PNNL

Suresh Baskaran, director of Research Partnerships at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), has been elected a fellow of the American Ceramic Society (ACerS).  

The fellow designation recognizes ACerS members who have distinguished themselves through outstanding contributions to the ceramic arts or sciences, broad and productive scholarship in ceramic science and technology, conspicuous achievement in ceramic industry, or outstanding service to the society.

“These Fellows are inspirational and among the most experienced and knowledgeable in our profession. They have dedicated their careers to moving ceramic and glass science and technology forward either by technical achievement or with their activities in support of the Society,” Dana Goski, ACerS president, said of the recently elected fellows.

Baskaran has made contributions in ceramics and glass research to advance energy, automotive, and microelectronic systems, including solid oxide fuel cells, spark plug materials, automotive sensors, catalysts for emissions control, and low dielectric constant films for semiconductor interconnects.  His research has also spanned damage tolerant structural ceramics, additive fabrication technology, and biomimetic coatings.  

Baskaran’s research is reflected in 50 technical papers, 10 U.S. patents, an R&D 100 Award, and a spark plug materials technology that was moved to full-scale production.  He currently contributes his technical leadership to help solve pressing issues facing Washington State as an elected member of the Washington State Academy of Sciences.

Furthermore, his leadership has paved the way for new generations of researchers to lead cutting-edge research in the field of materials sciences. In his current role, Baskaran is responsible for PNNL’s institutional research partnerships with academic institutions. He has helped expand collaborations between university faculty, students, and PNNL; has launched new PhD programs and joint institutes with research universities throughout the Northwest; and has served as a mentor and role model to students.

Baskaran is one of seventeen ACerS fellows who will be honored during the ACerS Annual Meeting held at the Materials Science and Technology Conference October 17–21 in Columbus, Ohio.

ACerS is the leading professional membership organization for ceramic and materials scientists, engineers, researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, and students. It serves over 10,000 members from more than 70 countries.