Greg Hilmas

Dr. Greg Hilmas is a Curators' Professor of Ceramic Engineering in the Materials Science and Engineering Department at Missouri University of Science and Technology. He joined Missouri S&T as an Assistant Professor in 1998, was tenured and promoted to Associate Professor in 2004, to Full Professor in 2007, and to Curators' Professor in 2012. He served as department chair from August 2018 to July 2021.

Dr. Hilmas earned his educational qualifications from prestigious institutions:

• Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (1993)
• M.S. in Ceramic Engineering from The Ohio State University (1989)
• B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from University of Minnesota (1986)

Dr. Hilmas' research expertise lies in processing-microstructure-mechanical property relationships in structural ceramics. His current research, predominantly funded by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the Air Force Research Laboratory, the National Science Foundation, and NASA, focuses on ultrahigh temperature ceramics for propulsion and thermal protection applications. He also has active research programs in rapid prototyping of 3D structural ceramics and bioceramics for bone replacement. His specialties include mechanical properties of ceramics and composites, ceramic processing, fibrous monolith processing, structural ceramics, and ultra-high temperature ceramics.

Analysis of Dr. Hilmas' recent publications (2024-2025) reveals a strong focus on advanced ceramic materials, particularly dual-phase high entropy ceramics, zirconium-based systems, and additive manufacturing techniques. His work spans fundamental thermodynamic analysis, sintering processes, and practical applications in extreme environments. The research demonstrates expertise in borides, carbides, and diborides, with applications in aerospace, propulsion systems, and thermal protection.

Dr. Hilmas has received numerous prestigious awards:

• R&D100 Award in 2002 for diamond/metal co-extruded composites
• Elevated to Fellow of The American Ceramic Society (ACerS) in 2009
• Ten campus-wide Outstanding Teaching Awards from Missouri S&T
• Three Sustained Excellence in Teaching Awards
• Eleven consecutive Faculty Excellence Awards for excellence in teaching, research, and service
• Listed among Top 2% Cited Scientists

Dr. Hilmas has been awarded more than $20M in research contracts from over 25 different funding agencies and private companies. His research has resulted in more than 110 refereed papers, ten U.S. patents, and three patents pending for novel ceramic and composite architectures. He actively serves the academic community as President of the Keramos National Board of Directors and has held various leadership roles in The American Ceramic Society.

Dr. Hilmas teaches undergraduate and graduate courses including Ceramic Engineering 104 (Ceramics in the Modern World), Ceramic Engineering 306 (Thermomechanical Properties and their use in Design), and Ceramic Engineering 338 (Thermal Properties).