NETL researcher Christina Wildfire, an expert in microwave technology and leader of the Lab’s Center for Microwave Chemistry, has been selected for a Bayh-Dole Coalition 2025 American Innovator Award for her work developing and helping to commercialize a microwave-assisted method of converting waste plastics to useful products.

The award recognizes individuals whose achievements exemplify the personal commitment, sacrifice, risk and determination required to move a federally funded invention from the laboratory into the marketplace where it can benefit the public.

Wildfire began her research career at NETL by leading the way on a new frontier of reaction chemistry by harnessing the power of microwaves to create valuable chemicals from the nation’s abundant supplies of fossil resources. Among the several microwave applications she has worked on, Wildfire led the development of technology to convert waste plastics into value-added products such as hydrogen and carbon nanotubes while partnering with the startup company Cecilia Energy through a collaborative research and development agreement.

The partnership resulted in more than 70% hydrogen recovery from plastic wastes, which far surpassed traditional methods, and serves as a waste-to-energy source with low emissions. This technology supports the US goal of energy dominance by converting waste generated on sites like retail locations and hospitals with cost effective power.

The success of this American-led innovation has had a global impact, resulting in new intellectual property, leading to international patent applications in more than seven countries, including the United States, and has potential for long-term and far-reaching benefits. This innovative approach is also being researched to lower the cost of space missions, extend their duration, and support exploration efforts that could make the vision of long-term human settlement on other planets a reality. By securing intellectual property rights, Cecelia Energy attracted further federal investment, accelerating the maturation of its technology and facilitating its market entry.

This is not the first time Wildfire has been recognized for both her research achievements and commercialization efforts. She has initiated the execution of 17 technology transfer partnership agreements, was the driving force behind the development of new technology that led to two startups being formed, and helped lead the development of a “think piece” around technology transfer as part of her Oppenheimer Science & Energy Leadership Program Fellow appointment.

Wildfire also received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers — the highest honor the U.S. government can bestow to outstanding scientists in the early stages of their research careers. The Federal Laboratory Consortium also recently recognized her with a 2025 Outstanding Researcher Award. 

The Bayh-Dole Coalition is a group of innovation-oriented organizations and individuals committed to celebrating and protecting the Bayh-Dole Act, which is a U.S. law that allows universities, businesses and nonprofits to own inventions created through federally funded research.

NETL is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory dedicated to advancing the nation's energy future by creating innovative solutions that strengthen the security, affordability and reliability of energy systems and natural resources. With laboratories in Albany, Oregon; Morgantown, West Virginia; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, NETL creates advanced energy technologies that support DOE’s mission while fostering collaborations that will lead to a resilient and abundant energy future for the nation.