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, showcases the work of accomplished faculty from underrepresented groups. During their time on campus, the invited visitors will give a research presentation of broad interest to the STEM community at UMass 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
Thursday, February 26, 2026
4:00 - 5:00 PM
Location TBA
For faculty and graduate students
Community Dinner & Lecture / Interactive Discussion
Thursday, February 26, 2026
Cape Cod Lounge
Dinner buffet will open ~6:15 pm
Dessert and interactive discussion ~7 pm
More details forthcoming
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”