Ryan Spencer is an associate research and development staff member in the Composites Innovation Group at the Manufacturing Demonstration Facility at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He is also a University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute Fellow, working with the institute’s Circular Bioeconomy Systems Convergent Research Initiative. 

Spencer’s research primarily revolves around advancing nondestructive testing and evaluation (NDT&E) methodologies for advanced composite manufacturing. His current research focuses on sensor integration upstream the manufacturing process to enable in-line quality inspection for defect detection and material characterization. By embedding sensors within manufacturing workflows, he aims to enhance real-time monitoring capabilities, ensuring optimal product quality while minimizing risk. His work is pivotal in bridging the gap between manufacturing processes and advanced in-line characterization techniques.  

While earning his Ph.D., Spencer developed an innovative vision inspection technology for rapid defect detection and characterization. Afterwards, he attempted to commercialize this technology and founded ThermaMatrix. He became an Entrepreneurial Research Fellow in the Innovation Crossroads program at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, a Lab-Embedded Entrepreneurship Program through the Department of Energy. Under his leadership, ThermaMatrix aimed to address the quality inspection needs of the composites, aerospace, and semiconductor industries. Although he encountered obstacles in market entry, Spencer’s entrepreneurial journey provided invaluable insights into the intricacies and challenges of bringing cutting-edge technologies to market. This experience not only deepened his understanding of the commercialization process but also reinforced his commitment to deliver practical, effective solutions that meet the specific challenges and demands faced by industry. 

Education