Beth Clarkson

Beth was introduced into the handbook life after several long-time contributors to the Statistics working group, including the father of handbook statistics Mark Vangel, retired and we were left with no resident experts in the application of statistics to data reduction and other engineering activities the handbook covers.  Coming from the statistics world her first challenge was working with a group of engineers that barely understood statistics let alone understood how to apply them properly to provide reliable data for the substantiation of advanced materials. She tackled the challenge with style.

Since 2007, Beth has served as a co-chair of the Statistics working group. Her involvement has spanned Volume 1 Revisions G and Revision H. She has contributed content to both revisions, including a new section on Statistical Process Control and a set of examples to help new users understand how to apply the statistical methods in Volume 1. Beth has also developed the Generic Approach for Basis Values with the aim of advancing the state of the art for composite materials data analysis.

Beth was an inaugural co-chair of the Additive Manufacturing Statistics WG and has written much of the content that will become Volume 7, Chapter 8.

Beth’s support of the handbook extends beyond the Statistics WG. She has written numerous statistical analysis reports upon which the Data Review Working Groups rely to publish material properties in Volume 2 and the upcoming Volume 7.

Beth has introduced countless people to the practice of statistics for composite material properties by teaching the Statistics Tutorials. Perhaps her most direct impact on the composite community is teaching a generation of engineers how to compute statistically based material allowables and statistical acceptance limits.

While Beth’s tenure at CMH-17 is not yet over, she has announced her intention to retire. We thank Beth for her 16 years of service to the composite community and wish her all the best in retirement.