Dr. Desmond Bourgeois earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Florida A&M University in 2009. He then earned his Master of Science (M.S.) in Welding Engineering and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) at The Ohio State University in 2014 and 2015, respectively. He studied hydrogen-assisted cracking (HAC) in dissimilar metal welds (DMWs) when exposed to cathodic protection and developing a new testing method that will evaluate the HAC susceptibility in similar conditions. After earning his post-graduate degrees from Ohio State, he worked in the Petroleum Industry for five (5) years. He worked as a Welding Engineer, Material Specialist and Quality Lead for various capital projects. As a welding engineer, he was the welding subject matter expert for steel and corrosion resistant alloy (CRA) pipeline installation. He was introduced to the exciting and ever changing field of nondestructive evaluation (NDE) during working on the different pipeline installation projects. His NDE expertise expanded when he served as the pigging inspection lead for various active pipelines. His interest in the NDE field grew when he worked as a Quality Lead for deep water pipeline installation project. He led a group of inspectors and ensured that the pipeline and subsea equipment was being manufactured to the highest standards.