While Allyen Wilson was an undergraduate student studying Metallurgical Engineering at ISU, he enjoyed the small, close knit department and working with the professors. He particularly liked the incredible access students had to the faculty and found Frank Kayser (deceased) and John Verhoeven (retired) especially inspirational. For Allyen, their love of metallurgy and science was contagious. He was also inspired by Bruce Thompson (deceased) in his non-destructive testing lab, where Allyen enjoyed being taught by one of the world’s foremost experts in a class of only three to four students. He attributes learning the scientific method and his love of problem solving to these faculty members and the MSE department.
Allyen graduated with his B.S. degree in Metallurgical Engineering in 1987, but despite his passion for science, he never considered graduate school as an option. When Frank Kayser recommended him to a colleague at the Colorado School of Mines (CSM), he was leery. However with the support and encouragement of Drs. Kayser and Dr. Verhoeven , he continued his education at CSM. His time at CSM was even more fortuitous as he also met his wife of 24 years.
After completing graduate school, Allyen worked for Armco Steel Co., Research & Technology, and GST Steel Company before starting his own business. He is now co-owner of Silver Lake Analytical Services, a consulting business. His company works with mining companies on the grinding media used in mineral processing. The simple ball of steel used as grinding media is a sophisticated product that also creates a challenge in trying to balance high wear resistance with fracture toughness.
Allyen is grateful for both the direct and indirect ways that MSE professors had a profound impact on his life.