Awards & Scholarships

Norwood B. Melcher is the former Director of the Metallurgy Research Center in Twin Cities, Minnesota. He retired from this position in 1972 to engage in consulting activities.

Mr. Melcher received his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin in 1937 and 1940, respectively.

In 1957 Mr. Melcher was appointed Chief of the Pittsburgh PyroMetallurgical Laboratory where he directed ferrous research of a wide and varied nature. The largest and perhaps best-known project was the operation of the Experimental Blast Furnace (Caroline), where many blast furnace "firsts" were conducted and publicized. The use of fuel injection, prereduced burdens, high blast-temperatures, and the use of new iron-bearing materials and fuels were highlights of that research.

In 1973 the Minnesota Section of AIME presented Mr. Melcher with a Service and Achievement Award. He has also received two awards from the Department of the Interior: the Meritorious Service Award in 1965 and the Distinguished Service Award in 1973.