For more than eight decades, the American Society for Nondestructive Testing
(ASNT) has grown through the dedication of engineers, scientists, technologists,
and educators committed to safer, stronger, and more reliable infrastructure.
Now, the Society is taking a landmark step to elevate that commitment by
creating the ASNT Council of Fellows, a strategic body that capitalizes on the
wisdom of its most accomplished members.
WHY A COUNCIL
OF FELLOWS—AND
WHY NOW?
Earning the title of ASNT Fellow is no
small feat. It recognizes individuals with
at least 15 years of professional expe-
rience in nondestructive testing (NDT),
10 years of Society membership, and
a record of sustained contributions at
the local, national, or international level.
Collectively, these distinguished profes-
sionals form an unparalleled reservoir of
expertise, yet—until now—the Society had
no formal mechanism to tap that vast
potential in a coordinated way.
That changes with the new council.
“With the Council of Fellows, we’re
unlocking the full potential of ASNT’s
legacy to shape the future of nonde-
structive testing,” said ASNT CEO Neal
Couture. “This distinguished group
brings unmatched experience and dedi-
cation that will guide the Society’s prog-
ress and inspire the next generation of
NDT professionals.”
ASNT Board President Clyde May
agreed, adding, “This Council not only
honors the careers and contributions
of our most respected members, but it
also ensures that their voices continue to
shape our industry. It is an inspiring align-
ment of tradition and vision.”
A CHARTER FOCUSED
ON STRATEGIC IMPACT
The Council’s charter, approved by the
Board of Directors in June 2025, outlines
10 interlocking roles that will integrate
Fellows into every corner of the Society’s
strategic plan.
Ñ Strategic advisors to the Board
and CEO. Fellows will serve as
a sounding board on emerging
trends, technologies, and major
initiatives, ensuring that ASNT
remains proactive and relevant.
Ñ Mentors and coaches for
emerging professionals. From
students to early‑career technicians
and RISE participants, Fellows will
provide one‑on‑one mentoring and
structured coaching to accelerate
career growth.
Ñ Champions for global outreach
and industry engagement. As
appointed ambassadors at inter-
national forums, standards bodies,
and high‑profile events, Fellows
will extend ASNT’s influence across
borders.
Ñ Thought leadership and content
development. Whether drafting
white papers, updating training
materials, or contributing opinion
pieces to ASNT publications,
SCOPE
ASNT ESTABLISHES
Dr. Reza Zoughi,
ASNT Fellow, Chair
David G. Moore,
ASNT Fellow, Vice Chair
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Fellows will set the tone for technical
excellence.
Ñ Source of volunteers for technical
committees and task forces. Their
expertise is invaluable on ethics
panels, standards revisions, awards
committees, and more.
Ñ Speakers bureau for local
sections. ASNT sections will have
the opportunity to gain access to
world‑class presenters who will
enliven meetings with real‑world
insights.
Ñ Hosts and moderators at events.
From webinars to annual confer-
ences, Fellows will be tapped
to helm sessions, chair panels,
and create interactive learning
opportunities.
Ñ A “Fellows‑in‑Residence”
program. Short‑term teaching or
consulting assignments—whether
in person or virtual—will place
seasoned experts where they can
make the biggest impact, including
global expansion sites.
Ñ Fellowship selection and recogni-
tion. The Stewardship of the Fellow
honor will remain with those who
best understand its significance.
Ñ Innovation advisory role. Fellows
will help guide ASNT’s new
Innovation Fund, evaluating R&D
investments and technology pilots
that push the envelope of inspection
science.
According to the Society’s database,
nearly 180 living members currently
hold the Fellow distinction. They span
academia, aerospace, petrochemical
engineering, nuclear power, additive
manufacturing, and every other sector
that relies on NDT. Their collective
resume reads like a timeline of milestone
advances—from the first digital radiog-
raphy systems to today’s ultrasonic arrays.
To convert vision into action, the
Board appointed ASNT Fellow Dr. Reza
Zoughi as the Council’s inaugural Chair
and ASNT Fellow David G. Moore as
Vice Chair. Zoughi is the Director of the
Center for Nondestructive Evaluation
(CNDE) and a Professor of Electrical
and Computer Engineering at Iowa
State University, where he held the Kirby
Gray (Battelle) Chair in Engineering until
August 2025.
“The formation of the Council of
Fellows is overdue and promises to cohe-
sively bring a group of accomplished
and recognized ASNT members closer
together for the ultimate benefit of our
members and the NDT community,” said
Zoughi.
Moore oversees Sandia National
Laboratories’ involvement in
multi-laboratory research activities
with the US Department of Energy’s
National Nuclear Security Administration
Component Maturation Development
Program. He works in the nondestruc-
tive evaluation department, focusing on
ultrasonic, infrared, and advanced nonin-
vasive technologies.
CALL TO ACTION
If you hold the Fellow designation,
expect to receive an invitation to engage.
Your voice matters—whether you only
have time for a single mentoring call
each month or you’re ready to spear-
head a global standards initiative. Not
yet a Fellow? Now is the perfect time
to plan your nomination for the 2026
class. Applications (including resume
and support letter) are due 31 January
each year. You can find detailed eligi-
bility requirements at asnt.org/about/
honors-and-recognition/fellow-of-asnt.
The establishment of the Council of
Fellows symbolizes more than organiza-
tional housekeeping. It is ASNT’s commit-
ment to harnessing the powerhouse of
knowledge, creativity, and leadership that
already exists within its ranks. By aligning
that powerhouse with strategic priorities—
mentorship, innovation, global outreach,
and technical excellence—the Council will
help ensure that nondestructive testing
remains at the forefront of quality and
safety worldwide.
Stay tuned for updates as the Council
convenes and rolls out its first initiatives.
For more information or to get involved,
contact fellows@asnt.org.
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COUNCIL OF FELLOWS
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