University of Northern Iowa announced Jerry Thiel, director of Metal Casting and Foundry 4.0 Centers for 32 years will retire on effective August 30. UNI noted his work at the centers has contributed significantly to the success of both programs.

Thiel has a diverse industrial background and has held management positions in the metal casting and related industries for over 49 years. He started at the University of Northern Iowa as a foundry specialist in 1992. 

Thiel is a past chairman of the AFS Molding and Materials division, Additive Manufacturing division, and Cast Metals Institute. His research includes materials and process characterization, as well as additive manufacturing, computer simulation, and Foundry 4.0 technologies. He has published numerous research papers pertaining to molding and core materials for the foundry industry. He has won multiple awards for his work in foundry materials including Scientific Merit, Service Citations, and three AFS Howard Taylor awards for his support of the foundry industry.