Steve McDanels received his degree in Materials Science and Engineering, with a specialization in metallurgical engineering, from the University of Florida. His professional career began as a materials engineer performing failure analysis and crash investigations of navy and marine rotor-wing and fixed-wing aircraft. He also served as an adjunct professor of metallurgy at Pensacola Junior College. Later, transferred to the Kennedy Space Center and began performing failure analysis and accident investigations of Space Shuttle, Space Station,  expendable rocket and ground support equipment hardware and components for NASA. Served as the manager of several NASA branches at the Kennedy Space Center, including the Failure Analysis and Materials Evaluation Branch, the Materials and Processes Engineering Branch, and the Mechanical Systems Branch. Significant accomplishments include being awarded the NASA Exceptional Achievement Medal for his contributions during the Space Shuttle Columbia accident investigation, serving as an editor and contributor to ASM International’s Failure Analysis Handbook series, and authoring many national and international publications. Steve is currently enjoying his retirement and all that Florida has to offer.