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By Curtis McLean
I am a Canadian professional with a diverse background in technology-based industries, including architecture, environmental design, and industrial construction. While my work has brought me into contact with a wide variety of friends and colleagues, I have never had an opportunity to venture into the world of conferences, nor have I been a part of a professional network I would describe as a community.
Earlier this year, I was completing work on an 18 km section of NPS 48 pipe in British Columbia, Canada. It had been a long and arduous winter on the pipeline. In the last days of that project, I looked up to find a man whose hands were clean, whose coveralls were new, and whose work, methodically and carefully performed, seemed exacting and purposeful, if not incredibly important.
As I walked toward him, I formulated one simple question; what is it you do?
His response was succinct; NDT.
As he continued speaking, I realized that these three letters represent a vast complex of principles that describe and measure the hidden structures of our planet, ensuring the safety and integrity of our cultural and industrial achievements. I enthusiastically conveyed my background and ambition to pursue a career characterized by perpetual learning and technical growth, an opportunity without discernible boundaries. “That’s NDT,” he responded.
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I came to ASNT 2023 to kindle my ambition and meet the driving force and strength behind this industry:
its people.
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I left that conversation with a notepad scribbled with new acronyms and embarked on a journey to understand their significance for my future. I completed my associate NDT training at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology within six months of that chance encounter. The American Society for Nondestructive Testing’s (ASNT) publications played a crucial role in that achievement, fueling my desire to join and participate in the association’s diverse initiatives and development opportunities, including attending the Annual Conference held this year in Houston, Texas.
I came to ASNT 2023 to kindle my ambition and meet the driving force and strength behind this industry: its people.
From service providers, technicians, engineers, sales, and talent acquisition experts to ASNT’s leadership, including the board of directors, standing committees and numerous dedicated volunteers and support staff—they all collaborated diligently to generate opportunities and foster connections for me during the conference.
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Dr. Brent Seales delivered the closing keynote speech, providing details of his work and incredible insights into how he and his team digitally interpret delicately preserved historical antiquities. Despite the unique nature of his research, he pointed to his kinship with those in attendance. Like a family tree that branches and grows in unexpected and increasingly diverse ways, so is the NDT community.
In like manner, I witnessed ASNT’s commitment to its growth. They unveiled a new digital identity, highlighting their dedication to serving current and future members with an adaptable mandate focused on modernization and expansion. ASNT’s efforts in nurturing this community are commendable, and as a newcomer, I’m grateful for the experience and the connections this conference facilitated.
I would like to extend special thanks to John Chen, Stacy Cotie, Beonica Rutherford, Barry Schieferstein, and Jim Treat, who generously enriched my experience by affording their time and attention. I look forward to making my unique contribution to this remarkable industry, following in the footsteps of those who have come before me, many of whom I had the honor of standing beside at ASNT 2023.
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Author
Curtis McLean is an NDE Associate in Alberta, Canada. His interests are in Asset Integrity Management and NDE Integration for oil and gas, aerospace, and power generation industries. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmcleanndt)
McLean was chosen to be a Guest Blogger at ASNT 2023.
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First photo and photo to the right are courtesy of Curtis McLean.
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I am glad to read that Curtis enjoyed the conference. The closing keynote speaker was excellent. #ndtforlife