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FCMF Students Shine with Award-Winning Research at Premier Automotive Composites Conference

NOVI, Mich.—The Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) Automotive Composites Conference & Exposition (ACCE)—North America’s largest automotive composites event—showcased groundbreaking research from FCMF students in 2022, with multiple taking home top honors in a competitive international field.

This year, five FCMF students stood out among 45 entries from top institutions across the U.S., Canada, and Europe:

  • Vinit Chaudhary – Recycled Carbon Fiber Methodologies (1st place, MS – $500)

  • Sanjita Wasti – Biocomposites for Trailer Applications (1st place, PhD – $750)

  • George Chahine – Automated Tape Placement & Machining (3rd place, PhD – $250)

  • Benjamin Schwartz – Thermoplastic Carbon Fiber Tapes

  • John Klepzig – Advanced Composite Manufacturing

Their work addressed critical industry challenges, from sustainable materials to high-performance manufacturing.

The SPE ACCE brings together global industry leaders—OEMs, suppliers, academics, and material experts—to advance next-generation composites. A highlight is the Student Poster Session, where emerging researchers present cutting-edge work.

Recognizing Excellence

The awards, co-sponsored by SPE ACCE and Dassault Systems, celebrate innovation shaping the future of automotive composites.

Congratulations to all the winners and participants! This achievement reflects FCMF’s leadership in composites research and its role in developing tomorrow’s engineering talent.

Vinit Chaudhary received first place in MS student poster category for his work on carbon fiber recycling

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