Dr. Jude Mary Runge’s career as a metallurgical engineer and surface finishing expert spans almost 40 years in industrial, government, and academic, professional settings.
Dr. Jude Mary RungeShe most recently received the National Association for Surface Finishing’s Scientific Achievement Award, which recognizes a person who has contributed to the advancement of the theory and practice of electroplating, metal finishing and the allied arts; raised the quality of processes and products; enhanced the status of the profession; or been involved in a combination of the above
Beginning in 1982 at Northrop Corporation’s Defense Systems Division and culminating today as a Principal Engineer, Surface Finishing at Apple since 2019, Dr. Runge is recognized internationally as a nonferrous specialist focusing on materials engineering problem solving that utilizes her expertise as a surface scientist and manufacturing process engineer, providing characterization for product development, failure analysis and metallurgical support to the aluminum finishing industry.
Dr. Runge is well known for her work in anodizing that led to a new theoretical treatment for porous oxide formation. She received her Ph.D. in metallurgy at the University of Illinois at Chicago under Dr. Michael McNallan. A tireless educator, Dr. Runge has authored numerous papers and given seminars worldwide and has been the Education Chair for the Aluminum Anodizers Council since 2008. Her book, The Metallurgy of Anodizing Aluminum, published by Springer Nature in 2018, is one of her biggest personal achievements.
Dr. Runge is the third of nine children and the first in her family to attend college. She is the mother of four and grandmother of eight. She believes her success is the result of great personal grit and passion for science, which enabled her hard work and, very often, hard decisions. She owes a great deal of her career to her mother, who continuously challenged and supported her. She is grateful to her husband, Thomas Nussbaum, for his love and support and for always admitting how proud he is of her.
How did you get your start in the finishing industry?
Receiving the NASF Scientific Award from Tony Revier.My first job after receiving my Master’s Degree in Metallurgy from the University of Illinois at Chicago under William Rostoker was at Northrop Corporation — now Northrop Grumman — Defense Systems Division (DSD), which is now Electronic Systems Division, ESD. in Rolling Meadow, Illinois. I was employed in the Reliability Analysis Laboratory; the microelectronics industry was booming, and it was a surface scientist’s dream! I was already sharp with analytical skills and worked on a team with accomplished scientists and technicians with a wealth of military electronics experience. It was humbling and enriching to learn from those with true hands-on experience in leaded and surface mount electronic components, printed circuit boards, electroplating, metallization, brazing, solders of various compositions, and soldering. Anodizing was on the periphery as a finish for aluminum chassis. I was constantly learning about solid-state bonding and dissimilar materials joining. Surfaces and interfacial phenomena became a specialty and a passion that I honed — the science of diffusion and thermodynamics became something I thought about and applied on a daily basis.
What do you enjoy best about the industry?
There is always an opportunity to learn something new. And that opportunity is the launchpad for new ideas for understanding fundamentals; there’s a lot of bad science out there to review, evaluate and improve, and develop innovative ways to utilize mature technology.
Is your glass half-full or half-empty?
Dr Runge's book, The Metallurgy of Anodizing Aluminum, published by Springer Nature in 2018I see myself as a realistic optimist, so my glass is mostly full! If it spills — and it does — from time to time, I evaluate and re-evaluate to understand and adjust. This means I try to communicate well. I seek out trusted experts to discuss, characterize and adjust to the situations in which I find myself so I can be ready to move to keep the stream flowing in the direction of my glass.
What three items would you take with you on a deserted island?
A boat, enough fuel to get away, and sunscreen.
What was your favorite subject in school?
Oh my, it was physics in high school and undergrad; thermodynamics and diffusion in grad school 1.0 and interfacial phenomena in grad school 2.0.
What’s the most unusual thing you've ever eaten?
I don’t know what it was! It was crunchy and gelatinous at the same time. I was graceful but grossed out.
Do you collect anything?
I actively collect wine — and I drink it — slowly, out of curiosity but mostly enjoyment. I have a fluid collection that is comprised mostly of Italian, French, and Spanish wines. I’m enjoying adventures in Greek wine and really love Lebanese wine.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
I am definitely an introvert, getting my energy from my own excitement. I love listening and learning from everyone. I’m happy to speak and discuss, but I need a push.
Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest?
My hearing; I often navigate multiple languages at once and try to be sympathetic while others speak.
What do you do to keep fit?
I watch what I eat pretty consistently and do resistance exercises with light weights and bands.
What three things do you think of the most each day?
My husband, my grandchildren, and the problems that I need to work on and solve.
What song would you say best sums you up?
“Touch of Gray” by the Grateful Dead
What celebrity would you like to meet for a cup of coffee?
I would love to have a cup of coffee with Jerry Seinfeld. He seems funny and curious. I hope that he would be as interested in finding out about me as I would be finding out about him.
On a scale of 1-10, how funny would you say you are?
8. I can be pretty funny, especially when it comes to making stark observations about anything.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Retired and living a relaxed, curious life with my husband and “pendling” between Germany and Chicago.
What was your first job?
I was 14, and I came home in the fall of my freshman year of high school and said to my mother that I wanted to join the bowling club that met after school on Mondays. She said, “I just got you a job at the bakery across the street,” and that was the end of bowling. I earned $1.25 an hour for pretty heavy-duty work. I’ve worked nonstop since then.
How many languages do you speak?
I speak two languages: American English and German
Who is the most intelligent person you know?
I’m guessing you don’t mean smart; smart people are a dime a dozen. Intelligence requires integration of love, empathy, and compassion with being smart. There are and have been so many intelligent people on this planet! So who is the most intelligent person I know? Here is one of a few that I’ve enjoyed meeting and associating with: Michael Bagwell, senior SME Surface Finishing (Plating) at Apple. Michael is really smart, he’s thoughtful, he’s kind, and he loves chemistry, electroplating, and problem-solving.
If you had to describe yourself as an animal, which one would it be?
I would be a dog, a German Shepherd, I guess. I’m intelligent, loving, strong, and trusting.
Who knows you the best?
My daughter, Monica.
