Waltraud M. Kriven

Waltraud M. Kriven is a Full Professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, holding joint faculty positions in the Materials Research Laboratory and Department of Materials Science and Engineering. She is also an Affiliate Professor in Mechanical Science and Engineering. Her expertise spans phase transformations in inorganic compounds, geopolymers, and ceramic composites. Kriven has pioneered research in low-temperature synthesis of ceramics and developed advanced geopolymer composites with applications in energy, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability.

Education: PhD in Solid State Chemistry (University of Adelaide, 1976); B.Sc. (Hons) and Baccalaureate in Physical and Inorganic Chemistry and Biochemistry (University of Adelaide).

Research Interests: Geopolymer-derived ceramics, carbothermal reduction processes, amorphous self-healing materials, and sustainable construction materials. Her work emphasizes nanoporous microstructure analysis and tailoring thermal expansion coefficients for advanced applications. Recent studies include neutron shielding geopolymers and environmental durability assessments.

Conferences & Leadership: Organizer of over 22 international conferences on geopolymers, including the 2025 International Symposium on Geopolymers and Alkali Activated Materials. Served as Past-Chair of the Engineering Ceramics Division of the American Ceramic Society.

Awards: Member of European Union Academy of Sciences (2020), Academician in World Academy of Ceramics (2005), Fellow of American Ceramic Society (1995), and recipient of the Mueller Award (2017) and Brunauer Award (1988, 1991).

Industry Impact: Founded Keanetech LLC (2004), a technology transfer company specializing in ceramics and geopolymers. Collaborates with the US Army Corps of Engineers on infrastructure projects.

Labs & Teams: Director of the Center for Geopolymer Research and Applications (CeGRA). Her research group develops in situ synchrotron furnaces for high-temperature ceramic studies.