Author: Theresa Shafer

Spring 2026 Newsletter

Posted on by Theresa Shafer

SPE Medical Plastics Division Chair’s Message – 2026 Update

I am honored to begin my term as Chair of the Medical Plastics Division. I would like to thank the MPD membership and Board of Directors for the opportunity to serve in this role. Their leadership and commitment have made possible the division’s many accomplishments over the past year, and I am proud to contribute to that ongoing, collaborative effort. I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to our Past Chair, Ned LeMaster, for his dedication, leadership, and mentorship throughout his two-year term.

As we move through the first quarter of 2026, I would like to take a moment to reflect on what we have accomplished so far this year and to share a look ahead at where we I see opportunities for our division.

Strong Start to the Year

We finished off 2025 with an outstanding program at MD&M MidWest and have continued our momentum with a fantastic presence at MD&M West and ANTEC in 2026. These events continue to be a cornerstone for our division, and this year was no exception.

We hosted 29 speakers and welcomed over 100 attendees, creating valuable opportunities for technical exchange, networking, and community building. It’s encouraging to see continued enthusiasm and engagement around medical plastics. We’re grateful to everyone who contributed their time and expertise. Creating opportunities to exchange ideas, to educate, and to forge meaningful connections with our membership remains a top priority for the MPD.

Investing in the Next Generation

One of the highlights of this year has been the launch of our scholarship program, developed in collaboration with our industry partners at IGS GeboJagema. After a rigorous review process, we awarded our first scholarship to highly deserving students.

This initiative reflects our commitment to supporting emerging talent in our field and the enthusiasm our industry partners and sponsors have for generous giving to support education and outreach. Looking ahead, we see an opportunity to expand this program and continue reinvesting in the future of our industry.

Recognizing Excellence

I’d also like to extend congratulations to Pierre Moulinié, our division secretary, who was recently named a Distinguished Fellow of SPE at ANTEC. This is a significant honor and is a testament to Pierre’s longstanding contributions to both the Society and our division.

Looking Ahead: Growth and Opportunity

As many of you know, SPE is moving forward with its merger with the Plastics Industry Association (PIA). We see meaningful opportunities in this collaboration.

PIA brings strong industry connections and corporate engagement, while SPE continues to serve as a technical authority. Together, this creates potential to:

  • Expand our membership base
  • Enhance the reach and impact of our technical programming
  • Increase corporate sponsorship and partnerships with technology advancement as the driving principle

We’re optimistic about what this means for the future of our division, and we will continue to put the advancement of science, engineering, technology, and sustainability first.

Best,

Chris Lyons

Treasurer’s Report

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New BOD Members 2026
MEET YOUR BOD
SPE MPD 2026 Student Scholarship Award

IGS GeboJagema and SPE MPD Student Scholarship 2025-2026

IGS GeboJagema and SPE Medical Plastics Division are proud to announce the Awardees of the Student Scholarship.

MEET THE WINNERS

Wrap for MiniTec February 2026

Congratulations to the SPE MPD Minitec organizing team for a great event.

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Networking – the best part

Each year we look forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones.

Award for Len Czuba

Len Czuba Honored with Glenn Beall Founders Award

The well-deserved recognition honors his career defined by technical excellence, industry leadership, and unwavering service to the medical device community.

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Poster Session

A big thank you to poster presenters. 

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Poster Session 2026

SPE ANTEC 2026

More than 450 professional from around the world for two and half days of technical sessions and networking.

PHOTOS
SPE MPD SPONSORS 2026
LyondellBasell
TEEL PLASTIC

Watch Americhem’s free on-demand webinar: The PFAS-Free Future and the New Rules of Sustainable Design

As PFAS regulations accelerate, manufacturers need proven alternatives. This webinar explores PFAS replacement strategies and PFAS-free technologies at Americhem, highlighting internally lubricated compounds for medical and industrial uses and surface-modifying additives for nonwovens. WATCH NOW

AMERICHEM
ROHM
WEIDMANN
DELRIN
INVISTA
HUSKY
PUNCH INDUSTRY
IGS GeboJagema
COVESTRO
LEISTRITZ

2027 Call for Posters

Posted on by Theresa Shafer

Are you working on a project related to medical polymer science, polymer engineering, or medical innovation?

We invite you to share your research with industry leaders by participating in the SPE Poster Session at our upcoming industry event!  

This is a fantastic opportunity to:

  • Present your work to academics and professionals
  • Gain visibility and recognition within the medical polymer and medical device community
  • Build your network and explore career opportunities

We are pleased to offer complimentary registration and a monetary stipend to students presenting posters, to support their participation. We encourage two presenters per poster, and both co-authors should be included in the online input form. A Best Poster Award will be presented. Poster size should be 3’ x 4’.

Submit your poster abstract today and take part in one of the most exciting technical showcases for emerging talent.

“Last year I attended the MiniTec with two masters students who presented their research. We had a wonderful experience. Students gained exposure to the latest polymer science in the biomedical field and received quality feedback on their posters from industry professionals. All of us left the meeting energized by the connections we made during the experience, and we look forward to attending next year. ” – Yanika Schneider, SJSU – Chemical Engineering department

EARLY DEADLINE – May 15, 2026

Submit your poster abstract

“I thoroughly enjoyed attending the MiniTec Conference, which truly serves as a bridge between academia and industry. The conference provided an excellent platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and exploring emerging trends in the field. One of my research students, Mirnesa Delic, presented our work through a poster on the synthesis of a biohydrogel using Atmospheric Pressure Plasma technology. She was highly engaged with attendees, gaining valuable insights, constructive feedback, and meaningful connections that will significantly benefit her academic and professional growth.

Beyond our presentation, I attended several cutting-edge sessions that deepened my understanding of emerging techniques, innovative methodologies, and collaborative opportunities. These insights will directly enhance my teaching at Hamline University and further advance the research conducted in the Hamline Plasma Laboratory.” – Urvashi Sandhir, Chemistry Department at Hamline University

Topics include the following:

1. Advanced Medical Polymers

  • Smart, self-healing, bioinspired, and antimicrobial medical plastics
  • Material biocompatibility
  • Materials & technologies critical for next generation medicines & therapeutic delivery systems

2. Next-Generation Medical Devices & Therapeutic Delivery

  • Next generation medical devices and therapeutic delivery systems
  • Personalization in materials, manufacturing, devices, and measurements
  • Development of hybrid devices to reduce single-use plastic waste and OEM end-of-life responsibilities

3. Manufacturing Innovations & Process Control

  • Additive manufacturing in medical devices (3D and “4D” printing)
  • Innovations in polymer processing and device manufacturing
  • AI and machine learning-driven tools for medical plastics manufacturing

4. Regulatory Compliance & Testing

  • Testing and validation of medical plastics (evolving standards and regulations: ISO 10993 updates, MDR, PFAS)
  • Interactions between medical plastics and sterilization methods (e.g., ethylene oxide limitations)

5. Sustainability & Lifecycle Considerations

  • Sustainability in healthcare materials and manufacturing
  • Design considerations for balancing safety, convenience, and lifecycle impact

If you have any questions or need guidance, feel free to reach out. We’re here to support your success!

Download poster for posting on a bulletin board.

Congratulations to Our Leadership 2026

Posted on by Theresa Shafer
Board of Directors
image source: 123rf.com/profile_adnaneditz

Congratulations and Thank You to Our 2026 Leadership

The Society of Plastics Engineers – Medical Plastics Division is a global network of professionals dedicated to advancing the use of polymers in medical devices and pharmaceutical applications. 

Our mission is to provide a platform for the exchange of technical knowledge and to foster collaboration across the MedTech ecosystem. Through our programming at events like our annual MiniTec programs and ANTEC, we deliver cutting-edge insights and practical knowledge on emerging materials, processing methods, and regulatory trends.

Officers

Chair

Chris Lyons, Exponent

Vice-Chair

Open

Past Chair of the Board

Ned LeMaster, Delrin

Secretary

Pierre Moulinie, Covestro LLC

Councilor, Treasurer

Ali Ashter, B. Braun Medical Inc

Membership Chair

Kyle Kulwicki, Kimball Electronics

Communications Committee, Newsletter Editor

Vijay Kudchadkar, Isometric Micro Molding

Student Outreach Chair

Rob Klein, AtriCure

Board of Director Members

Emeritus Members

Special Advisors to the Board

SPE MPD – Welcoming New Board Members 2026

Posted on by Theresa Shafer

Welcome New Board Members

The Society of Plastics Engineers – Medical Plastics Division is proud to welcome and congratulate our newly elected board members!

We are the leading platform for the scientific and engineering community to exchange technical information on medical applications using plastics and polymers.

With their leadership, we foster:

  • Knowledge exchange across the MedTech ecosystem
  • Cross-industry collaboration and networking
  • Cutting-edge programming at MiniTec, ANTEC, and partner events
  • Insights into emerging materials, processes, and regulatory trends
  • Real-world learning from engineers, innovators, researchers, and manufacturers

Please join us in welcoming the incoming board and thanking those who have served and continue to support this work!

Ajay D. Padsalgikar

We are pleased to welcome Ajay D. Padsalgikar, Technical Director at Biolinq Incorporated, as a newly elected board member of the Society of Plastics Engineers – Medical Plastics Division. Ajay brings decades of expertise in polyurethane chemistry, morphology, and processing for medical devices, with experience across global organizations including Huntsman Polyurethanes, AorTech Biomaterials, Abbott Labs, and DSM Biomedical. He currently leads material solutions for biosensor technologies at Biolinq. With more than 30 scientific publications, 10 patents, and two books focused on medical plastics, Ajay combines deep technical knowledge with innovation leadership. We look forward to his contributions to advancing the medical plastics community.

Gregorio Manuel Vélez-García

Gregorio Manuel Vélez-García, PhD, Process Scientist at Zeus Industrial Products Inc., brings nearly 20 years of industrial and academic experience spanning pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, plastics manufacturing, additive manufacturing, and medical devices. An active SPE member since 2001, he has contributed to MPD’s Membership and Communications Committees and helped strengthen member engagement. With senior roles at Edwards Lifesciences, Stryker, and Zeus, Gregorio combines deep technical expertise with a passion for knowledge sharing and advancing innovation within the medical plastics community.

William Boston Morris

William Boston Morris, a Polymer Materials Engineer at Siemens Energy, recently completed his PhD in Materials Science and Engineering at Colorado State University following a bachelor’s degree in Chemical and Biological Engineering. His doctoral research developed thermoplastic elastomer-hydrogel composites, a promising new medical plastic designed to provide hydrophilic low-friction intrinsically to styrenic TPEs, such as SEBS, for medical devices like catheters and soft tissue mimics. 

Will has experience working with a startup commercializing this technology and managed a materials testing lab at his university, where he trained and mentored students. He is currently working as a polymer materials engineer at Siemens Energy, developing wear resistant, filled polymer composites and conducting polymer failure analysis.

Joanne Moody

We are excited to announce that Joanne Moody, Principal Consultant at Zeta Scientific LLC, has been elected as a board member of the Society of Plastics Engineers – Medical Plastics Division. Joanne brings more than 25 years of medical device industry experience and is widely recognized for her expertise in adhesives, plastics bonding, and joint design challenges. Through Zeta Scientific, she supports organizations ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies, helping teams overcome development barriers and bring innovative products to market. Joanne has played an active leadership role within SPE MPD, including supporting the Minnesota MiniTec conference and strengthening member engagement. We are excited to continue benefiting from her technical leadership, collaborative spirit, and commitment to growing the medical plastics community.

Please join us in welcoming Chris Konitzer, Managing Director at MediPlas Market Development Group, as a newly elected board member.

The MediPlas Market Development Group provides market and technical insights in the healthcare materials sector. He has previous experience at Avient and Dow Corning/Dow Chemical. Chris has 20+ years of experience in Marketing, Business Strategy, Business Development, and Sales. He thoroughly enjoys building new relationships, which fuels his passion for collaboration. Chris has served on the SPE-MPD Board of Directors as Sponsorship Chair for the past 3 years, doubling sponsorship support for MiniTec each year. He has a BS in Chemical Engineering and an MBA with an emphasis in International Business Development and Marketing.

MiniTec Anaheim 2026

Posted on by Theresa Shafer

One highlight of the conference was recognizing Len Czuba with the prestigious Glenn Beall Founders Award, honoring a career defined by technical excellence, industry leadership, and unwavering service to the medical device community.

Award for Len Czuba

SPE MPD Honors Len Czuba

with Glenn Beall Founders Award

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Thanks to this great team!

Congratulations to the SPE MPD MiniTec organizing team for a great event. It was great to connect with so many industry peers dedicated to improving healthcare.

SPE MPD group 2026

Two Days of Fabulous Speakers and Insights

Networking – our favorite part

See more pictures and notes on the Poster Session
SPE MPD SPONSORS 2026

SPE MPD Honors Len Czuba with Glenn Beall Founders Award

Posted on by Theresa Shafer

By Ned LeMaster

Award for Len Czuba

The Society of Plastics Engineers’ Medical Plastics Division (SPE MPD) recently recognized Len Czuba with its prestigious Glenn Beall Founders Award, honoring a career defined by technical excellence, industry leadership, and unwavering service to the medical device community.

This award, named in honor of Glenn Beall, celebrates individuals whose contributions have helped shape and strengthen SPE MPD and the broader medical plastics field. Len’s selection reflects decades of impact as an engineer, educator, innovator, and mentor.

For more than four decades, Len Czuba has been a leading voice in medical device materials and manufacturing. As President of Czuba Enterprises, he has guided hundreds of companies from early concept through commercialization, helping teams navigate material selection, processing challenges, regulatory requirements, and risk management.

His work spans:

  • Medical-grade polymers and biomaterials
  • Injection molding and extrusion optimization
  • Design-for-manufacturing in regulated environments
  • Failure analysis and expert witness services
  • Patent development and intellectual property strategy

Through this work, Len has helped transform promising ideas into safe, reliable, and scalable medical products.

Leadership Within SPE MPD

Beyond his technical achievements, Len’s long-standing commitment to SPE has been central to his legacy.

Over the years, he has served in multiple leadership roles, including Medical Plastics Division Chair and SPE International President. He has also been a consistent presence at conferences, workshops, and training programs—sharing practical insights grounded in real-world experience.

His contributions include:

  • Organizing and supporting educational programs
  • Mentoring early-career engineers
  • Promoting ethical and professional standards
  • Strengthening collaboration across industry, academia, and consulting

For many members, Len has been both a trusted resource and a steady advocate for excellence.

Advancing Education and Knowledge

Len is widely recognized as one of the field’s most effective educators. Through seminars, articles, courses, and conference presentations, he has helped thousands of professionals deepen their understanding of medical plastics.

His teaching style combines:

  • Clear technical fundamentals
  • Real-world case studies
  • Regulatory and risk-awareness
  • Practical problem-solving frameworks

This blend has made his sessions invaluable to engineers, product managers, quality leaders, and executives alike.

Why the Glenn Beall Founders Award Matters

Glenn Beall was more than a founding member—he was a mentor, innovator, and tireless advocate for the advancement of medical plastics. This award ensures that his legacy continues to inspire excellence and service within our community. The Glenn Beall Founders Award is one of SPE MPD’s highest honors. It recognizes individuals who:

  • Demonstrate sustained leadership
  • Advance the medical plastics profession
  • Support the growth of the SPE community
  • Inspire future generations

Len’s career embodies each of these values. His influence extends far beyond individual projects—shaping how medical devices are designed, built, validated, and improved across the industry.

A Well-Deserved Recognition

Len Czuba’s career reflects what is possible when deep technical mastery is combined with generosity, integrity, and commitment to community. Whether advising startups, supporting global manufacturers, or mentoring young engineers, he has consistently raised the standard for the profession.

On behalf of the medical plastics community, SPE MPD proudly congratulates Len on receiving the Glenn Beall Founders Award.

His work continues to inspire—and his legacy will benefit our field for generations to come.

A Big Thank You to Poster Presenters – MiniTec at MD&M West Feb 2026

Posted on by Theresa Shafer

By Joanne Moody

One of the highlights of our recent event was the poster sessions. These presentations showcased the curiosity, creativity, and commitment that drive innovation in medical plastics and biomaterials. We are grateful to all of our presenters for sharing their work and engaging in thoughtful discussions with attendees

Our academic researchers brought forward impressive and impactful projects. 

  • Block CoPolymer-Directed Self-Assembly of Optically Active Nanoparticles by Jayme Chow from UC Irvine
  • Preparation of pNIPAAm-HA Hydrogels for the Use in Treatment of Corneal Ulcers by Snigdha Rayala and Judith Praba Prabhahar Albert from San Jose State University
  • Influence of Carbon Fiber Reinforcement on the Shape Memory Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of PETG by Viswanath Aditham and Yanika Schneider from San Jose State University

We were equally pleased to feature strong industry-focused research and real-world perspectives.

Thank you to all our presenters for raising the bar and inspiring the next generation of materials and medical device professionals.

Jayme Chow
Snigdha Rayala & Judith Praba Prabhahar Albert
Viswanath Aditham
Poster Cameron Sawyer & Rob Klein

IGS GeboJagema and SPE MPD Student Scholarship 2025-2026

Posted on by Theresa Shafer
SPE logo_Medical Plastics-HG

STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP AWARD

Medical Plastics Scholarship

IGS GeboJagema

IGS GeboJagema and SPE Medical Plastics Division are proud to announce the Awardees of the Student Scholarship in the topic of Molding of Medical Plastics and Polymers. The winners are:

OVERALL WINNER:

Dakota Antcliff

Plastics Engineering student at Ferris State

Molly Garber
FINALIST:

Molly Garber

Plastics Engineering student at UW Stout

Ethan Graetz
FINALIST:

Ethan Graetz

Plastics Engineering student at UW Stout

We were incredibly impressed with the quality of the student candidates – and can’t wait to see the impact they have on the world!

Thank You to Our Leadership 2025

Posted on by Theresa Shafer
SPE BOD 2023

Thank You to Our 2025 Leadership

The Medical Plastics Division exists to facilitate the exchange of technical and regulatory information on polymer materials/components used in medical devices and the healthcare industry.

Officers

Chair
Ned LeMaster, Delrin

Vice-Chair, MiniTec Committee, TPC Committee Chair

Chris Lyons, Exponent

Past Chair of the Board, Communications Committee

Louis Somlai, Eli Lilly

Secretary

Pierre Moulinie, Covestro LLC

Councilor, Treasurer

Ali Ashter, Ashter Enterprise, LLC.

Membership Chair

Kyle Kulwicki, Kimball Electronics

Newsletter Editor

Vijay Kudchadkar, Isometric Micro Molding

Student Outreach Chair, MiniTec Minneapolis Chair

Rob Klein, AtriCure

Board of Director Members

Emeritus Members

Special Advisors to the Board