Dr. Ronald Smith spent 10 years at GE Gas Turbine and GE Aircraft Engine, followed by 10 years at Drexel University, conducting joining, coating and thermal spray research. While at Drexel, Dr. Smith founded Materials Resources International (MRi), a materials technology R&D company. He left Drexel to manage MRi as president in 1996, and subsequently launched S-Bond Technologies in 2002.

With over 30 years of research, operations and industrial engineering experience, Dr. Smith continues to be the driving force in S-Bond's manufacturing capabilities as well as its materials research and development efforts. He chairs the American Welding Society's C3 Brazing and Soldering Committee which manages many of the industrial brazing and soldering specifications and educational materials. Internationally recognized for his contributions in materials science and engineering, he is also a Fellow of ASM International. Dr. Smith is an active and dedicated Rotarian, joining the Blue Bell Rotary as a founding member in 1987. He served as club president in 1994-95 and went on to serve as rotary district governor of eastern Pennsylvania in 2006-07.

He and his wife, Patti, have two natural children, Erika and Ryan (Ryan graduated from Drexel College of Medicine in 2013), and an adopted Bosnian son, Emir. Dr. Smith, together with his wife Patti, has hosted over 30 exchange students. He also has personally conducted missions to deliver wheel chairs in Bosnia and now, in partnership with Rotary and Drexel College of Medicine, is working to improve maternal and child healthcare education in Uganda.

Dr. Smith received the Service to Community Award at Alumni Weekend 2015.

What is a little known fact about you?

I was a good football running back in high school.

How would your best friend describe you?

Dedicated, passionate about helping others, and one who does what he says.

What is the most valuable lesson you've learned?

Life is short so don't waste it.

What inspires you?

Success. Achieving one's goals.

What is the toughest decision you've ever had to make?

To take time away from my family to get my PhD.