The Steel Market Development Institute (SMDI), a business unit of AISI, honoured two individuals with the inaugural ‘Men and Women of Steel’ awards, recognising individuals for their innovative uses and applications of steel at work and in the community. The awards were presented at a press briefing during the 2015 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
The Industry Innovator Award was presented to Elizabeth Krear, chief engineer on the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. The award acknowledges automotive designers or engineers who showcase innovation in their use of advanced high-strength steel (AHSS). SMDI will make a USD 5,000 contribution in Krear’s name to the scholarship fund at Wayne State University’s College of Engineering, Krear’s alma mater.
The Community Hero Award recognises those whose lives have been impacted through the use of AHSS or who have used AHSS in a heroic manner. The 2015 recipient is Ron Moore of McKinney, Texas, for his efforts in educating first responders and other emergency workers on cutting through steel parts made from AHSS. In addition to the award, Moore will be given a $5,000 grant to further support extraction techniques.
