Composites Technology Faculty
Bob Lacovara | Lead Instructor
Bob Lacovara is a pioneer in the composites manufacturing industry, having served for twenty years in various leadership roles for the American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA), the industry's leading trade organization. Bob is also the founder of Convergent Composites, a company that specializes in composites manufacturing/materials optimization, management, training and education, and forensic services. Bob is the co-creator of IYRS' Composites Technology program curriculum and its lead instructor.
Bob has been responsible for helping shape the composites industry, having originated and developed the Certified Composites Technician (CCT) professional development program that has certified over 3,000 professionals, and has consulted for many composites manufacturing companies worldwide. He serves on the CCT workgroup which continues to evolve the standards. Bob was inducted into the Composites Hall of Fame in 2010 for providing “a lasting impact that is forever felt by industry professionals.”
Bob has served on the ACMA Board of Directors and was the recipient of the ACMA President’s Award for Outstanding Industry Service. He has also served as editor of the Composites Research Journal, Operations Manager for a major marine manufacturer, and General Manager of a corporation producing transportation and aircraft components.
He is a graduate of Rowan University.
Jason Feld | Managing Instructor
Jason Feld began working in boat yards as a teenager and has over 30 years of experience in the marine industry. His expertise spans various aspects of boat construction and maintenance.
Jason started working as a sailmaker, building and repairing sails for a wide range of cruising vessels, including historical yachts like Shamrock and Endeavour, J Class boats.
Throughout Jason’s career, he has had the privilege of being involved in many prestigious projects such as the completion of America's Cup Class boats, Whitbread/Volvo round-the-world boats, IOR and IMS racing yachts, Sleds, Trans Pac 50s, and even Rowing Shells. In addition to sail making, Jason worked as a lead builder for over 15 years at a hi-tech custom boat-building company, specializing in the construction of grand prix race boats and advanced composite cruising boats. During this time, he played a crucial role in bringing these high-performance boats to life, utilizing advanced composite materials and techniques.
Jason’s passion for the marine industry and dedication to craftsmanship have allowed him to hone his skills and stay at the forefront of boat construction and repair. Jason takes pride in delivering top-notch quality work and ensuring that each project is completed to the highest standard. Jason has come to IYRS to teach the new generation of composite manufacturers to build the skills and desire to fulfill an exciting career in the composites industry.
Cass D’Amico, ‘21, ‘23 | Program Assistant
While working for a submarine manufacturer, Cass was looking for a change of pace from her physically demanding job. She enrolled in IYRS’s Composites Technology program, discovered a passion for computer aided design, and then followed up with IYRS’s Digital Modeling & Fabrication program. In lieu of an externship in the Digital Modeling program, she did an independent learning project teaching Rhino commercial 3D computer graphics and computer-aided design application software. This evolved into her current role as Program Assistant for Composites Technology and Digital Modeling & Fabrication where she instills a passion for CAD to future composites technicians, CNC programmers, designers and machinists.