Dr. Mario Affatigato named president of the American Ceramic Society
Affatigato was officially appointed during the ACerS annual meeting September 29. His achievement reflects both his personal contributions to the field and Coe’s commitment to scientific excellence and innovation.
A nationally recognized physicist and longtime faculty member at Coe, Affatigato brings decades of research expertise and leadership to this appointment. His work in glass science has earned international acclaim, and his dedication to student mentorship exemplifies the college’s values. Coe boasts the #18 Most Accessible Professors in the nation according to The Princeton Review — a distinction that underscores the faculty-student engagement that defines the Coe experience.
At Coe, Affatigato leads an internationally renowned physics department. Physics faculty have taken students to research labs and conferences across the United States and in Europe and Asia, with more than 300 students presenting research. Since 1986, the department has received continuous research grants from the National Science Foundation, with additional funding from NASA and Fortune 500 companies including Corning, Inc. Plus, no student who has applied to graduate school and been accepted has had to pay for their advanced education since 1979.
“Mario’s American Ceramic Society presidency is a testament to his compelling work in glass science and his dedication to mentoring the next generation of scientists,” said Coe College President David Hayes. “We’re thrilled to see his leadership recognized on a global stage.”
As President of ACerS, Affatigato will guide the society’s strategic initiatives, foster international collaboration and advocate for the role of ceramics in solving global challenges — from sustainable energy to advanced manufacturing.