Dr. Eric Herderick is the new EWD director at America Makes

America Makes, the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute, proudly welcomes Edward D. Herderick, Ph.D., as its new director of education and workforce development (EWD). He is responsible for providing strategy and program management leadership in EWD for customer project initiatives, conducting business development, and providing subject matter expertise in EWD-related project efforts.

Herderick has nearly 20 years of experience in implementing industrial additive manufacturing from metals to ceramics to polymers. During his tenure as the vice president for science and technology development at NSL Analytical in Cleveland, Ohio, he played a pivotal role in the company's growth, particularly with a focus on services in the additive manufacturing (AM) and allied aerospace manufacturing industries.

Before his time at NSL Analytical, Herderick served as the director of additive manufacturing at The Ohio State University Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence where he was responsible for leading efforts to grow additive manufacturing (AM) capabilities and programs across campus in partnership with students, staff, and external stakeholders. This included both industrial applications and the launch of the Medical Manufacturing and Modeling (M4) medical-focused additive and medical device development team in collaboration with a joint clinical and engineering team.

"America Makes is excited to welcome Ed to our leadership team," says John Wilczynski, executive director of America Makes. "He has long supported the Institute and our mission, and we've built a strong relationship over the years. Herderick’s extensive career experience and expertise will be instrumental in advancing our EWD initiatives, particularly in expanding workforce opportunities and addressing the critical skills gap needed to grow the additive manufacturing industry."

Herderick, who received his Materials Science and Engineering doctoral degree from The Ohio State University, stated he is eager to not only make an impact within America Makes and its membership, but also the greater additive manufacturing (AM) ecosystem.

“I am thrilled to join the America Makes team as EWD Director and look forward to building on a successful foundation of programs,” Herderick says. “Supporting people in their educational and career journeys is a lifelong passion and this is a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth of the additive manufacturing industry.”

The America Makes EWD portfolio currently spans a wide range of initiatives, including community outreach, K-12 engagement, post-secondary courses, and warfighter training. Additionally, the portfolio encompasses several DoD training programs, apprenticeship pathways, and the validation of industry-recognized credentials. America Makes is dedicated to advancing career pathways in AM and fostering community engagement across diverse stakeholders. As a dynamic partner in the AM ecosystem, America Makes leads projects, expands scale and scope, sets strategic direction, and develops programs to meet evolving needs.