1. International Collaboration in Diboride Research Gregory E. Hilmas, Missouri University of Science and Technology, DMR 1209262 High-resolution SEM image of a nano-indentation in ZrB 2 -35 vol%MoSi 2 specimen. Advanced SEM capability at ISTEC allowed analysis of nano indents, as well as imaging of core- shell structures never before observed at Missouri S&T. Conducting a hot pressing experiment on ZrB 2 - MoSi 2 UHTC composites at CNR-ISTEC. Outcome: Missouri S&T PhD. Student Ryan Grohsmeyer worked toward microarchitectural toughening of diboride ceramics at the Institute of Science and Technology for Ceramics (CNR-ISTEC) in Faenza, Italy. Impact: Diboride ultra-high temperature ceramic (UHTC) research is carried out at a few laboratories around the world where research collaboration is crucial for mutual understanding and maximizing capability by equipment sharing. Students studying abroad connect future ceramics researchers in an increasingly global research world. Explanation: The Missouri S&T team worked with researchers at ISTEC to conduct hot pressing and sintering tests to refine effective processing procedures, as well as micro-hardness, nano-indentation and high-resolution SEM imaging. Nano-indentation provided hardness, elastic modulus, and deformation behavior of individual crystalline phases, at the nano scale, and is not available at Missouri S&T. Advanced SEM capability helped to show that solid solution core-shell structures, once thought unique to a few systems, may be a rarely detected feature of many UHTCs. Test and characterization results were presented at the European Ceramic Society conference in Limoges, France. 1 μm

2. Materials-based Education for Boy Scouts. Gregory E. Hilmas, Missouri University of Science and Technology, DMR 1209262 A local Boy Scout from Troop 85 in Rolla, MO being instructed on the proper technique for lighting an oxy-acetylene torch. Graduate student Ryan Grohsmeyer explains basic metal welding techniques to a local Boy Scout who is working on his welding merit badge. Outcome: Nine local Boy Scouts of BSA troop 85 completed the welding merit badge at Missouri S&T in a class taught by two PhD students from the ultra-high temperature Ceramics (UHTC) research group. Impact: Familiarizing young adults with technological manufacturing processes, modern practical skills, high electric current and pressurized gas cylinders, as well as the necessary safety precautions for such equipment is very important for the development of modern industry. Explanation: Two Eagle Scout UHTC PhD students worked with shop staff at Missouri S&T and scout leaders to host welding merit badge training sessions. These included presentations on welding types and techniques, examples of various types of welds on different materials from university laboratories, and welding equipment demonstrations and safety training, as well as hands-on steel welding using metal inert gas (MIG), oxy-acetylene torch, and shielded metal arc welding (SMAW). Personal safety and safety of fellow workers was stressed.