Personnel

Research & Development Department Personnel

Virginia M. Osterman - PhD., Technical Consultant Dr. Osterman earned her Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry from Northeastern University in 1984.  She continued her studies at Yale University where she earned her Ph.D. in 1990.  She began her career in industry at DuPont, developing novel products.  She has been a consultant for the last 16 years for various companies where she has been involved in the chemical alteration of metals and other materials for unique applications.  Since 2004 she has been a consultant to Solar Atmospheres R & D Technology Team.  In this capacity she has been involved in new chemical conversion processes of raw materials, as well as vacuum furnace modifications for vacuum carburizing and nitriding of ferrous and nonferrous materials.  In addition, Dr. Osterman has been involved in extensive patent research, and interaction with patent lawyers in developing new patent applications.

Don Jordan - Vice President of Technology and Corporate Metallurgist Souderton, PA oversees the R&D Technology Center at Solar for the improvement of current vacuum services and the development of new processes.  Don has over 30 years experience in metallurgical engineering, which includes six years as Chief Metallurgist for STORK MMA Laboratories, a commercial materials testing laboratory.  Don also has 15 years experience in design and construction of nuclear powered submarines with General Dynamics, Electric Boat Division where he was Head of Materials Engineering.  Don has a BS in Metallurgical Engineering from New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, 1979.  Don was Chair of the ASM Philadelphia "Liberty Bell" Chapter in 2002–2003 and is a member of: ASMI, NACE, SAE, AMEC, MTI, and APMI.

Trevor Jones – Project Engineer, Souderton, PA Trevor works for the Research and Development Technology Center of Solar Atmospheres, focusing on the advancement of vacuum thermal processing.  His primary tasks are modifying equipment to perform R&D programs and aiding in process development.  Trevor has worked with Solar since 1998 starting as a maintenance technician.  Trevor graduated in 2004 from Penn State University with dual associate’s degree of Engineering Technology in Electrical Engineering and in Mechanical Engineering.  Upon graduating college; Trevor moved into his current role in the R&D department as Project Engineer.  Trevor is an active member of ASM and holds a position in the local ASM Philadelphia “Liberty Bell” Chapters’ executive committee.