WARDA ASHRAF

Global warming contributes to humanitarian emergencies worldwide by increasing the intensity and frequency of extreme climatic events. To combat this ongoing issue, Warda Ashraf and her team of researchers are working to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Dr. Ashraf’s method lies in concrete, which produces high volumes of carbon dioxide and is one of the most used substances in the world (second only to water). Ashraf’s work examines potential pathways to drastically reduce carbon dioxide emission from concrete production and to store additional carbon dioxide in the concrete itself. She stays inspired to continue her studies because she knows that her research could bring significant benefits to our society, including faster construction, improved infrastructure, and sustainability.

What past accomplishment makes you most proud?

In the past few years, I received two highly competitive early-career awards – the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Young Faculty Award and the DARPA Director’s Award. These awards are given to early-career scientists to pursue high-risk, high-reward research that can result in breakthrough technologies for national security needs. These awards encouraged me to persist in my endeavor to make concrete more sustainable and durable.

What are you excited about right now?

I am about to start working on a few new exciting research projects. In one of these projects, which is funded through the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation program, we will 3D print artificial coral reefs with carbon sequestration technologies. This will help decelerate the impacts of natural coral reef loss that is occurring due to climate change.

What are you most looking forward to?

I am looking forward to what this year brings. In a broad sense, I am looking forward to the new scientific innovations that will make our most widely used building material the most sustainable one. I am also looking forward to contributing to the achievement of a net zero carbon society through different avenues of my work.