Phase 4 Materials Consulting, LLC
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About Me.
In my 40 years working in higher education, I have mentored over 60 graduate students to successful MS and PhD degrees, as well as numerous undergraduates.
My research focus has been on understanding materials structure-property-processing relationships with an emphasis on developing advanced structural materials.
I have employed advanced processing and characterization tools in studies supported by federal laboratories and engineering companies.
In 2011, I proposed and received funding to create the Center for Advanced Non-Ferrous Structural Alloys (CANFSA), an Industry/University Cooperative Research Center (IUCRC) supported by the National Science Foundation. These centers are focused on conducting pre-competitive industry-relevant research and development studies and training students with the guidance of company representatives. CANFSA is in its 15th year of successful operation where my colleagues and I have guided a large number of students to degree completion.
Before starting my career in academia, I worked in an industrial setting for 14 months and in a federal laboratory for 2.5 years. I have always enjoyed understanding complex materials problems especially those that might lead to improved performance.
Although I am transitioning into retirement from academia, I will continue to have an impact on company success by offering metallurgical and materials science consulting services. Potential clients include companies experiencing challenges in materials selection, development, or failure, lawyers looking for expert witnesses, etc.
My offerings include: failure analysis reports, expert witness reports, technical opinions, root cause analyses, materials selection guidance, corrosion assessments, process improvement recommendations, training materials, etc. I have summarized the different services offered below. I will retain access to the excellent testing and characterization facilities at the Colorado School of Mines where I have worked since 2007.
I look forward to the opportunity to discover how I can assist you in your materials and metallurgical consulting needs.
Michael J. Kaufman, Ph.D.
Education
B.S. and Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Experience
Current Appointments/Roles:
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Interim Vice President of Research for Colorado School of Mines (2026-Present)
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Director of Materials and Energy Initiatives, Office of Research and Transfer Technology, Colorado School of Mines (2021-Present)
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Professor of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Colorado School of Mines (2007-Present)
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Founder and Co-Director, The Center for Advanced Non-Ferrous Structural Alloys (CANFSA) (2011-Present)
Former Appointments/Roles:
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Dean, College of Applied Science and Engineering, Energy and Materials Programs, Colorado School of Mines (2014-2021)
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Department Head, George S. Ansell Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (MME), Colorado School of Mines (2009-2014)
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Professor and Chair, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of North Texas (2004-2007)
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Professor and Associate Chair, Materials Science and Engineering, University of Florida (1989-2004)
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Assistant Professor, Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington (1984-1986)
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Metallurgist, National Institute of Science and Technology,Gaithersburg, Maryland (1980-1984)
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Graduate Research and Postdoctoral Assistant, University of Illinois (1979-1980)
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Research Engineer, United Technologies Research Center (1977-1979)
Full CV available on request.
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