About this Award:
Thomas E. Prucha has been an active leader in the metalcasting industry for over five decades. Not only has Tom served on numerous AFS committee structures both locally and nationally since the late 1970’s, his career has also spanned both ferrous and nonferrous technologies. Tom has used his knowledge and passion of the industry to encourage students and young engineers to choose metalcasting careers. He has also mentored many students and aspiring metalcasting engineers. His work with students and giving multiple FEF College Industry Conference keynote addresses, along with his work at AFS and the IJMC-FEF Student Research Competition, illustrates Tom’s passion for enhancing the metalcasting industry through student engagement and research.
The AFS Thomas E. Prucha Award was established to recognize the most outstanding student paper presented at the Annual Metalcasting Congress, honoring emerging talent whose work exemplifies both forward-thinking technical research and meaningful contributions to the cast metal industry.
This award spotlights student excellence and encourages future leaders to elevate the metalcasting industry and challenge conventional schools of thought.
Nominations:
Nominations must be made through the AFS technical or management committees and should be based on project steering committee recommendations. Official nomination should be submitted from the chair of the sponsoring AFS Technical or Management Division using the official nomination form.
Previous Winners:
The inaugural recognition of this award will be in 2027.