Sierros named fellow by Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining

Mechanical and aerospace engineering associate professor and associate chair for research  Konstantinos Sierros has been elected to the rank of fellow by the Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IOM3) (Photo/Savanna Leech)

Mechanical and aerospace engineering associate professor and associate chair for research  Konstantinos Sierros has been elected to the rank of fellow by the Institute of Materials, Minerals & Mining (IOM3) in recognition of his research on promising new applications of novel materials for additive manufacturing.

Story by Kaley LaQuea, Communications Specialist
Photos by Savanna Leech

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

British institute IOM3 has an extensive history with its roots in iron and steelworks beginning in 1869. The organization celebrated its 150-year anniversary in 2019, and the prestigious fellowship recognizes significant research contributions and achievements in the materials, minerals and mining fields. Fellows are elected after nomination from current fellows of the Institute, followed by a competitive application and assessment process. The award of Fellowship is a measure of esteem for both those working in academia and industry.

“It's a great recognition and it feels great in that respect, but I also think it’s a way for me to give back to the department and the college,” Sierros said. “I wouldn't be able to do all of this without my research team and their support. It reflects my growth as a scientist and engineer, so this is a culmination of all this year's work and all the growth opportunities I got through WVU.”

Sierros earned his Ph.D. from the University of Birmingham in Materials Science and Engineering in 2006. He joined WVU faculty in 2008 and has served as the advisor of Microgravity Research Team since 2016. MRT’s research focus is in-space and on-demand additive manufacturing.

In his research, Sierros is looking at ways to utilize novel material formulations and 3D printing technology in both Earth and zero gravity environments — a process that looks totally different from printing here on Earth. He and his team are studying and developing a versatile printing method called direct ink writing with different materials  including metals, polymers and ceramics-based inks. Sierros says printing also holds potential for a myriad of applications, including uses in biomedical, energy, sensing, and environmental spaces.

---