ANNUAL MEETING COURSE SCHEDULE
Sunday, May 17, 2026
Artificial Intelligence-Machine Learning
Course Chair: Nick Garabedian, Datin & Co-Chair Prathima Nalam, University of Buffalo
Participants will explore why artificial intelligence (AI) projects often become 90% data wrangling and how good data management is the solution. This course will cover methods for managing data, from legacy formats (PDF, Excel) to FAIR principles, and discuss AI applications for both “small” and “large” datasets. Key topics also include data security, local AI deployment, and leveraging public databases for research. Through active sessions, attendees will gain hands-on experience with data visualization, reporting, and the data reshaping necessary for AI modeling. This course is suitable for STLE attendees who want to build a foundational understanding of managing data for research and AI.
Who should attend: Those from industry who want to learn whether to use machine learning and how to accomplish this, and for tribology students wanting to learn how to incorporate it into their research. The prerequisite for the course is an understanding of the basic principles of tribology, but a knowledge of MATLAB programming would be useful.
Advanced Lubrication 301
Course Chair: Farrukh Qureshi, The Lubrizol Corp.
Advanced Lubrication 301 covers the molecular structures and chemistries of lubricant additive types, their functions, and applications. Additives examined will include antioxidants, rust inhibitors, detergents, dispersants, antiwear additives, extreme pressure additives, and friction modifiers. Additionally, viscosity modifiers will be discussed and their applications in modern lubricants will be elucidated.
Who should attend: Engineers and scientists early/mid-career who want to brush up on their knowledge of lubricant additives. Lubricant additives provide several performance functions in the engine, transmission, gear, and electric vehicle systems.
Basic Lubrication 103
Course Chair: Monica Ford, Clariant Corporation
Basic Lubrication 103 is primarily for the person entering the lubrication field who needs a broad introduction to lubricants, lubricant building blocks, and lubricating materials. This course is also for people not directly involved but who need a broad overview of lubricants and basic lubricating materials. This course does not require the course taker to have a formal scientific degree or background, although many technical terms and concepts are covered. Experienced people attend the course to be kept up to date on the latest developments, especially in those areas not directly related to their job function or area of expertise. Thus, Basic Lubrication 103 is usually attended by a broad cross section of people such as technical, technical service, sales, marketing, manufacturing, maintenance, and managers who, in some way, are involved in the industry. The course will focus on the fundamentals of lubrication associated with fluid film lubrication and grease as it applies to basic lubricated components such as gears and bearings. Also, the course will review some basics around base stocks, synthetic lubricants, and lab testing.
Electric Vehicles 101
Course Chair: Carlos Sanchez, Southwest Research Institute (SwRI)
This course provides an in-depth exploration of the specialized fluids and complex components critical to modern electric vehicle (EV) performance and longevity. As EV architectures place unique demands on lubricants and coolants—requiring simultaneous thermal management, electrical insulation, and traditional friction reduction—this course connects the essential test methods with the chemical and physical challenges of the EV environment. We begin by examining EV driveline components, analyzing the thermal, and mechanical stresses on electric motors, gearboxes, and power electronics. The core of the course focuses on e-fluid development, detailing the multi-functional requirements and material compatibility necessary for next-generation formulations. Participants will learn specialized test methods for evaluation of electric vehicle fluids, including electrical conductivity, oxidation stability under copper corrosion, and heat transfer effectiveness. A dedicated module addresses critical operational issues such as foaming and aeration under high-speed operation. Finally, the course culminates by quantifying the vital role of these fluids in maximizing system energy efficiency and extending overall vehicle range.
Who should attend: Students, engineers and scientists early/mid-career who are new to the electric vehicle industry or would like to brush up on fundamental knowledge of EV technologies and test methods.
Hydraulics
Course Chair: David Racke & Co-Chair Ethan Wood, Lucas Oil Products Inc.
This course will provide an overview of hydraulic fluids and their application. Specific sessions will cover the primary types of hydraulic pumps and valves, the importance of fluid cleanliness and filtration, the composition of different hydraulic fluid types, and test methods for evaluating fluid performance and life. The course will also feature an interactive failure analysis workshop.
Metalworking Fluids 125
Course Chair: Stephanie Cole, Munzing
This training series provides a comprehensive overview of industrial hygiene and toxicology in metalworking environments, focusing on the health and operational challenges posed by metalworking fluids (MWF). It begins with core principles of industrial hygiene, toxicology, and risk management, then examines factors influencing mist generation, monitoring methods, and control strategies to reduce respiratory hazards. Through case studies, the modules illustrate real-world issues such as high mist concentrations and microbial contamination, detailing their impact on productivity, fluid performance, and worker health. The series explores microbial biodeterioration, allergenic responses, infections, and toxemias, including endotoxin exposure and hypersensitivity pneumonitis, while emphasizing prevention through engineering controls, personal hygiene, and condition monitoring. Finally, it outlines integrated contamination control strategies—system design improvements, industrial hygiene practices, and physical, chemical, and disposal treatments—underscoring the importance of proactive management, standards compliance, and continuous monitoring to ensure safe, efficient, and profitable operations.
Synthetics
Course Chair: Vasu Bala, TRCC
The Synthetic Fluids course is designed primarily for formulators and users of lubricating materials. This course provides an overview of non-petroleum-based lubricants, their comparison to each other and to petroleum oil. Each section covers the chemistry and manufacture, strength and weaknesses, rationale for choice for specific applications, and their formulary properties meeting automotive and industrial standards and OEM specifications.