Title: Retired Chemistry Instructor
Company: Portland Community College
Location: Portland, Oregon, United States
Tracey Scherban, Retired Chemistry Instructor at Portland Community College, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Scientists for dedication, achievements and leadership in material science.
Dr. Scherban’s illustrious career is marked by her significant contributions to material science. Her tenure as a thermal mechanics group leader at Intel Corporation from 1993 to 2004 was pivotal in her professional journey. During this time, she addressed critical challenges in chip manufacturing by developing a reliable technique for measuring the mechanical properties of thin films. Collaborating with Stanford University, Dr. Scherban introduced the four-point bending method, which replaced the less precise tape test. This innovation resolved longstanding issues and eliminated the need for intensive review meetings with high-level executives.
Founded in 1968, Intel Corporation is a publicly traded company headquartered in Santa Clara, California, and incorporated in Delaware. It specializes in technology. Intel Corporation notably designs, manufactures and sells computer components for business and consumer markets.
Following her impactful role at Intel Corporation, Dr. Scherban transitioned to academia as a chemistry instructor at Portland Community College in Portland, Oregon, from 2009 to 2019 and briefly as an adjunct professor at Portland State University in 2010 before retiring fully. Her academic roles allowed her to impart her extensive knowledge and passion for science to aspiring chemists.
Dr. Scherban’s educational background laid a strong foundation for her career achievements. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in chemistry from Reed College in Portland in 1983, followed by a master’s degree in solid state science in 1988 and a Doctor of Philosophy in material science in 1991 from Columbia University. Additionally, Dr. Scherban pursued postdoctoral studies at the Laboratory of Ionic and Solid Electrochemistry in France, further enhancing her expertise. Her rich foundation was pivotal to her success in the materials science sector and teaching higher education.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Dr. Scherban is deeply committed to empowering women in science. As the chair of the women chemists committee of the American Chemical Society since 2025, she has been instrumental in organizing events that encourage women to pursue scientific careers. Dr. Scherban’s current project, the Women in Science symposium, is a tribute to her late friend Elaine Nam and reflects her dedication to this cause. Moreover, she has been active in the Materials Research Society.
Dr. Scherban’s contributions have been recognized through numerous grants and accolades, including the Presidential Climate Science Grant in 2013, Reed College Grants, and joint engineering team awards. Her innovative work has also led to a U.S. patent for enhancing the adhesion of silicon nitride films to carbon-containing oxide films in 2004.
Dr. Scherban attributes her success to the inspiration from her family and friends, excellent mentors, and her confidence and belief in her abilities. Looking ahead, she aims to advocate for better representation of women as Nobel laureates through her work with the women chemists committee of the American Chemical Society.
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