L. Dow Welch holds a Research Engineer III role with Mississippi State University’s Advanced Composites Institute [ACI]. He holds a BS in Aeronautical Engineering from Mississippi State University. 

Prior to joining the Institute, he served 40 years in industry, primarily aerospace – defense, holding senior leadership roles in mechanical design engineering, sustaining engineering, quality and aftermarket technical support with organizations including Eaton Aerospace, Curtiss Wright, Raytheon, Parker Hannifin [Division Engineering Mgr.] and RUAG Space USA [Sr. Quality Mgr. NA Operations]. 

In addition to composites, his applied research developments focused on tribology driven machining / finishing operations improvements, post-electrodeposition diffusion bonding for titanium alloys and high temperature/pressure hydraulic & actuation products for advanced program developments with AFRL, TACOM and Chevron/E-Systems [seismic tooling advancements in oil field exploration].

His background in structured problem solving, risk mitigation, NDI, metrology, design engineering & quality systems along with manufacturing methods brings strong focus to guiding ACI’s facility growth and development programs.