VICKSBURG, Miss. — Dr. Jerry Paris, a researcher with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), has been selected to receive the Wason Medal for Materials Research, recognizing his contributions to the advancement of cement-based materials.
Awarded annually by the American Concrete Institute (ACI) Board of Direction, the Wason Medal recognizes a peer-reviewed paper published in the ACI Materials Journal that makes an extraordinary contribution or impact on the state of knowledge of cement-based materials used throughout the construction industry.
For Paris, receiving one of the industry’s distinguished honors is recognition he never expected.
“It feels great to be acknowledged at our industry’s most attended conference and with their most coveted publication award,” Paris said. “This is not something I had ever imagined would be possible.”
The recognition is particularly meaningful because much research work happens outside the public eye. Paris said this award provides an opportunity not only to recognize his individual efforts, but also to draw attention to the broader research being conducted at ERDC.
“It is fantastic to have the validation that my efforts were recognized in this way and hopefully brings more attention to the work we are able to do, even in the niche area of nuclear shielding material compositions,” Paris said.
Paris specializes in portland cement chemistry, with portland cement serving as the primary binding agent in concrete. His career, however, has taken him far beyond traditional concrete research.
Before joining ERDC, Paris worked on programs ranging from accelerated concrete durability testing methods and nuclear shielding compositions to thermal finite element modeling, X-ray backscatter radiography of rocket components, geotechnical sensor development and alternative supplementary cementitious materials.
That diverse background now allows Paris to contribute to a wide range of military and civil works research efforts at ERDC.
His work has included developing non-hydraulic cementitious material prototypes, assisting in the design of airfield pavements using novel materials and methods and identifying and qualifying alternative supplementary cementitious materials. Paris has also supported disaster response efforts involving large-scale structural failures and other unconventional concrete applications and formulations.
The Wason Medal recognition highlights how highly specialized research can ultimately contribute to broader advances in engineering and construction. For Paris, it also provides an opportunity to shine a light on the scientists and engineers whose work may not always be visible, but can have lasting impacts on the field.
“These varied areas of focus allow me to leverage my experience to a number of efforts at ERDC both on the military engineering side and civil works side,” Paris said.