Dane Spearing named a 2011 American Ceramic Society Fellow

November 14, 2011—Dane R. Spearing, deputy group leader of the Laboratory's Nuclear Materials Science is among the American Ceramic Society’s (ACS) 2011 Class of Fellows. The Society’s Panel of Fellows selected the 20 new Fellows, which includes members from around the globe, based on outstanding contributions in scholarship, industry, or service to the Society.

Research and professional activities

Spearing’s research on long-term storage of plutonium compounds in ceramic and nonceramic packages resulted in a revised Department of Energy storage standard and a LANL Distinguished Performance Award. He developed a novel method for the bulk synthesis of plutonium-bearing zircon for the encapsulation of transuranic wastes. Spearing is a member of the ACS Nuclear and Environmental Technology Division and has served as division chair. He edited five Ceramic Transactions volumes and has participated on the Society’s Legislative and Public Affairs Committee, the Member Services Committee, and Internet Task Force.

Spearing joined LANL in 1997 after graduating from Stanford University with a doctorate in geology and a minor in materials science. He was a team leader in LANL's Nuclear Materials Technology and Plutonium Manufacturing and Technology divisions for eight years. In 2010, he became the deputy group leader for Nuclear Materials Science.

American Ceramic Society and its Fellows

More than 9,500 scientists, engineers, researchers, manufacturers, plant personnel, educators, students, marketing and sales professionals from more than 70 countries are members of the American Ceramic Society. Materials professionals use ceramics to pioneer energy solutions, advance medicine, improve the environment, support manufacturing innovations, and make life better. The American Ceramic Society, which has recognized outstanding scientists since 1898, bestowed the Fellows awards at its 113th annual meeting.