Dr. Ange-Therese Akono, originally from Cameroon, has made significant contributions to civil and environmental engineering, particularly in the field of nanomaterials and the development of “smart cement.”
Growing up in Cameroon, she was captivated by mathematics from a young age, often spending her childhood solving linear equations. This early passion for math led her to explore engineering further. Dr. Akono earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in mechanical engineering from École Polytechnique in Palaiseau, France, before completing her Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2013.
In 2016, Dr. Akono began her academic career as an assistant professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she was recognized as one of the American Society of Civil Engineers’ New Faces of Civil Engineering Professionals. She later served as an Associate Professor at Northwestern University, directing the Sustainability & Nanomechanics Research Laboratory. In 2023, she joined the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering at North Carolina State University as an associate professor in the mechanics and materials group.
Dr. Akono has received numerous accolades for her work, including the Johnson & Johnson Women in STEM Award in 2022 and the EMI Leonardo da Vinci Award from the American Society of Civil Engineers in 2021. She is also an associate editor for the Journal of Engineering Mechanics.
Dr. Akono’s research focuses on advancing bone tissue regenerative engineering, specifically for maxillofacial repairs. She credits the WiSTEM2D Scholars Award for providing essential funding and mentoring that have been pivotal in her recent investigations. Her laboratory studies fracture processes in multifunctional materials and investigates the behavior of concrete at the nanoscale, aiming to understand the relationships between structural properties.
One of her notable projects involves the development of smart cement, which incorporates graphene, a nano compound that enhances durability. This innovation has the potential to save taxpayers billions in repair costs while significantly reducing the carbon footprint of construction materials.
Dr. Ange-Therese Akono’s journey from Cameroon to becoming a leader in her field exemplifies the power of perseverance and innovation. Her dedication to research and education not only advances her field but also serves as an inspiration to future generations, particularly young women in STEM. Her work highlights the impact of innovative engineering solutions on society and the environment, reflecting her commitment to both her heritage and the global community.
The Editorial Team
