Susan Trolier-McKinstry named as a Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Professor Susan Trolier-McKinstry has been named a Distinguished Daughter of Pennsylvania, one of 10 inductees included in the class of 2026. She was recognized by Gov. Josh Shapiro and First Lady Lori Shapiro at the Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania’s annual luncheon held in the Governor's Residence in Harrisburg on Oct. 7.

“Since its inception, the Distinguished Daughters has been honoring extraordinary women for their outstanding service and contributions to our commonwealth,” Shapiro said. “The women we recognize bring an incredible wealth of experience and knowledge, are leaders in their respective fields, and have showcased extraordinary professionalism in all aspects of their careers. The commonwealth is proud to claim each of the Distinguished Daughters as our own, as each of their stories reflect Pennsylvania’s rich past and herald the promise of a bright future through collaborative service.”

Trolier-McKinstry is an Evan Pugh University Professor and the Flaschen Professor of Ceramic Science and Engineering in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. A world leader in piezoelectric microelectromechanical systems, her pioneering research has advanced the materials that enable innovation in medical ultrasound, sensors, communications and advanced electronics.

“Having grown up mostly in the commonwealth as the daughter of two Pennsylvanians, and spending my academic career at Penn State, this recognition is incredibly meaningful to me,” Trolier-McKinstry said.

Trolier-McKinstry, who also is a professor of electrical engineering, directs both the Center for Dielectrics and Piezoelectrics and the Center for Three-Dimensional Ferroelectric Microelectronics. Her research primarily revolves around thin film dielectric and piezoelectric materials, and her research group works both to probe the fundamental mechanisms that control the magnitude of the achievable properties and to integrate new materials into devices.

“Susan’s exceptional leadership, academic excellence and tireless service make her truly deserving of this award,” said John Mauro, the interim John Leone Dean in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences. “We are so proud to see her recognized with this prestigious award.”

Trolier-McKinstry is an elected member of the National Academy of Engineering, a fellow of the American Ceramic Society, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the Materials Research Society. She is also an academician in the World Academy of Ceramics. She was the 2017 president of the Materials Research Society. Previously, Trolier-McKinstry was president of IEEE Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics and Frequency Control Society and the Keramos National Professional Ceramic Engineering Fraternity.

An honors student, Trolier-McKinstry earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in ceramic science and engineering and her doctorate in ceramic science, all from Penn State.

Distinguished Daughters of Pennsylvania was organized in 1949 to honor women who have given distinguished service through their careers to their communities, the commonwealth and the nation. Since its founding, a total of 566 extraordinary women of Pennsylvania have been recognized for their professional and volunteer accomplishments.