Dr. Benjamin Garcia brings over 20 years of experience in the aerospace and defense industry. Prior to joining Weber State University, he served as an R&D Manager at Northrop Grumman’s Clearfield, Utah facility, leading automated composites development initiatives. He also worked as Senior Business Development Manager for COI Ceramics in San Diego, specializing in ceramic matrix composite materials. His expertise includes advanced manufacturing of high-performance composites, thermal protection systems, insulation, and carbon/carbon and ceramic matrix composites. Dr. Garcia earned a B.S. in Materials Engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Cornell University. He now leads WSU’s MARS Center, advancing innovation in high-performance composite manufacturing.