Bio
Dr. Dean Pierce is a senior scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in the Alloy Behavior and Design (AB&D) Group. Prior to joining ORNL, he was a postdoctoral researcher at the Advanced Steel Processing and Products Research Center (ASPPRC) at the Colorado School of Mines (2014–2016), earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Vanderbilt University (2014), and worked as a Senior Engineer at General Dynamics Electric Boat (2002–2009).
Dr. Pierce’s expertise includes alloy and process design for wrought and additively manufactured steels and iridium-based alloys; development of thermomechanical processing routes to tailor microstructure and performance; and solid-state joining of dissimilar steels. His work focuses on co-optimizing properties such as strength, oxidation/corrosion resistance, thermal transport, and wear to enable improved performance in harsh service environments. He has been recognized for his steel development efforts with a
Professional Experience
April 2026 - Present: Senior Scientist, Alloy Behavior and Design Group, ORNL
Nov. 2025 - March 2026: Interim Group Leader, Alloy Behavior and Design Group, ORNL
2022-Oct. 2025:R&D Staff (RP03), Alloy Behavior and Design Group, ORNL
2016- 2021: R&D Associate (RP02), Alloy Behavior and Design Group, ORNL
2014-2016: Postdoctoral Researcher, Colorado School of Mines
2002-2009: Sr. Engineer, General Dynamics Electric Boat
Awards
- 2026 Department of Energy (DOE) Transportation Technologies Award
- 2025 R&D 100 Award
- 2023 MSTD Core Values Impact Award
- 2023 U.S. DOE Vehicle Technologies Office Merit Review Award.
Education
- Postdoctoral Research Appointment, 2014-2016, Metallurgical Engineering, Colorado School of Mines
- Ph.D., 2014, Materials Science and Engineering, Vanderbilt University
- B.S., 2002, Mechanical Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Professional Service
- TMS Steels Committee
Professional Affiliations
- TMS
- ASM