiring and established individuals who contribute to the field of NDT. Their work ensures the safety, reliability, and innovation of infrastructure around the world.

By supporting programs like the ASNT Foundation’s scholarships, we can continue to nurture the next generation of leaders in engineering and nondestructive testing. Your donation to the ASNT Foundation can make a huge impact today. Click here to learn more and donate today!

And be sure to join us in recognizing and supporting the future of NDT—because when we invest in NDT, we invest in a safer world.