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About R. Bruce Thompson

R. Bruce Thompson (1941–2011) was a member of the National Academy of Engineering and Director of the Center for Nondestructive Evaluation at Iowa State University. Thompson also served as Anson Marston Distinguished Professor in the Materials Science and Engineering Department and the Aerospace Engineering Department.
The author of over 230 publications and holder of numerous patents, Thompson was a world leader in many aspects of nondestructive evaluation, including his pioneering recent work on the development of model-assisted techniques for determining the probability of detection of flaws in materials that could lead to failure. He has been honored with numerous awards, including being elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 2003, the premier honor in engineering.
Upon arriving at Iowa State in 1980, Thompson joined Ames Laboratory (a Department of Energy National Laboratory located on the Iowa State campus), at which he held a number of research and administrative positions. He joined the Engineering Science and Mechanics Department (now part of the Aerospace Engineering Department) and the Materials Science and Engineering Department in 1986. In 1997, he became the director of the Center for Nondestructive Evaluation.
Thompson earned his PhD in applied physics from Stanford University in 1971. He then joined the staff at Rockwell International Science Center, becoming a group leader before leaving for Iowa State. He has served in many leadership and advisory roles both within and outside Iowa State, including a current appointment to the Air Force Science Advisory Board.

Positions

Present Faculty Member, Iowa State University
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