On behalf of the
American Ceramic Society (ACerS), Dr. Edward P. Gorzkowski III, materials research engineer, at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) Material Science and Technology Division, is awarded the
Du-Co Ceramics Young Professional Award for outstanding commitment, exceptional leadership, and sustained contributions to his service to ACerS and the ceramics research community.
“Edward's immense service to the American Ceramic Society is complimented by his successful career at the Naval Research Laboratory and his impactful research,” said Alp Sehirlioglu, colleague and assistant professor,
Case Western Reserve University. “Ed is truly an exceptional candidate that impacted the ceramic society, and his young career holds the promise to be a great and dynamic member of ACerS for years to come.”
Throughout his young career, Gorzkowski has served on several ACerS committees and awards panels. His service to the society illustrates the diverse spectrum of contributions he has made, ranging from education, to development of young professionals, to research.
“This award represents recognition of Ed’s outstanding accomplishments by the ceramics community and the importance of his work to the Navy,” said Dr. Peter Matic, superintendent, NRL Materials Science and Technology Division. “Since Ed joined us, he has pushed the ceramics field forward both scientifically for NRL and professionally with the American Ceramics Society, and through these efforts, has ensured sound outreach throughout the community.”
Gorzkowski’s success is rooted in his inclusion of service to the society as one of his top priorities in defining his career. These include chairing of the Du-Co Ceramics Young Professional Network Award (2015), service at the Nomination Committee: Electronics Division (2015), and judging graduate student speaking awards and poster competitions for the Electronics Division at Electronic Materials and Applications (EMA) and Materials Science and Technology (MS&T) meetings.
Earning his Bachelor of Science and Ph.D. degrees in materials science and engineering from
Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa., in 1999 and 2004 respectively, Gorzkowski proceeded to become an NRC post-doc at NRL for two years before joining the permanent staff as a materials research engineer. Since November 2015, he has been leading the Ceramics and Rapid Prototyping Section at NRL where he currently resides.
His research interests include piezoelectric materials for sensor and actuator applications; processing of dielectric and ferroelectric materials; unique processing methods to create bulk nano-structured ceramics including microwave; high pressure and aerosol deposition processing; and 3D microstructure characterization and modeling for improved ceramics, such as, thermal barrier coatings and capacitor materials.
Gorzkowski is author to more than 50 peer-reviewed articles and proceedings; has delivered over 30 invited lectures — including plenary talks at international conferences; and has served as a guest editor for a special issue of the IEEE Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control Journal. He has served on several ACerS committee and awards panels as: Organizer of several symposia at MS&T and EMA meetings over the last five years; session chair for more than 10 symposia; judge for graduate student speaking awards and poster competitions for the Electronics Division at EMA and MS&T meetings; Nomination Committee: Electronics Division (2015); secretary, Ceramic Education Council (2015); president, Young Professionals Network (2013-2015); and Chair of Du-Co Ceramics Young Professional Network Award (2015). He is also active in The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS), American Society for Materials (ASM), Tau Beta Pi, US/Japan Seminar on Dielectric Materials, and Department of Defense (DoD) related committees.
Du-Co Ceramics Company established the Young Professional Award through the American Ceramic Society in honor and memory of the late Reldon W. Cooper who co-founded Du-Co Ceramics in 1949. The annual award is presented to members of ACerS who demonstrate exceptional leadership and service to ceramic society.