Nathan A. Chipman
Outstanding Affiliate Faculty Award

After completing his undergraduate degree at Washington State University in 1962, he worked as an Assistant Metallurgist at Argonne National Laboratory in Illinois. While working, he continued his education, earning a Master’s degree in Materials Science from Northwestern University in 1967. This graduate degree prepared him for the position of Associate Metallurgist at Argonne’s Idaho Falls area laboratory. While in that role, John graduated from WSU with a doctorate in Engineering Science. In 1978, he was promoted to Technical Leader and then Principal Scientist at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL). He worked at INL until his retirement in 1995.

Professor Flinn holds five patents and has received three Research and Development 100 Awards. His work has been recognized with by the Don Edgerton Award for Outstanding Scientist, the Award of Excellence for Technology Transfer and an INL Lifetime Achievement Award for Inventorship. He is a co-founder of Stainless Steel Plus. He is a member of ASM International, Materials Research Society, TMS of AIME, International Metallographic Society, American Powder Metallurgy Institute, and the Idaho Academy of Science.

Professor Flinn’s academic background and work experience made him a good fit for the graduate education programs at the University of Idaho’s Idaho Falls Center. Beginning in 1984, he taught courses in metallurgy and materials science, advised or co-advised 18 graduate students, and was extensively published in referred journals. During his time as an affiliate faculty member at UI, Flinn was a tireless advocate for research and education opportunities for his students and for the University of Idaho.

By presenting the Nathan A. Chipman Outstanding Affiliate Faculty Award to John Flinn, the University of Idaho-Idaho Falls wishes to commend and thank John for his work on behalf of our students and programs.