Theresa (Teri) Weston, Senior Research Fellow in Performance Building Solutions, DuPont Safety & Construction, has been named a DuPont Fellow, the highest technical professional level in the company. She joins an elite group of scientists and engineers with only 12 other active members globally.

 “Teri is a powerful example of how one innovator can transform an industry through leadership, scientific acumen and pure tenacity,” said Alexa Dembek, Senior Vice President, Chief Technology & Sustainability Officer (CTSO) at DuPont. “She recognized the environmental benefits and financial need for better weather sealing technology in the marketplace, and her sustained efforts have helped position DuPont™ Tyvek® as an undeniable market leader in the field.”

A promotion to DuPont Fellow recognizes the highest level of technical expertise in the company. Individuals undergo a rigorous selection process based on their technical and business leadership, with final approval by the CTSO. All DuPont Fellows have strong track records of exceptional contributions which have materially contributed to DuPont’s business success.

Transforming the Field of Weather Resistance

Teri Weston exemplifies the qualities of a DuPont Fellow in her role as a leader for building science and construction technology research for DuPont Safety & Construction. She has a track record of anticipating the need for new technology, developing strategies that address those needs and driving them into the marketplace. She also is an active author of numerous technical papers and holds four U.S. patents.

Recognizing the effects of moisture and weather intrusion could have on the integrity and energy efficiency of structures, Teri began a sustained effort to create new solutions for the Tyvek water/air barrier product platform. Her personal scientific contributions – combined with her active collaboration with the business team – formed the basis of the more than $300 million business in weather barriers with the introduction, in 1996, of DuPont Tyvek HomeWrap.

In 1998, her efforts led to the development of the industry’s first drainage wrap, creating a new water-resistant barrier category: DuPont Tyvek StuccoWrap. The drainage water-resistive barrier category was further expanded to include DuPont Tyvek DrainWrap and Tyvek CommercialWrap D. She contributed to the team that introduced one of the first DuPont flashing product with FlexWrap in 2001. The flashing portfolio and accessories have evolved to become critical components to DuPont’s weather barrier systems.

Teri earned her bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and both a master’s degree and Ph.D. in chemical engineering at the California Institute of Technology. She joined DuPont in 1985 at the Fibers Pioneering Research Laboratory (PRL) at the Experimental Station.

Teri also applies her leadership skills to professional organizations, where she actively participates in developing industry standards. Currently, Teri is a member of the executive committee of the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Committee on the Performance of Buildings and chairs the Sub-Committee on Air Leakage and Ventilation. Teri also has been highly active in American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), where she has chaired the Standard for Energy Efficient Design of New Low-Rise Residential Buildings (90.2) and numerous other technical committees. She has received numerous industry honors in recognition of her efforts, including the E. George Stern Award of Excellence from the ASTM Committee E06 Performance of Buildings this past April.

In addition to her industry leadership, Teri is an active mentor to the next generation of technical and building science leaders, both within DuPont and in the community.

“It’s a big honor to be recognized for my career and contributions to the industry, and a big responsibility in representing the technical community,” said Weston. “Along with the recognition, being a DuPont Fellow means being a mentor, and an opportunity to take on a larger role in mentoring others in the technical community.”