Sharon Tracy is a highly accomplished materials scientist with over 25 years of experience in the field. She received her PhD in Materials Science & Engineering from Northwestern University in 1997 and her BS in Ceramic Engineering from the University of Illinois in 1989. After completing her education, Sharon began her career as a Principal Researcher at USG Corporation, where she conducted research and development on new construction materials. She then went on to serve as the Assistant Director at the American Dental Association, where she managed the organization's research projects and collaborations with other institutions. In 2003, Sharon joined Steelcase, a leading global provider of workplace solutions, as a Research Principal. During her time at Steelcase, she led numerous research projects on materials and their impact on workplace design and productivity. In 2020, Sharon founded Tracy Research & Consulting, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in applying materials science and engineering to industrial product and process development. As President, she provides expert consulting services to startups and product manufacturing companies. Throughout her career, Sharon has published numerous research papers and has been invited to speak at conferences and events around the world.