The National Academy of Engineering elects former 3M scientist, Sumita B. Mitra

Sumita B. Mitra, Ph.D., former 3M Health Care scientist, has been elected a member of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) for designing and engineering nanomaterials that have revolutionized dental care worldwide. Election to NAE is among the highest professional distinctions for engineers. Academy membership honors those who have made outstanding contributions and advancements in engineering research, education and innovation.

During her time at 3M, Sumita leveraged powerful 3M nanotechnology to engineer products that dentists around the world continue to utilize today. She co-invented the nanotechnology filler platform in 3M Oral Care for dental restoratives – work that ultimately enabled the 3M™ Filtek™ portfolio of dental restorative materials.

Her groundbreaking work was one of the first successes at 3M using nanomaterials. The tiny clusters of nanometer-sized particles mimic a tooth’s natural enamel and enable it to achieve a high level of initial and long-term tooth-like gloss and esthetics. Today, the 3M™ Filtek™ portfolio is a pillar of esthetic dental fillings and restorative work around the globe.

At present, Sumita is founder and partner of Mitra Chemical Consulting, LLC. Her enduring contributions to 3M Oral Care illustrate the power of a collaborative team of scientists working together, using 3M technologies, to create innovative solutions that help ensure better health for all.