Distinguished Scientist & Engineer Seminar Series
The Distinguished Scientist and Engineer Seminar Series, a collaboration between the College of Engineering and the College of Natural Sciences. During their time on campus, the invited visitors will give a research presentation of broad interest to the UMass community and lead a workshop to share their personal perspective on navigating an academic career.
Faculty from Engineering or CNS may nominate visitors.
Upcoming Lecture:
Dr. Idalis Villanueva Alarcón
University of Florida
Chair and Professor, Engineering Education Department
Technical Talk & Discussion - How Lifelong Engineers are Formed
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Student Union, Cape Cod Lounge
3:30pm - Meet & Greet, Reception (light refreshments served)
4:00 - 5:00 pm - Talk and Interactive Discussion
For faculty and graduate students
RSVP appreciated.
Lecture and Community Dinner -- Our Students are Multimodal Learners
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Student Union, Cape Cod Lounge
6:15 pm Dinner Buffet Opens
7:00 - 8:00 pm - Talk and Interactive Discussion
RSVP appreciated. Open to the public!
Speaker Bio:
Dr. Idalis Villanueva Alarcón is Chair and Professor in the Department of Engineering Education in the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering at the University of Florida. A White House Office of Science, Technology, & Policy presidential awardee (PECASE), she is a renowned national and international leader in engineering education research and practice with over 20 years of experience translating her research and honors into impactful practices that support and enhance the education and professional formation of engineers. She has earned numerous national and international awards and honours spanning professional organizations such as the National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineering (IEEE), and the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE).
Past Lectures:
Spring 2025
Dr. Tony Reames
Tishman Professor of Environmental Justice and Associate Professor
University of Michigan School for of Environment and Sustainability
"The Arc of Energy Justice: A Pursuit to Ensure Affordable, Reliable, and Clean Energy for All"
Fall 2024
Dr. Ivette Perfecto
Bunyan Bryant Collegiate Professor of Environmental Justice, University of Michigan
"Ecological Complexity in your Coffee Cup"
Spring 2024
Dr. Manu Platt
Director, Biomedical Engineering Technology Acceleration (BETA Center)
Associate Director, Scientific Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) Intramural Research Program
"Things Fall Apart"
2023
Rashaunda M. Henderson
Professor of Electrical Engineering, University of Texas at Dallas
“Millimeter Wave Integration and Packaging Strategies Using Antenna-in-Package"
2021
Ekundayo Shittu
Associate Professor, Dept. of Engineering Management & Systems Engineering, George Washington University
"Examining Equitable Accessibility in Sustainability Transitions: Utilities’ Solar Deployment and Low-Middle-Income Households"
2020
Erich Jarvis
Professor, The Rockefeller University
“Surviving and thriving as an under-represented minority scientist in a majority environment”