Andrew M. (Drew) Hirt is the President of and Senior Scientist for Materials Research Laboratories, Inc. (MRL), specializing in experimental design, materials science research and development, failure analysis, and a number of other scientific endeavors. Drew is a product of the Catholic School system in Youngstown, having attended St. Matthias grade school and Cardinal Mooney High School. With a calling to science from an early age (5), Drew pursued his goal to become a scientist and received his B.S. degree in Physics from the Case Institute of Technology in 1977. He continued his education at Rutgers University in New Jersey, where he did graduate work in Materials Science. He also holds certifications in surface analysis and microscopy, having authored over fifty professional papers and books over the span of his 50 year career in science. His prior professional experience includes Technical Assistant for the Case Institute of Technology (CIT), employment as a lab scientist for Perkin-Elmer, Physical Electronics Division and Laboratory Manager for Structure Probe, Inc. MRL was founded in New Jersey in 1988 and moved to Ohio in 1993 when many of the R&D centers located in New Jersey dispersed throughout the country. In addition to its efforts in analytical R&D and failure analysis, the company employs summer and part-time students, makes its facilities available to elementary, high school and college level students and works with several universities on publishable R&D projects.

Since moving to their laboratory to Struthers, Drew and his wife Carol Jean have assisted the Stuthers School system by participating in career days, judging science fairs, mentoring students in the middle and high schools and providing tours of their laboratory facilities. They also hosted overnight ‘lock-ins’ for students associated with local church youth groups for many years. Drew has assisted in the establishment of the STEM and entrepreneurship programs in the Struthers School system and has helped facilitate the formation of the Digital Media Arts and Robotics programs at the high school that include both coursework and participation in school system events and competitions.

Mr. Hirt has numerous professional affiliations and has been listed in “American Men and Women of Science” and “Madison’s Who’s Who of Professionals”. Drew is involved in the American Physics Society (AVS/APS), the American Chemical Society (ACS), ASM International, the Catalysis Society and several other professional groups and actively participates in local, national and international meetings and symposia. Drew is married to his business partner, Carol Jean Hirt who specializes in electron microscopy. Drew and Carol work with several community groups including the Struthers Rotary (Drew is a former and current President), the Struthers School Foundation for Educational Excellence, the Chamber of Commerce and the CASTLO community improvement corporation. Their company (MRL) is involved with the internship programs with YSU and serves as a senior project mentor site for the Westminster College Chemistry Department. Drew is also currently an Adjunct Professor with the YSU chemistry department and MRL has partnered with the STEM program on several of their recent instrument grant awards. He was recognized as the Outstanding Community Partner to the YSU STEM College at their 2016 Awards Banquet. Drew and Carol Jean have also served their Catholic parish as members of the Choir (Drew sings and plays guitar), Readers, Eucharistic Ministers and with the Catholic Marriage Preparation Program.

Drew spent 20 years assisting in providing meals at the Saint Matthias Annual Slovak Day. He has been active in FCSU Branch 682 over the last 30 years. In 2022, he attended and served as a Sargeant-at-Arms at the FCSU Convention. Currently President of Branch 682, Drew has filled that office since 2016 after serving several years as its Vice President. As President, he has promoted community involvement by providing food for the hungry though local programs, donations to rescue mission programs and scholarships to graduating Slovak high school students in the Struthers School System.
We are proud to spotlight Drew Hirt, who has been an integral part of our organization for over 30 years. He has demonstrated commitment, leadership, and a spirit of fraternalism. His contributions have strengthened our community, inspired others, and upheld the values we hold dear. On behalf of the entire organization, thank you for your decades of service, vision, and dedication.