Cynthia (Cindy) Powell Bio
Cynthia (Cindy) Powell
Chief Science and Technology Officer for Energy and Environment
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Dr. Cynthia (Cindy) Powell is the chief science and technology officer for Energy and Environment at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), where she seeks to identify and foster new ideas that will translate into tomorrow’s technology breakthroughs. She builds and demonstrates new research capabilities, while also facilitating research and development partnerships with industry, academia, and other research organizations. A materials scientist, Dr. Powell is especially interested in scalable solutions to challenges associated with metals, polymers, composites, and other materials that must be addressed to realize the Department of Energy’s goals for affordable, reliable energy for all Americans. Dr. Powell is committed to sharing her passion for science and engineering with the next generation, and to providing advice for how to be successful to those who seek a career in research.
Prior to joining PNNL, Dr. Powell held various leadership positions at the National Energy Technology Laboratory, including Executive Director for Research & Innovation and Chief Research Officer. She began her career as a research scientist, where she leveraged her expertise in structure-property relationships in structural metals and ceramics to deliver materials solutions to a variety of technology challenges. Dr. Powell earned a BS and an MS in Ceramic Engineering from Clemson University and a PhD in Materials Science from Case Western Reserve University.