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Meet the Professors!
Learn more about the professors that were interviewed in this project
Email: mcalab@umn.edu
Phone: +1 (612) 625-2551
Michelle Calabrese
Assistant Professor, Chemical Engineering & Materials
Professor Calabrese is an assistant professor in the department of chemical engineering and materials science. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in chemical and biomolecular engineering from University of Pennsylvania in 2012, then shortly obtained her doctorate degree from University of Delaware. She held the position of postdoctoral research at MIT for 2 years. She then came to the University of Minnesota Twin Cities to start her professor journey and continue her research studies in the characterization and design of novel soft materials. Professor Calabrese has been a part of many publications and received many honors, including the 3M Non-Tenured Faculty Award in 2021.
Shana Watters
Associate Teaching Professor, Department of Computer Science & Engineering
Professor Watters is an associate teaching professor in the department of computer science and engineering. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in computer science from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in 1995. She went into the industry working in a software development team and as a system analyst. After her time in the industry, she obtained her master’s degree in computer science and linguistics and doctorate degree in computer science from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities in 2006 and 2010, respectively, where she continued her professorship.
Email: rfrank01@umn.edu
Phone: +1 (612) 626-8978
Rhonda Franklin
Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Professor Franklin is a professor in the department of electrical and computer engineering. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Texas A&M University in 1988, followed by a master’s and doctorate degree in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan in 1990 and 1995. Her research focuses on the design of circuits, antennas, interconnects (2D and 3D), integrated packaging, and materials characterization (thin film and nanowires) for microwave and millimeter wave applications. Her work has received many awards and honors, including the 2017 John Tate Advising Award.
Paul Imbertson
Teaching Professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Professor Imbertson is a teaching professor in the department of electrical and computer engineering. He obtained his bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degree in electrical engineering from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities in 1983, 1994, and 1997. Before starting his professorship at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, he worked in the area of power electronics for avionics. At the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, he is heavily involved in the advancement of engineering education, renewable energy, and community empowerment. His focus on the community and student education has received many awards, including the 2013 Distinguished Global Professor.
Email: bxiong@umn.edu
Boya Xiong
Assistant Professor, Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geo-Engineering
Professor Xiong is an assistant professor in the department of civil, environmental, and geo-engineering. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in biotechnology and bioengineering from East China University of Science and Technology in 2011. She then received her master’s degree in agricultural and biological engineering from Pennsylvania State University in 2014. In 2018, she received her doctorate degree in environmental and civil engineering from Pennsylvania State University. Her research focuses on the interface of polymer science, environmental chemistry, and membrane material science.
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