CMatP Profile: Igor A. Chaves

For Igor A. Chaves, science has always been a passion. Technological and scientific research has always been the main goal in his professional career plan. Allied to the need of specialised learning, Igor understands that academic research can provide a level of knowledge to face the professional challenges of the present world.

Igor is currently an Associate Professor in Civil Structural Materials Engineering at the University of Newcastle, School of Engineering, where he was awarded a PhD in 2013 for developing novel approaches to structural steel corrosion analysis and prediction. He initiated his studies on steel structures as a research trainee in 2004 at the Federal University of Vicosa, Brazil, where he graduated as a civil engineer in 2007.

Igor’s interest for engineering scientific research lead him to the EESC University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, and as result of completing a master’s degree in structural engineering in 2009, design guidelines for cold-formed composite steel and concrete beams were added to the Brazilian Standard of Steel Design.

Where do you work?

Describe your job.

I’m an Associate Professor in Civil Structural Materials Engineering at the University of Newcastle, School of Engineering.

My role includes delivering technological and scientific innovation through research grants for both government and private industry partners, post-graduate research training and supervision, coordinating and teaching construction material science and structural engineering design undergraduate courses, coordinating formal industrial placement experiences for undergraduates, and professionally collaborating with various national and international organisations and industries.

What inspired you to choose a career in materials science and engineering?

After working many years in various large civil construction projects, I learnt to value specialised learning. I understood that higher education and focused academic research can provide a unique commercial advantage and level of knowledge to face larger sector challenges.

Through my applied structural research design experience, I learnt that material science underpins the mechanical properties of design choices and their constraints. Being able to understand material behaviour, and therefore how to optimise infrastructure structural material service life, can be pivotal to many industries and societies.

Who or what has influenced you most professionally?

The rare few applied academics whom I had the pleasure of meeting or having as mentors, have been the main influence on my professional academic career strategy. Like my mentors, it is a pleasure to be able to blend my teaching, research, and service roles to create new knowledge of scientific value that also provides relevant, applicable, solutions to industry nationally and internationally. It is also very rewarding to be able to disseminate that knowledge and understanding to others, including students, industry, and wider society for the greater good.

What has been the most challenging job or project you've worked on to date and why?

It is challenging to be able to simultaneously cater for various commercial, political, and societal goals. During my former role of National President of the Australasian Corrosion Association (ACA), and Chairman of the National Council, it was important to be able to impartially advocate and professionally represent the wider membership through their voiced concerns, ideas, and requests. Fortunately, this was been a very challenging yet rewarding growth experience, considering that since 1955 the ACA has had a long history of strong collegiality, professionalism, and service excellence.

What does being a CMatP mean to you?

Being recognised as CMatP means that I can expand my network and share expertise with colleagues for our mutual benefit. It means that as an organised and formally certified group of experts, our current and future partners have an extra level of trust for the quality and professionalism the CMatP group can deliver.

I would encourage all material professionals to consider pursuing this status as it is earned, not purchased, by demonstrating continuous professional development and commitment to the sector. It is also, in my view, a convenient way to set professional goals and an organised pathway to obtain senior mentorship or succession planning support.

What gives you the most satisfaction at work?

To pass it forward. To receive news, either in person or anecdotally, that one of my former students has achieved success in their careers. That my former students are now in a leadership position and able to return with project ideas, promote further collaboration, and create further channels for dissemination of knowledge through new students.

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

That success is not defined by anyone but ourselves. That success is being where you want to be, doing what you believe is right. Pursuing and fulfilling goals of personal value, albeit not always clear, is very much one of the most important lessons I have learnt. Example outcomes of this lesson include realising that political boundaries often restrict potential; that scientific publication metrics are relative to the end user; that true excellence comes from genuine collaboration. What are you optimistic about?

I am optimistic about the future of the energy infrastructure sector. Industry and academia have been very prudent in steadily pursuing future sustainability goals, whilst carefully considering infrastructure requirements. Change should not be feared, but pragmatically accounted for. Built infrastructure, and the future smart materials used for such developments, underpins the transition in how societies will live, adapt to new modes of transport, and utilise energy resources or commodities. I am optimistic about the technological advances made so far, and those shortly to come for the greater good.

What have been your greatest professional and personal achievements?

To have been approached for a deputy director role of a large multidisciplinary research centre whilst, having no family support and still being able to be present as an involved father and husband to a loving and hardworking family. systems that enable us to offer you off-the-shelf and custom solu�ons made in USA. No compromises.

What are the top three things on your “bucket list”?

To support and enable my wife to resume her ambitious professional career aspirations following maternity leave.

To support my daughters at their Scouts Australia, and Surf Life Saving endeavours.

To help establish Newcastle University and its partners as one of the main national research, development, and upskilling hubs for the offshore wind sector.