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Tom Ackerson, P.E.
Laboratory Director
Louisville, KY

Tom visiting Old Faithful Geyser

Tom comes to IMR with over twenty years experience as a failure analyst, metallurgist and engineer. Tom holds a B.S. in Materials Science & Engineering from North Carolina State University and an M.B.A. from Averett College. He currently serves as Chairman on the ASM Failure Analysis Committee and is affiliated with a number of professional organizations including SAE International, IMS, and NACE. Tom has worked in the independent lab business for many years as both an Engineer and Manager.

Tom earned his BS in Materials Science & Engineering from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC and subsequently obtained his MBA from Averett University in Danville, VA. Although he specialized in the study of microelectronic materials and wafer packaging, Tom was introduced to the field of metallurgy somewhat by default (the job market was tight upon his graduation from NC State in the midst of a recession). So at his first engagement right out of school, Tom learned the ropes of metallography while working at Babcock & Wilcox in Lynchburg, VA. He further honed his skills and broadened his experience as a metallurgical failure analyst during subsequent engagements in the commercial testing lab industry. Tom has won multiple international awards in metallography, and is a licensed professional engineer in AL, GA, NC and SC. In his spare time, Tom enjoys traveling throughout the US, gardening/landscaping, playing acoustic guitar and football.

Memberships: Tom is an active member of ASM International, serving on the Chapter Council and is now the chairman of the Failure Analysis Committee. He is also active in SAE, ASTM and NACE.