Dr. Caitlin Walde diligently operates in her materials research for additive manufacturing processes. Graduating from Worcester Polytechnic Institute with her PhD in Materials Science and Engineering, Caitlin’s research focused on enhancing and optimizing metallic feedstock powders for additive manufacturing processes.

With limited years of experience, Caitlin has proven her role as principal materials engineer at Solvus Global. She leads three major business initiatives within the company and is continually appointed to more leadership positions based on her talent and work ethic. Caitlin’s background is specifically in the thermal treatment of aluminum alloy powders, and she brings extensive knowledge of materials characterization techniques, such as SEM, TEM, FIB, EDS, EBSD, and DSC, to her analysis of other materials. Her technical interests include powder metallurgy, additive manufacturing, and materials characterization.

Most recently, Caitlin has been entrusted with the principal investigator position for the organization’s largest contract with the Army Research Laboratory. She spearheads the planning and organization of the Cold Spray Action Team annual conference meeting, boasting over 700 registrants last year.

In addition to managing multiple projects, she serves as a mentor through the training of junior researchers on the team. Additionally, she finds time to actively serve as chair of the ASM Boston Chapter board of officers. Caitlin enjoys exploring new horizons, both in her professional and personal lives. Whether optimizing a new treatment or hiking a new trail, she finds fulfilment in both finding and understanding the unknown.