Attend a seminar on advancing manufacturing by leveraging nondestructive testing and evaluation, April 17
About
Ryan Spencer is an associate research and development staff member in the Composite Innovation Group at the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He is also a Fellow with the University of Tennessee–Oak Ridge Innovation Institute, contributing to the Circular Bioeconomy Systems Convergent Research Initiative.
Spencer earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he developed an interest in nondestructive testing and evaluation. He later earned a doctoral degree from the University of Tennessee, where he developed a vision-based inspection technology for rapid defect detection and characterization.
His research focuses on advancing nondestructive testing and evaluation methods for advanced composite manufacturing. His work emphasizes integrating sensors upstream in the manufacturing process to enable in-line quality inspection for defect detection and material characterization. By embedding sensing technologies within manufacturing workflows, he aims to strengthen real-time monitoring capabilities, improve product quality and reduce risk. His work bridges manufacturing processes with advanced in-line characterization and is focused on delivering practical, industry-relevant solutions to real-world manufacturing challenges.
Abstract
Modern manufacturing demands faster production cycles without sacrificing quality, safety or reliability. Nondestructive testing and evaluation, or NDT&E, enables manufacturers to verify material integrity and detect defects without damaging parts, supporting confident decision-making across design, fabrication and in-service operation. By delivering actionable inspection data, rework and downtime while strengthening traceability and process control.
As advanced materials, additive manufacturing and automated production lines become more common, new methods are evolving through improved sensing, imaging and data analytics to meet new requirements. Oak Ridge National Laboratory is advancing these capabilities by integrating multiple sensor modalities across the manufacturing lifecycle to support consistent performance and accelerate innovation in modern production.
Advancing Manufacturing by Leveraging Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation seminar
Friday, April 17, 2026
11 a.m.–noon
Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building 12 (ITSB12) room 215, Polytechnic campus [map]