HWI Employees Continue a Legacy of AIST Support and Participation at AISTech 2025

HWI, A member of Calderys, a leading supplier of refractory products and services in the U.S., continued its longstanding support of AIST in 2025, exhibiting at Booth 2129, participating in technical sessions, and accepting recognition for HWI employees who have helped advance the organization’s goals.

Since its founding in 1907 in Pittsburgh and its merging with the Iron and Steel Society (ISS) in 2004 to form today’s AIST, countless HWI employees have actively supported the organization.

Technical experts from HWI participated in several activities at AISTech 2025, reinforcing the company’s industry commitment:

 HWI Technical Sessions:

• Benjamin Burk, Research Engineer, presented “Development of a Basic Dry-Vibe for DC Hearth Anodes” during the Refractory Systems: Steelmaking & Torpedo technical session on May 5. 
• Michael Clark, Application Leader, Steel, spoke on “Evaluating the Effect of Reducing Atmosphere on Aluminosilicate Refractory Formulations” during the Direct Reduced Iron: Fluidized Bed Reduction & Melting technical session on May 5.
• Alexis Neumann, Application Specialist, served as a Session Chair for the Ladle & Secondary Refining: Improvement in Ladle Processing session on May 5.
• David Hartwich, Director, Fired Shape Technology, presented “Refractory Lining Design and Metallurgical Practice for Improving the Quality of Magnesia Carbon Recycled Material” on Tuesday, May 6.
• Marc McClymonds, Marketing Manager, Steel Casting Fluxes, served as a Session Chair for the Continuous Casting: Caster Fluxes & Mold Behavior session on May 6. 

AIST 2025 Distinguished Member and Fellow Award 

Darrell Sturgill, Application Technologist, received one of AIST’s Distinguished Member and Fellow Awards presented at AISTech’s 2025 President’s Breakfast. 

Award recipients are AIST members who have attained eminent distinction in advancing the technical development, production, processing, and application of iron and steel and/or related industry activities and have performed meritorious service to the association. 

AIST details the following about Darrell: 

Through his expertise, Sturgill has been a notable pioneer in the understanding and development of mold powders and their influence on the casting process. As an exceptional mentor, colleague, and educator, he has contributed to the education and development of many steelmakers: past, present, and future. 

 

MaryEmily Slate Trailblazer 2025 Award for Women in Steel 

Mary Lucarino, Application Specialist, Integrated and Reheat, is a 2025 nominee for this prestigious recognition. More than 10 of Mary’s colleagues endorsed her, consistently citing her tireless advocacy for advancing the industry and serving as a role model for other women in steel. 

Sponsored by the AIST Women in Steel Standing Committee, the MaryEmily Slate Trailblazer Award was established in 2024 to recognize a female who exemplifies resilience and determination while laying the foundation for women to succeed in the steel industry, where they account for less than one-third of the workforce. 

Mary’s nomination summary highlights her many decades of dedication to advancing refractories for steelmaking:  

Mary’s leadership inspires, and her technical expertise in steel industry refractory work is outstanding. Mary actively promotes and mentors women, proving her commitment to encouraging more women to find rewarding careers in steel. Her hands-on approach and problem-solving skills make her an exemplary candidate. 

The award winner will be announced and celebrated at the AIST Women in Steel Conference, taking place this fall in Indianapolis, IN, USA.

Young Professionals – Iron & Steel Technology Magazine 

Alexis Neumann, Application Specialist, is a featured Young Professional in Iron & Steel Technology magazine’s May 2025 AISTech issue.  

Alexis first learned about AIST while pursuing a degree in metallurgical engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology. Since starting her professional career, she’s been an active member of AIST, benefitting from its education courses and network groups and attending AISTech each year. In 2025, Alexis served as a Session Chair at the Technical Conference. 

As a participant in the Young Professionals and Women in Steel programs, Alexis notes that her involvement as a peer-to-peer mentor for incoming engineers has been particularly rewarding. She intends to continue her relationship with AIST and benefit from its many learning opportunities.