Stan Prosen
Pioneer / Material Scientist

Stan Prosen is one of the true pioneers of the composites industry. Stan’s research career in composites began following World War II, when his government lab specialized in the development and commercialization of carbon fiber. The field of composites was then in its infancy. Under his leadership, his group became recognized leaders in the introduction of composite materials into civilian applications.

During these early years as carbon fiber transformed golf, tennis, and countless other recreation activities, Stan first experimented with using carbon fiber in string instruments. His fascination with the science of carbon fiber bowmaking grew through his early career and eventually, after enlisting other bowmakers and engineers, led to creation of the CodaBow. Along the way to pioneering carbon fiber bows for stringed instruments, Stan also made significant contributions to the scientific community. In addition to authoring 40 publications, eight patents, and four ASTM Standards, Stan led creation of the Winona State University Composites Engineering Program (the only undergraduate composites program in the US). In 1987, the Society for the Advancement of Materials and Processes Engineering (SAMPE) honored Stan’s contributions to the composites industry by electing him SAMPE Fellow, a distinction that only 24 people worldwide had received.