April 13, 2020
Bulk Solids Innovation Center welcomes new lab manager
Submitted by Bulk Solids Innovation Center
Kevin Solofra recently joined the team at Kansas State University's Polytechnic Campus in Salina as the laboratory manager for the Bulk Solids Innovation Center, or BSIC.
Solofra is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Bulk Solids Innovation Center, including equipment, testing and overseeing work of the student interns. He performs all testing for industrial clients and makes sure that all research projects are carried out in a safe and efficient manner.
The center is the only university-centered facility in North America that is researching and improving the industry's methods for handling bulks solids such as powders and granules. The focus is on conveying, storage, gravity flow, air filtration and dust hazards of these materials used in manufacturing plants around the world. All of the center's research projects are at the request of and funded by industry. Its industrial short courses are very popular and companies hire the center to perform contract testing of bulk solids material properties.
Solofra earned his ceramic engineering degrees from the University of Missouri-Rolla — now Missouri S&T. With a background ranging from research engineering with product scale-up through process/production management, Solofra has worked in various industries. His experience started in the realm of electro-ceramics for appliances, followed by low wear ceramics and body armor, and most recently the glass industry for architectural, automotive and glass insulation.
"Kevin's background has a strong blend of technical expertise combined with a manufacturing/business viewpoint that will provide a foundation for success in his new role as the lab manager," said Raju Dandu, director of the center. "Please join me in welcoming Kevin to the Kansas State University family."