Denise Antunes da Silva Named Fellow of American Ceramic Society

Denise Antunes da Silva, a leading researcher at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), has been honored as a Fellow of the American Ceramic Society. This prestigious title recognizes her substantial contributions to ceramics and materials science, underscoring her dedication to advancing the field. The announcement was made during ORNL’s fall meeting held in Columbus, Ohio, highlighting her professional journey characterized by excellence and impactful scholarship.

At ORNL, Silva is affiliated with the Building Technologies Research and Integration Center. Her research focuses on enhancing the efficiency and durability of innovative building materials, particularly in the areas of cement-based substances, alternative binders, and natural materials such as fibers and earth. These efforts are not merely academic; they play a crucial role in strengthening the United States’ competitiveness by promoting the development of affordable building materials sourced domestically.

Before joining ORNL in 2021, Silva accumulated over 15 years of experience in the U.S. industry, where she concentrated on improving “the performance and efficiency of cement-based materials through the utilization of chemical admixtures.” This commitment to innovation extended to her role as a civil engineering professor at the Federal University of Santa Catarina in her native Brazil, where she shared her expertise with the next generation of engineers.

The management of ORNL falls under UT-Battelle, which oversees the laboratory for the Department of Energy (DOE). The DOE’s Office of Science, which supports fundamental research in the physical sciences across the United States, is dedicated to addressing significant challenges of our time. Silva’s recognition as a Fellow is viewed as a significant asset to their ongoing quest for innovation in materials science and engineering.

This honor not only reflects Silva’s individual achievements but also signifies a broader commitment to fostering advancements in building technologies that can lead to more sustainable and efficient construction practices. By integrating innovative materials and techniques, her research stands to make a lasting impact on the industry, contributing to the development of resilient infrastructure that meets the needs of the future.