This collection of papers describes the various innovative techniques and approaches for synthesis and processing of novel ceramics, glass, and composite materials and their fabrication in various forms, shapes, and complex structures. Special emphasis is given to state-of-the-art methods such as reaction bonding, microwave, CVD, CVI, electrophoresis, sol-gel, plasma, combustion, and more. Proceedings of the symposium held at the 104th Annual Meeting of The American Ceramic Society, April 28-May1, 2002 in Missouri; Ceramic Transactions, Volume 135.