Joseph Pegna

Joseph “Joe” Pegna, Ph.D., Lead Co-Founder, Chief Scientist:

Joe Pegna, the lead cofounder of Free Form Fibers, has 20 years of research experience pursuing advanced computer-driven manufacturing processes known as free form fabrication. In the early 1990’s he settled on laser-induced chemical vapor deposition (LCVD) as the most promising means to achieve his goal. Out of the subsequent research came the patents, know-how, and trade secrets that are the foundation for Free Form Fibers’ unique expertise.

Joe’s undergraduate training in mathematics and physics led to various graduate degrees in mechanical design, automated manufacturing, and computer automation, capped with a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University in 1988.

His research has been recognized by professional societies (Society of Manufacturing Engineers Foundation Award), non-profit organizations (ATT foundation award), federal agencies (National Science Foundation Presidential Young Investigator Award) and the National Academy of Engineers (NAE Frontier Fellow). In 2001, he was awarded the Canada Research Chair professorship in Free Form Fabrication at the University of Montreal where he perfected LCVD fiber growth processes. His work has been featured in many trade publications, the Wall Street Journal, various area newspapers, and by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

During his academic tenure, he has held professorships, administrative, advisory, and fund raising positions, and has acted as industry consultant and expert witness. He was a founding board member of Francogenie, a non-profit organization that successfully lobbied the Quebec provincial government for the promotion of the engineering profession.