Dr. Scherban hopes to inspire future STEM professionals through the ACS
PORTLAND, OR, September 04, 2025 /24-7PressRelease/ — Dr. Tracey Scherban has been included in Marquis Who’s Who. As in all Marquis Who’s Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Dr. Scherban presently serves as the chair of the women chemists’ committee at the American Chemical Society Portland Section, a post she reached as the culmination of a distinguished and accomplished career in science.
Like most eminent scientists, Dr. Scherban began her career with the foundation of a strong education, beginning with her Bachelor of Arts in chemistry from Reed College in 1983, following that up with a master’s degree in solid state science from Columbia University in 1988 and a PhD in material science, also from Columbia University, in 1991. Further, she completed postdoctoral studies abroad in France.
Following her education, Dr. Scherban began her career proper with Intel Corporation, where she served from 1983 until 1986, rejoining the company in 1993 before leaving as a group leader in 2004. Dr. Scherban considers a key highlight of her career to be her role as thermal mechanics group leader at Intel. When she joined, Intel lacked the necessary infrastructure to measure the mechanical properties of thin films, particularly interfacial adhesion, which was causing chip failures due to delamination. At the time, the primary method for testing was the tape test, which lacked quantitative precision.
Dr. Scherban collaborated with Stanford University to develop a more reliable technique, known as four-point bending, requiring significant effort to produce consistent and actionable results. For years, there was skepticism regarding the value of the data her team was producing for process technology development. Regular high-level meetings, attended by VPs, were held to evaluate their progress. After about three years, Dr. Scherban confidently presented the team’s findings to Mark Bohr, a key figure overseeing the project, demonstrating that they had achieved a methodology capable of providing guidance for creating mechanically strong films. This milestone led to the elimination of these intensive review meetings, a moment Dr. Scherban humorously considers one of her greatest accomplishments, as it marked the resolution of a long-standing challenge.
Throughout her career, Dr. Scherban has been recognized with a number of awards and accolades, including various essay contests and grants. She has also made strides as an educator, holding an adjunct role with Portland State University and a chemistry instructor position at Portland Community College.
In 2025, Dr. Scherban accepted her current post with the American Chemical Society, which endeavors to spread support for learning and study in the field of chemistry. In that regard, Dr. Scherban is particularly committed to the role women play in STEM fields, such as chemistry, and the voice they add to the important studies being undertaken in that area. One of the key projects that excites her the most is the Women in Science symposium, which she is presently in the process of organizing. The event, which will be held in memory of her late friend, Elaine Nam, serves as a bookend to a similar symposium that Elaine had held in 2018 at Reed College with Dr. Scherban.
No journey of success is ever undertaken alone, and Dr. Scherban wishes to express her gratitude to the mentors and teachers who guided her on the path she followed. In addition to her family and friends, whose support was critical, she wishes to acknowledge Dr. William Harshbarger, who guided her professionally during her time at Intel Corporation, and Professor Arthur Nowick, who served as her research advisor during her graduate studies at Columbia University.
Part of the American Chemical Society’s mission is to recognize the key role that future generations will take in shaping our understanding of science. With that in mind, it should come as no surprise that Dr. Scherban takes great pride in her son’s academic success. A fellow student of Columbia University, he is presently on track to pursue a PhD, just as she did.
Dr. Scherban emphasizes that beyond professional achievements, her aspiration is to be a good person who treats others with respect and kindness. She believes this goal should extend to everyday interactions, such as showing patience and understanding in small moments, like refraining from honking at someone who is not turning in traffic. Dr. Scherban values treating all individuals with respect, even those she does not know, as an essential principle in life.
Dr. Scherban’s short-term goal for the future involves continuing her present work with the American Chemical Society, where she is focused on advocating for better representation of women as Nobel laureates. This goal forms the central message of her upcoming symposium. Dr. Scherban has been troubled by the political climate in this country. This has inspired her to consider running for office as an Oregon State Representative. Running as a Democrat, her platform would include greater protections for the environment, government funding of scientific research and basic human rights.
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