[Association for Iron & Steel Technology](https://www.aist.org/)

June 2026 (application deadline, projected)

Up to $50,000 per year, renewable for up to 3 years; no overhead allowed.

Supports junior engineering faculty in North America to advance steel-related research, industry connections, and student engagement.

--- ## Description The Kent D. Peaslee Junior Faculty Award is designed to encourage and support early-career engineering professors in North America who are interested in the iron and steel industry. Established in 2013, the award honors Kent D. Peaslee’s legacy of advancing technical development, production, processing, and application of iron and steel. The program aims to help junior faculty deepen their industry knowledge, launch steel-related research, build academic-industry partnerships, and inspire students to pursue careers in the steel sector. Funding is discretionary, allowing recipients to tailor activities that best foster professional and technical growth aligned with the steel industry. Recipients are encouraged to participate in AIST programs and are provided with mentorship opportunities to help build industry networks. --- ## Due Dates - June 2026: Application deadline (anticipated, projected) - Completed proposal must be submitted electronically to lwharrey@aist.org by June 30. *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Maximum of $50,000 per year, renewable for up to three years (total possible funding: $150,000). - No overhead costs are allowed; funds must go directly to the proposed activities. - One award is intended to be given annually, subject to available funds and the quality of applications. - Annual report required for continuation; each new award begins in August. --- ## Eligibility - Open to tenure-track professors in technical engineering disciplines at North American universities. - Applicants must have three or more years remaining before tenure-track evaluation. - The award is intended for individual professors; repeat recipients are not expected. - All technical engineering disciplines are eligible if the proposal is relevant to the steel industry. - Not transferable to other individuals. --- ## Application Process - Prepare a proposal (PDF) addressing: - Activities to build connections with a steel company or supplier. - Strategies to increase student interest in the steel industry. - Plans for steel-related student campus events and direct student-industry contact. - Resume, current position, and years of tenure-track. - Estimated distribution of costs by year. - Names and contact information for two mentors (one academic, one industry). - Letters of support from university department head and both mentors. - Proposed metric for gauging success (e.g., number of students entering the steel industry). - Submit the completed proposal electronically to [lwharrey@aist.org](mailto:lwharrey@aist.org) by the anticipated deadline. - Award decisions are typically announced in August. --- ## Additional Information - Recipients are encouraged to attend AIST programs (training courses, chapter events, AISTech), with reimbursement for up to two qualifying events per year (registration and travel). - Mentorship is a key component; AIST can assist in identifying suitable academic and industry mentors if needed. - Evaluation criteria: - 40% Student and Faculty Engagement - 40% Value to the Steel Industry - 20% Qualifications and project plan --- ## External Links - [Program Overview and Application Instructions](https://www.aist.org/students-faculty/faculty-grants-programs/kent-d-peaslee-junior-faculty-award) - [Application Portal](https://www.aist.org/students-faculty/faculty-grants-programs/kent-d-peaslee-junior-faculty-award/application) - [Available Mentors](https://www.aist.org/students-faculty/faculty-grants-programs/kent-d-peaslee-junior-faculty-award/mentors) - [Past Award Recipients](https://imis.aist.org/Rosters/Awards/Kent_D_Peaslee_Junior_Faculty_Award_Recipients.aspx) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | |-----------------|-------------------------------|---------------| | Lori Wharrey | [lwharrey@aist.org](mailto:lwharrey@aist.org) | +1.724.814.3044 | For questions about the grant or application process, contact Lori Wharrey at the email or phone above.

Kent D. Peaslee Junior Faculty Award - Association for Iron & Steel Technology

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