PORTLAND, OR, May 26, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Tracey Scherban, PhD, is a distinguished biographee of Marquis Who's Who. She was recently spotlighted in New York City's Times Square on a 22-story screen that is passed by an estimated 1.5 million people daily. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are chosen from among a pool of the most prominent professionals and are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.

Dr. Scherban's distinguished career in science and education is marked by a series of influential roles, groundbreaking research and a steadfast commitment to advancing women in the field. Concluding her tenure as a faculty member at Portland Community College in 2019 after a decade of service, she taught chemistry courses from 2009 to 2019, inspiring students through her passion for clear scientific explanation and data-driven discussion. Dr. Scherban also served as an adjunct professor at Portland State University in 2010, further extending her influence within academic circles.

Before pivoting into academia, Dr. Scherban was affiliated with Intel Corporation from 1993 to 2004. Her roles included senior process engineer, group leader and engineering manager. During her tenure, she addressed critical challenges related to thin-film adhesion, a key factor in chip reliability. Notably, Dr. Scherban led the development of a quantitative four-point bending technique in collaboration with Stanford University, replacing less precise methods and ultimately resolving longstanding issues that had drawn high-level scrutiny within the company. This achievement not only improved process technology but also eliminated intensive review meetings, marking a significant milestone in her career.

Dr. Scherban graduated from North Olmsted High School. Her academic achievements also included a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Reed College in Portland in 1983 after completing an "A"-graded thesis on theoretical chemistry methods. She pursued additional coursework at Oberlin College and Lake Forest College and participated in a study abroad program in Greece during her undergraduate years. Dr. Scherban subsequently earned a master's degree in solid-state science from Columbia University in New York City in 1988, earning an "A" for a thesis on protonic conduction, before continuing toward a doctorate in materials science on campus, which she completed in 1991. Her doctoral research focused on defects in iron-doped potassium tangella and contributed to Arthur Nowak's book on crystal physics.

Following her doctoral studies, Dr. Scherban conducted postdoctoral research at Laboratoire d'Ionique et de Chimie du Solide in France from 1991 to 1992. Her international reputation was established through invited talks at institutions such as the Max Planck Institute, the University of Delft, the University of Aachen and the Minerals Conference in Pisa.

Dr. Scherban's professional affiliations included serving as chair of the women chemists committee for the American Chemical Society in Portland, where she organized events and encouraged scientists and the broader community to embrace scientific inquiry. she is currently organizing the Women in Science symposium in memory of her late colleague Elaine Nam. The event, which follows a previous symposium co-organized with Ms. Nam at Reed College in 2018, features a keynote address by a philosophy professor from Reed College on Aristotle's four elements, and incorporates these themes into its logo alongside the female symbol. Dr. Scherban's dedication to empowering women in science is further reflected in her efforts to secure prominent speakers and her collaboration with artists to create meaningful event imagery. The symposium will conclude with a musical tribute that underscores her commitment to fostering inspiration and community. Dr. Scherban's current focus also includes advocating for greater representation of women among Nobel laureates through her work with the women chemists committee of the American Chemical Society. Besides her work with the American Chemical Society, she is active in the Materials Research Society.

Dr. Scherban was recognized by Intel Corporation in 2004 for securing a patent to enhance the adhesion of silicon nitride films to carbon-containing oxide films. She was also recognized with numerous honors, including Joint Engineering Team Awards at Intel, a Presidential Climate Science Grant from the American Chemical Society, a National Science Foundation grant for research at foreign centers of excellence, multiple Reed College grants, and both regional and national NOW essay contest wins for her work on Nellie Bly while still a student.

Dr. Scherban attributes her success to several factors, including inspiration from family members who have followed similar academic paths, as well as supportive friends and mentors who have guided her journey.

About Marquis Who's Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who's Who in America®, Marquis Who's Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. The suite of Marquis® publications, including Who's Who in America® and Who's Who in the World®, remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the globe. Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who's Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.

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