In the first Weld Wednesdays with AWS episode of 2026, I'm sitting down with Dr. Josh Burgess, current President of the American Welding Society and Senior Program Manager for Metallurgical and Welding Engineering at the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Dr. Burgess shares his path from welding in high school and competing at the national level to earning his bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in materials science and engineering. Along the way, AWS played a pivotal role—providing scholarships, networking opportunities, mentorship, and leadership development that shaped his career.
This conversation covers:
How AWS membership opens doors at every career stage
The value of section involvement and industry networking
Leadership development through volunteering
Welding metallurgy, inspection, and failure analysis
Workforce development and future career paths in welding
Emerging technology like additive manufacturing and automation
Whether you're a student, working welder, inspector, educator, or industry leader, this episode highlights why welding remains one of the most versatile and opportunity-rich trades available today.
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