Distinguished Speakers at the College of Engineering

The College of Engineering sponsors distinguished speakers who share their perspectives on engineering innovation, research, leadership, ethics, and the role of technology in society. These events provide opportunities for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the broader community to engage with influential thinkers and explore ideas shaping the future.

Andrés J. Garcia

Executive Director of the Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Bioscience and Regents’ Professor, Georgia Institute of Technology

Topic: Bioengineered Hydrogels for Regenerative Medicine
Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Linda Abriola

Joan Wernig and E. Paul Sorensen Professor of Engineering, Brown University

Topic: Understanding "Forever Chemicals" in Soil and Groundwater
Date: Monday, September 8, 2025

L. Ruby Leung

Battelle Fellow at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory; Member, NAE

Topic: Modeling Climate Science and Earth Systems
Date: Monday, April 14, 2025

Don Millard

Deputy Assistant Director of the Engineering Directorate, National Science Foundation

Topic: Engineering Funding Opportunities
Date: Thursday, November 16, 2023

Tonya Peeples

Senior Associate Dean and Professor of Chemical Engineering, Penn State University

Topic: Building Engineering Networks for Inclusive Culture, Equity, and Retention (BE NICER)
Date: Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Michael Menzel

Mission Systems Engineer for the James Webb Space Telescope, Goddard Space Flight Center, NASA

Topic: Lessons Learned from the James Webb Space Telescope
Date: Thursday, November 10, 2022

Joseph Francisco

President's Distinguished Professor and Professor of Chemistry, University of Pennsylvania

Topic: Building a Robust Workforce in the U.S.
Date: Thursday, April 7, 2022

Rafael L. Bras

K. Harrison Brown Family Chair and Professor, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology

Topic: Deliberate Innovation, Lifetime Education: Thoughts on the Future of Higher Education
Date: Monday, September 13, 2021

Lilia Abron

CEO/President and Founder of PEER Consultants, P.C.

Topic: The Role of Environmental Engineering in Solving Global Challenges
Date: Thursday, March 11, 2021

Richard K. Miller

President Emeritus and Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Olin College of Engineering

Topic: Current Challenges Facing Engineering Education
Date: Thursday, November 12, 2020