UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Jon-Paul Maria, professor of materials science and engineering at Penn State, has been elected a fellow of the American Ceramic Society (ACerS). Maria is among the 23 members who will be inducted at the 22nd ACerS Annual Meeting, which will be held virtually on Nov. 5 at the Materials Science and Technology Conference.
ACerS Fellows are 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 by outstanding service to the society. Maria also is a 2015 recipient of the ACerS Richard M. Fulrath Award.
“It’s a great honor to be recognized as an ACerS Fellow, and it’s important that I thank my nominators who prepared and supported my application,” Maria said. “It is also important that I acknowledge the many mentors throughout my career that taught me how to do research and teach, great department and college leadership and staff that made our group operations possible, and an outstanding group of collaborators who contributed profoundly to our research activities. Most importantly, I want to thank the past and present members of our group, they do and did all of the important work and it is a continuing reward to see them progress academically, and then achieve professional successes.”
Maria’s research focuses on electroceramics, infrared plasmonics, materials with high entropy, and novel ferroelectrics. A unifying thread across this diverse technical spectrum is a dedication to study synthesis science and make the very best materials possible in thin film and bulk forms.
“Being named a fellow by the American Ceramic Society is a well-deserved recognition of Jon-Paul’s outstanding ongoing research,” said Susan Sinnott, head of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering.
Maria joined Penn State in January 2018 after serving 15 years on the North Carolina State University’s Department of Materials Science and Engineering faculty.
Maria earned his bachelor’s degree in ceramic science and engineering in 1994, his master’s degree in materials science and engineering in 1996 and his doctoral degree in ceramic science in 1998, all from Penn State.
The mission of ACerS is to advance the study, understanding and use of ceramics and related materials, for the benefit of its members and society. More than 11,000 professionals from more than 70 countries make up the membership.