1. science
2. engineering

MISSION STATEMENT
Norfolk State University
Norfolk State University’s Mission is to provide an affordable, high-quality education for an
ethnically and culturally diverse student population, equipping them with the capability to
become productive citizens who continuously contribute to a global and rapidly changing
society.
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Summary of Accomplishments
During the eight years that Dr. Frances Williams has been at Norfolk State University (NSU),
she has made outstanding contributions in teaching, scholarship, and service and received
NSU’s top distinguished faculty award, the University Award of Excellence, in 2010. In January
2012, she received the national distinction as an “Emerging Scholar” by the Diverse Issues in
Higher Education magazine. Dr. Frances Williams is the Interim Director of the NSU Center for
Materials Research (CMR), which houses the Ph.D. (and M.S.) program in Materials Science
and Engineering, NSU’s only doctoral program in the Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics (STEM) fields. She also has extensive research experience and peer-reviewed
publications in the areas of acoustic microsensors, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)
devices and processes, and in-situ monitoring techniques of semiconductor manufacturing. She
was awarded a patent (#7,784,346) for a micromachined sensor for monitoring electrochemical
deposition in August 2010. This technology is important to the semiconductor/electronics
industry.
Further, Dr. Williams is the Founding Director of a 6,000 square foot
Class 100/1000 cleanroom, the Micro- and Nano-technology Center
(MiNaC). The MiNaC is a $6.5 M state-of-the-art user facility that is
unique and beneficial to NSU and the regional research communityat-large. In terms of grantsmanship, since 2004, Dr. Williams has
been awarded grants totaling more than $12 M as a PI or Co-PI.
She is also the Director of Diversity for the Center for Integrated
Access Networks (CIAN). This is a multi-university Engineering
Research Center led by the University of Arizona and funded by the National Science
Foundation. Moreover, Dr. Williams actively serves on and chairs many committees at the
Department, College and University levels and in professional organizations. In addition, Dr.
Williams volunteers in her community where she participates in various programs that promote
the STEM field to students from elementary to college age.
TEACHING
In alignment with Norfolk State University’s (NSU) mission, Dr. Williams is committed to
equipping the ethnically and culturally diverse student body at NSU to succeed in the work
place, to be lifelong learners, and to have a sense of societal and community responsibility. Dr.
Williams’ approach in challenging and educating
students of various academic backgrounds to succeed in
a difficult discipline includes establishing an environment
that is conducive to learning. Such an environment has
clear course objectives, provides an organized
presentation of course materials, encourages classroom
participation, and welcomes students’ questions during
and outside of the classroom. She has taught classes on
every level (19 different courses) during her eight years
at NSU and has consistently received high teaching
faculty evaluations.
As one student commented, “her ‘open door’ policy and patience has always been beneficial.”
Another stated, “She aims to promote a spirit of excellence in her students and the work they do
by presenting her lectures and classroom activities in a professional and well-organized way
and by holding her students to high, yet attainable, standards.”
In recognition of her commitment and dedication to her students, Dr. Williams has been honored
with several awards:
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Outstanding Engineering Educator of the Year (2006) by NSU’s Student Chapter of
the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
College of Science, Engineering, and Technology Advisor/Mentor of the Year
(2006)
Departmental (Engineering) Teaching Award (2009) in recognition of her effective
teaching skills, her promotion of academic excellence in her courses, and for practicing
methods to promote student learning and success
University Award of Excellence (2010), NSU’s highest faculty award
Dr. Williams’ approach to effective teaching not only uses conventional lectures, but enhances
the students’ learning experience by incorporating demonstrations and hands-on modules. This
laboratory “component” demonstrates hands-on, real life applications of the classroom theory.
In this approach, the familiar phrase, “I hear, I forget; I see, I remember; I do, I understand”
reinforces this “learning by doing” method. Dr.
Williams led and coordinated the efforts for the design
and completion of an 800 square foot
laboratory
facility, the Educational Microfabrication Cleanroom
(EMC). This facility is used to facilitate a hands-on
laboratory component for multiple engineering courses
in the fields of microelectronics and optoelectronics
devices and processing. It also complements and
provides for exposure and training of undergraduate
students that may conduct graduate research in the
larger cleanroom facility she also leads, the Micro- and
Nanotechnology
Center
(MiNaC)
Cleanroom
(discussed in a later section).
It is important to get students excited and involved in engineering their first year to keep them
interested and retained in the major; thus, Dr. Williams teaches the “Introduction to Engineering”
course so that it promotes student participation and discussion and includes activities such as
robotics design, engineering ethics case studies, and hands-on electronics and optics laboratory
assignments involving circuits and lasers. Further, to challenge students’ creativity and enhance
their critical thinking and reasoning skills, Dr. Williams also implements fun logic problems.
For the senior-elective classes on integrated circuit (IC) processing, Dr. Williams teaches
the students to apply the knowledge they have learned throughout their college years to
analyze an engineering problem, design and create (synthesize) a solution using their
acquired knowledge, and optimize and justify their solution (evaluation) in the creation of
a micro- or opto-electronic device. In this course, she first presents the course in context of
the other courses they have already taken as well as on how it relates to real life products
and/or applications. The students are tasked with a design project where they work on teams to
develop and fabricate a microelectronics or optoelectronics device for a given application. To
facilitate real-life relevance and association with what she was teaching, during one semester,
Dr. Williams arranged for students to visit a research lab at NASA Langley Research Center in
Hampton, VA. There they saw first-hand an industrial setting where micro-devices were being
developed for specific needs.
DISCOVERY
Dr. Williams’ research entails the fabrication of microelectronics devices using integrated circuit
(IC) processing and micromachining techniques. These techniques enable the fabrication of
low-cost, high-performance microstructures with precise geometries. The combination of IC
processing and micromachining leads to the development of novel devices, such as
microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) structures. Dr. Williams’ current research involves
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the design, development, and fabrication of novel MEMS sensors for three applications:
monitoring and assessing (bio)chemical agents, environmental sensing, and monitoring
semiconductor manufacturing processes. Her research has applications for Homeland Security,
the Department of Defense and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
In August 2010, Dr. Williams was granted a patent (Patent #7,784,346) for her work on a
micromachined acoustic sensor for monitoring electrochemical deposition. Further, she
published her research results in various peer-reviewed journals such as the Journal of
Intelligent Material Systems and Structures, Journal of Materials Research, IEEE Transactions
on Electronics Packaging Manufacturing, IEEE Transactions on Semiconductor Manufacturing,
Journal of Applied Physics, Applied Physics Letters, Composite Interfaces, and Semiconductor
Science and Technology. Dr. Williams’ research has also been published in ten conference
proceedings. Dr. Williams has presented her research at numerous venues, including
conferences and research symposia and seminars as far away as South Korea.
Dr. Williams leads the Microsystems Research Group (MRG), which is currently comprised of
six electronics engineering and materials science graduate students conducting research on
sensor development, heterogeneous integration of sensor arrays, and advanced materials for
microactuators. She strongly encourages undergraduate involvement in her research since this
is a factor that positively affects students’ pursuit of graduate degrees. During the summers of
2011 and 2012, she also hosted high school research students.
Since 2004, of the students involved in research in the
MRG:
• 13 student researchers have been females (62%)
• 10 have been undergraduate students (48%)
• 2 have been high school students
The graduates from the MRG are now in engineering
M.S./Ph.D. programs, working at Naval Sea Systems
Command (NAVSEA), Gateway Ventures, Inc., and Norfolk
Southern Corporation. Dr. Williams includes students as
co-authors on all of the papers she publishes and sees it
as an honor to mentor students on research projects. Dr.
Williams was the thesis advisor to the first graduate of the Electronics Engineering (EEN) M.S.
Program at NSU, Ebony Lanier, who completed her thesis in December 2006 on “Optimal
Design of MEMS Sensors for Bio/Chemical Sensing Applications.” Ebony has now returned to
NSU to pursue her Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering working in the MRG once again.
Dr. Williams led the efforts in the establishment of a crucial research facility on NSU’s campus.
The Micro- and Nano-technology Center (MiNaC) is a 6,000 square foot cleanroom facility
located in the Marie V. McDemmond Center for Applied Research (MVMCAR). This $6.5 million
facility enables the production of microelectronics and optoelectronics devices on the micro- and
nano-scale. It provides unique processing capabilities not only for NSU researchers, but also
for researchers around the region. This premiere facility enables faculty and student
researchers to have access to state-of-the-art equipment, facilitating novel research and opened
in March 2012. Dr. Williams serves as the Director for MiNaC. In this capacity, she not only
manages the utilization and operation of this facility but also was responsible for leading the
efforts in establishing it. Those tasks included working with the cleanroom designer and
contractors, working with the NSU procurement office, securing quotes for numerous pieces of
equipment and lab supplies, as well as facilitating regular meetings with cleanroom users, NSU
staff, and contractors.
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Dr. Williams has been the Principal Investigator or Co-Principal Investigator on grants totaling
$12.6 million. The agencies that she has received funding from includes: the National Science
Foundation (NSF), the Department of Defense, the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and
Education, and the United Negro College Fund Special Programs Corporation/Department of
Defense Research and Technical Assistance Program. Dr. Williams has received various
recognitions and awards for her scholarly activities from the NSU College of Science,
Engineering, and Technology (CSET) and her Department including:
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NSU Board of Visitors Resolution for Scholarship (2012)
Department of Engineering Research Mentor Award (2011)
CSET Outstanding Grantsmanship Award (2008)
CSET Outstanding Research Mentoring Award (2007)
During the summers of 2004 and 2005, she was a Summer Institute for Engineering and
Computer Applications (SIECA) Faculty Fellow at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center,
Greenbelt, MD, where she conducted research on the development of acoustic microsensors for
neutral wind and temperature measurements in the lower thermosphere. During the summer of
2009, she was awarded a Laboratory Experiences for Faculty (LEF) award through the National
Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (NNIN) to perform research on bio-chemical sensors
and use the cleanroom at Georgia Institute of Technology (while the cleanroom at NSU was
being finished).
KNOWLEDGE INTEGRATION
Dr. Williams’ research is interdisciplinary in nature as she is developing microelectromechanical
systems (MEMS) sensors for bio/chemical sensing applications. In her research, she works
with faculty members from materials science, biology, and chemistry as well as electrical,
optical, and mechanical engineering. Since joining NSU in 2004, Dr. Williams has worked to
establish a research and teaching program that educates and trains students in the areas of
microelectronics, microsensors, and microfabrication technologies. She has incorporated these
topics in the courses that she teaches and exposes undergraduates to these emerging fields as
their research mentor. During the summer and academic year, Dr. Williams is a research
mentor for the various CSET undergraduate research experience programs. She feels this is
very important, as undergraduate research experiences are one method used in motivating
students to pursue advanced degrees and research careers in science and engineering. Thus,
her ultimate goal is to increase the pipeline of students, especially students at a
university that serves predominately underrepresented groups, in the semiconductor
devices and engineering fields through the integration of research and educational
activities.
Dr. Williams has been involved with the enhancement of the current engineering curriculum at
NSU by establishing new courses with a focus on microfabrication techniques and
microelectronics. She developed a new course, EEN 462/562 “Semiconductor Processing
Technology,” and it was approved by the University Curriculum Committee in the summer of
2006. She taught it for the first time in fall 2006 to senior- and graduate-level students and
continues to teach it each fall semester. She developed and coordinated the completion of
a laboratory facility, the educational microfabrication cleanroom (EMC), which is used to
facilitate a hands-on laboratory component for this class and has been very beneficial to student
instruction in this course as well as for senior design projects.
In 2007, Dr. Williams developed a new class for the undergraduate engineering curricula, EEN
463, “Semiconductor Theory and Devices.” It was approved by the University Curriculum
Committee (UCC) in the Spring 2007 and she taught it for the first time in Spring 2008. In
Spring 2009, Dr. Williams taught EEN 650, Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS), an upper
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level graduate course. This was the first time this course was offered at NSU. In this course,
which is directly related to her research, Dr. Williams is able to expose students to the
applications, fundamentals, and processing of MEMS sensors and actuators.
Dr. Williams also facilitated the efforts for the approval of the new Bioengineering Minor in the
Department of Engineering in Spring 2009. Bioengineering is an emerging field that uses
engineering concepts to develop solutions in biology and the medical field. It involves the
application of engineering and technology to living systems. There is a strong national trend of
students pursuing this field and thus, it was critical that NSU responded to the demand to offer a
competitive program for current and potential engineering students. Further, other science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors have shown interest in pursuing this
minor.
In addition to the research designated cleanroom (MiNaC), Dr. Williams spearheaded the
establishment of an educational cleanroom, the EMC, mentioned above. The EMC opened in
fall 2009 and accommodates instruction and training of NSU students in the fields of
microelectronic and optoelectronics and aids in student instruction, hopefully piquing their
interest as potential fields for careers and/or advanced study. This laboratory enables students
to develop and process actual microelectronics and optoelectronics devices in the course, using
the same processes and technologies that they would use for processing devices in related
research.
SERVICE
Dr. Frances Williams is actively involved in the engineering profession and the broader
community. She is a not only a member of five professional and honorary societies, but she
also volunteers her time and skills to the engineering profession. Dr. Williams has been a
reviewer for books, research journals, and conference papers/abstracts including the following:
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) International Mechanical Engineering
Congress and Exposition 2011 and 2012, CMOS Analog Circuit Design, 2nd Edition, by Phillip
Allen and Douglas Holberg, Oxford University Press (2009); Biomacromolecules Journal (2008);
Frontiers in Education 2008 Conference; and the 2007 and 2008 American Society for
Engineering Education (ASEE) conventions (K-12 Division).
She has also been a reviewer for grant proposals submitted to the American Association for the
Advancement of Science (AAAS) Women International Research Collaborations (WIRC)
solicitation and the National Science Foundation (NSF) including: Graduate Research
Fellowship Program (GRFP) (2011); Engineering Research Center (ERC) Site Visit Team
(2010, 2011); Course, Curriculum, and Laboratory Improvement (CCLI) Program Proposals
(2009); Major Research Instrumentation—Recovery and Reinvestment (MRI-R2) Proposals
(2009); Division of Electrical, Communications and Cyber Systems (ECCS) Unsolicited
Proposals (2006); and Scholarships in Science, Engineering, Technology, and Mathematics (SSTEM) Program Proposals (2006). She also was a reviewer for the Office of Naval Research
Historically Black Engineering Colleges Future Engineering Faculty Fellowship candidate
applications (2004).
Dr. Williams is also active with the planning of various tracks/sessions at conferences. She has
been the session organizer/co-organizer for the Nano- and Micro-Materials, Devices and
Systems Track, Applied Mechanics and Materials Technical Session for the 2012, 2011 and
2008 ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition. She was on the
program committee for the Nano, Bio-, and Info-Tech Sensors and Systems Conference of the
SPIE Smart Structures and Materials and Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring 16th
Annual International Symposium in March 2009 and session chair for the Nano, Bio-, and InfoTech Sensors and Systems Conference of the SPIE Smart Structures and Materials and
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Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring 19th Annual International Symposium in March
2012.
Dr. Williams has also served as a judge for various competitions including: FIRST Robotics
First Tech Challenge (FTC) Eastern Virginia Qualifying Tournament, Norfolk, VA (2012), the Old
Dominion University/Norfolk State University/Eastern Virginia Medical School Research Expo,
Norfolk, VA, (2007 and 2008); the Washington-Baltimore-Hampton Roads Louis Stokes Alliance
for Minority Participation (WBHR-LSAMP) Oral Research Presentation Competition, Norfolk,
VA, (2006); and the Optical Society of America NSU Student Chapter Student Research Poster
Competition, (2004).
Dr. Williams is actively involved on Norfolk State University’s campus (on the university, college,
and departmental levels). On campus, she serves on or chairs various committees and advises
student organizations. Moreover, as chair of the curriculum and (ABET) accreditation
committees, she was a member of the teams that developed and implemented vital
departmental policies and processes as well as documents necessary to successfully obtain
accreditation from ABET for both the Electronics and Optical Engineering Programs at NSU in
Fall 2008 for the first time. Dr. Williams has been recognized by her College and Department
for her service to the University. Notably, in 2006, she received the Department of
Engineering Service Award and the College of Science, Engineering, and Technology
Advisor/Mentor of the Year Award.
Dr. Williams volunteers in her community where she participates in various programs that
promote the STEM field to students from elementary to college age. She is very
passionate about exposing minority students, especially females, to these areas where they are
usually underrepresented. She is the founder of the CIAN Engineering and Science
Ambassadors (CESA) outreach program at Ingleside Elementary School, a minority-serving
school approximately three miles from NSU. The program provides fun, engaging engineering
and science activities for students in grades 3-5. At NSU, Dr. Williams was a member of the
planning and host committee for the Junior Engineering Technical Society (JETS) TEAMS
Competition for area high schools in 2007 and 2008. The TEAMS Competition is a national
competition administered at various venues across the nation. Dr. Williams also participates in
the CSET Saturday Scientist Program to introduce high school students to the engineering field
and its applications in everyday life through hands-on projects.
Furthermore, Dr. Williams enjoys sharing her experiences as an engineer and faculty member
with students in hopes of attracting them to the STEM field and has spoken at various venues
including: the South African PhD Project, Cape Town, SA (2012); the NSU and Girl Scouts
of the Colonial Coast “Science Alive Day” 2011; the National Society of Black Engineers
Region II Fall Regional Conference, Norfolk, VA, (2008); Churchland Primary and
Intermediate School, Portsmouth, VA (2007 and 2008); Camelot Elementary School,
Chesapeake, VA (2008); the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program
National Symposium, Greensboro, NC (2006 and 2007); and the Office of Naval
Research/Historically Black Engineering Colleges Future Engineering Faculty Fellowship
Program Symposium, Greensboro, NC (2005).
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Personal Statement
Even as a youth, I knew I wanted to be a teacher “when I grew up.” However, it was in the
years and through the experiences as an undergraduate at North Carolina Agricultural and
Technical (A&T) State University, a historically black college and university (HBCU), that I
realized my desire to become an educator on the college level, educating students in the field of
electrical engineering at an HBCU. Though I had many great teachers and mentors at A&T, I
saw first-hand the shortage of minority engineering faculty. Further, it was not until I interned at
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center as an undergraduate that I even saw a female African
American engineer. This engineer was excelling at NASA while pursuing her Ph.D. in
Mechanical Engineering with the aspiration of becoming an astronaut. Meeting her and hearing
her speak encouraged me to believe that I could compete and succeed in a male dominated
field. Thus, I was inspired to pursue and earn a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering
from the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) and join the faculty at Norfolk State
University (NSU). In this capacity, I am able to serve as a role model and inspiration for a
diverse student body with the hopes of increasing the pipeline of underrepresented minorities,
especially women, in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
At Georgia Tech, I was advised and mentored by one of the biggest champions for diversity in
the STEM field. My research mentor, an internationally known researcher, showed me that of
equal importance to teaching well and conducting cutting-edge research was to mentor the next
generation of engineers to come behind you and do the same. At Georgia Tech, I was involved
in two programs for pre-college students, the PRe-College Engineering Program (PREP) and
the Minority Introduction to Technology and Engineering (MITE) Program. In these programs I
introduced potential Georgia Tech students to engineering concepts and its applications in
everyday life. In this capacity, I exposed youth to the engineering field through presentations
and fun hands-on projects with the intention of sparking their interest in engineering as a
possible major. I loved seeing the students get involved and be inquisitive and amazed about
what engineering is. It was also rewarding to have some of these same students approach me
a few years later on campus as current engineering students and tell me how they enjoyed their
summer experience in the program and how it influenced them to pursue engineering at
Georgia Tech. Such experiences shaped me in my desire to return to an HBCU to fulfill my
responsibility of bringing back to my community what it has so richly given me—the opportunity
to learn, hope, dream, and to be.
Teaching students of various academic backgrounds, I get a thrill out of seeing all of the “light
bulbs” of understanding turn on in my class. For it is in the classroom that I am transferring the
knowledge needed for our next generation to address new challenges including global warming,
energy demands, national security, and new cures for diseases. Thus, I strive to make complex
theories and concepts understandable for all. I try to accommodate different learning styles by
including additional teaching tools such as visual aids, hands-on activities, group discussions,
and videos. Moreover, I try to introduce new concepts in terms of real-world applications and
the “bigger picture” to keep students engaged and interested. When I see that the “light bulbs”
are not coming on as often in class, I incorporate study and review sessions. Further, I feel that
it is important to show your students that you genuinely care about them and have a personal
interest in their success. I learn their names very early in the semester and will stop and talk to
them in the halls about anything from what they did that weekend to finding out if we share a
love for the same professional football team. I also let them know that I notice when they are
not in class, even pulling them aside after class to inquire about their well-being if I notice
consistent absences or other negative patterns.
My students get the opportunity to experience one thing that I never experienced, the
opportunity to be taught by and see an African American female engineering professor in the
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classroom. Because of the shortage of minority faculty, I recognize my role as a professor is
not only being a good teacher, but also a good advisor and mentor. Though there are a large
number of non-traditional students at NSU, I find it a privilege to teach our students and
encourage them to push past outside obstacles and challenges. In coming across students who
are trying to balance various responsibilities (work, parenthood, etc.) in addition to the course
load, I serve as a listening ear since as I tell students “life does not stop because you are in
school.” Thus, I am able to reflect and share my own journey and path to enduring and striving
to become the best engineer. I not only teach students to acquire knowledge, but I motivate
them to continually reach for higher heights. I realize that success starts with the confidence to
know that you are able to achieve a goal. Thus, as an educator, I juggle the teacher and mentor
hats often.
Further, as a researcher developing microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors for
applications that benefit mankind, including for homeland security and medical diagnostics, I
push the students in my research group to think critically to develop sound research. One of my
research students commented, “because of Dr. Williams I was able to see that indeed nothing is
impossible and that I have the power to acquire and use my knowledge despite how hard the
problem may seem. There were times during my research when I felt that the solution was
impossible to achieve but each time, Dr. Williams challenged and encouraged me to find the
solution.”
I realize that the research laboratory is another venue for academic training and so it is
important to involve undergraduate students in the research projects in addition to the graduate
student researchers. I was exposed to my research field as an undergraduate student. I was a
student assistant in a microfabrication laboratory that was run by the professor that eventually
became my master’s thesis advisor at A&T. As an undergraduate, seeing the application of
what I was learning in class piqued my interest early and was one of the most influential
experiences in terms of shaping who I am as a researcher today. Thus, I am committed to
providing valuable research experiences for student researchers (undergraduate/graduate) and
was even able to send one of my graduate students to South Korea to conduct research in a
premiere laboratory of one of my collaborators. In summer 2009, while awaiting the completion
of NSU’s cleanroom facility, I was able to return to GA Tech to use their cleanroom to fabricate
acoustic bio-chemical sensors. It was a great experience because I was able to take one of my
graduate students with me to work on this research. After her 10 weeks there, one of my
greatest rewards was seeing her transform from a student who was intimidated by the
robustness of the cleanroom to a confident, knowledgeable cleanroom user, who plans to
pursue her Ph.D. in engineering and continue in the MEMS field.
Ultimately, I desire to play a role in NSU being a top producer of well-prepared minority
engineering students, equipped to succeed in the globally-competitive and ever-changing
engineering field—in alignment with NSU’s mission statement. Moreover, I would like for these
students to be exposed to emerging fields, such as the MEMS field, through the curriculum as
well as involvement in a top-notch research entity pertaining to MEMS processing and devices
on campus. In summary, my passion for my profession stems from my desire to plant, nurture
and cultivate seeds of knowledge. As a teacher, I am allowed to prepare my students to
compete and succeed in the field of engineering. Furthermore, as a researcher, I have the
opportunity to encourage young investigators to think outside of the box and develop the
technologies of the future. As a mentor, I have the opportunity to motivate and inspire the next
generation to be the best they can be. Most importantly, I am able to water and nurture seeds
of intellect, ideas, and dreams so that they will develop into beautifully grown trees of
knowledge.
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Abbreviated Curriculum Vitae (FRANCES R. WILLIAMS, Ph.D.)
EDUCATION:
Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, 2003
M.S. in Electrical Engineering, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, 1996
B.S. in Electrical Engineering, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, 1994
APPOINTMENTS
2012-present
2009-present
Interim Director, NSU Center for Materials Research
Director of Diversity, NSF Engineering Research Center for Integrated
Access Networks (CIAN) (led by University of Arizona)
Associate Professor, Dept. of Engineering, Norfolk State University
Assistant Professor, Dept. of Engineering, Norfolk State University
2009-present
2004-2009
PATENTS
F. Williams and G. May, “A Micromachined Acoustic Sensor for Monitoring Electrochemical
Deposition,” Patent #7,784,346. Granted August 2010.
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS
1. S. Albin, F. Williams, X. Zhou and W. Xiao, “Selective Growth of Nanodiamond Films in
Microwave Plasma,” Composite Interfaces, DOI:10.1080/15685543.2012.698961 (2012).
2. Archana Komirisetty, Frances Williams, Aswini Pradhan, Rajini Babu Konda, Hareesh
Dondapati, and Diptirani Samantaray, “Design of Nanostructured-based Glucose Biosensors,”
Proceedings of SPIE, Vol. 8344, 83440C (2012).
3. Dudley R. Ridley, Frances R. Williams, Kyo D. Song, S. R. Yun, K. S. Kang, and Jaehwan
Kim, “Effect of Electrode Pattern on the Actuator Performance of Cellulose Electro-Active
Paper,” Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures, 21 (4) (March 2010): 401-406.
4. Hargsoon Yoon, Frances Williams, Kyo Song, Sang Yang, Jae Hwan Kim, Kunsik Lee, and
Sang Choi, “Rectennas Performance Based on Substrates for Bio-medical Applications,”
Proceedings of SPIE, Vol. 7646, 76460U (2010).
5. Aswini Pradhan, Ozgul Yasar, Rajini Konda, Rajeh Mundle, Messaoud Bahoura, Frances
Williams, Kyo Song, D. R. Sahu, “Growth and Properties of PZT Based Perovskite Multilayers
for Sensor Applications,” Proceedings of SPIE, Vol. 7646, 76460F (2010).
6. R. Mundle, R. Konda, O. Yasar, F. Williams, M. Bahoura, and A. Pradhan, “Magnetic Tunnel
Junctions using LSMO Ferromagnetic Electrodes and PZT Piezoelectric Barrier,” Journal of
Materials Research, 24 (10) (October 2009): 2065-3072.
7. F. Williams, M. George, O. Yasar, D. Geddis, and Z. Hao, “Bio/chemical Sensors
Heterogeneously Integrated with Si-CMOS Circuitry,” (Invited Paper),” Proceedings of SPIE,
Vol. 7291, 72910N (2009).
8. M. Bahoura, A. Lee, R. Mundle, R. B. Konda, G. Kogo, O. Bamiduro, O. Yasar, W. Moore, K.
Zhang, F. Williams, and A. K. Pradhan, “Ultraviolet Radiation Sensing in Composite Oxide
Semiconductor Films,” Applied Physics Letters, 93, (2008) 222112.
9. Yang Xu, Shiv Krishna Durgam, Zhili Hao, and Frances Williams, “A Numerical and
Experimental Investigation of Energy Loss Mechanisms in Tuning- Fork Gyroscopes,”
Proceedings of the 2008 ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and
Exposition, Boston, MA, November 2008.
10. Frances Williams and Gary May, “Acoustic Monitoring of Electrochemical Deposition,”
IEEE Transactions on Electronics Packaging Manufacturing, 27 (3) (July 2004): 198-209.
Current Grants (Total Funding: $12.6M since 2004)
• Project Title: “Center of Excellence in Advanced Nanomaterials and Devices (CEAND),”
Sponsoring agency: Department of Defense. Performance period and total budget: June
2011-May 2016, $4,716,285 (Co-PI).
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• Project Title: “Two + Three Community College to University Programs Scholars Project,”
Sponsoring agency: National Science Foundation. Performance period and total budget:
February 2011-January 2015, $600,000 (Co-PI).
• Project Title: “Acquisition of an Electron-Beam Lithography System for Advanced
Engineering Applications and Education,” Sponsoring agency:
National Science
Foundation. Performance period and total budget: October 2010-September 2012,
$585,000 (Co-PI).
• Project Title: “NSF CREST Center for Nano & Bio-Inspired Materials and Devices
(CNBMD),” Sponsoring agency: National Science Foundation. Performance period and
total budget: October 2010-September 2015, $5,000,000 (Co-PI and Thrust III Leader).
• Project Title: “Center for Integrated Access Networks (CIAN) Engineering Research Center
(ERC),” Sponsoring agency: National Science Foundation/University of Arizona. Performance
period and total budget: September 2008-August 2013, $400,000 (NSU PI and Center
Diversity Director); Total Center Award: $18,500,000).
SELECT AWARDS/HONORS:
National Science Foundation Graduate Fellow (1994-1997); Tau Beta Pi International
Engineering Honor Society (inducted 1992); Eta Kappa Nu Electrical Engineering Honor Society
(inducted 1992); IEEE Transactions on Semiconductor Manufacturing Best Paper Award (1998);
NSU CSET Advisor/Mentor of the Year (2005-2006); NSU Department of Engineering Service
Award (2006); IEEE Educator of the Year, NSU Chapter (2006); NSU Department of
Engineering Teaching Award (2009); NSU Distinguished Faculty University Award of Excellence
(2010), NSU Department of Engineering Research Mentor Award (2011), OWHE of the
American Council on Education, VA Network Senior Leadership Seminar Graduate (20112012), Diverse Issues in Higher Education Magazine “Emerging Scholar” 2012
SYNERGISTIC ACTIVITIES:
College of Science, Engineering, and Technology Virtual Mentoring Committee (Chair) (20042006), Curriculum Committee (2006-present); Department of Engineering Undergraduate
Program Committee (Chair) (currently); Accreditation Committee (currently); University
Curriculum Committee (2006-present); Faculty Senator (2006-2008)
Journal and conference paper/abstract reviewer: ASME International Mechanical Engineering
Congress and Exposition 2011&2012 ; Biomacromolecules Journal, 2008; Frontiers in
Education 2008 Conference; American Society for Engineering Education 2008 convention (K12 Division). Book reviewer: CMOS Analog Circuit Design, 2nd Edition, by Phillip Allen and
Douglas Holberg, Oxford University Press, 2009.
Panel/Proposal reviewer: NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) panelist
(February 2011); NSF Engineering Research Center (ERC) Site Visit Team (May 2011 and May
2010); NSF Major Research Instrumentation-- Recovery and Reinvestment (MRI-R2) Program
Proposals (October 2009); NSF Course, Curriculum, and Laboratory Improvement (CCLI)
Program Proposals (July 2009); NSF Division of Electrical, Communications and Cyber
Systems (ECCS) Unsolicited proposals (June 2006); NSF S-STEM Program Proposals (June
2006).
GRADUATE THESIS STUDENTS
Ebony Lanier (M.S., Elect. Eng., 2006; PhD MSE, exp: 2015), Ozgul Yasar, co-advisor (M.S., MSE,
2009), Moriba George (M.S., Elect. Eng., 2011), Chineyere Wills (M.S., Elect. Eng., 2011), Doyle
Baker (M.S., MSE, exp: 2013), April Falconer (M.S., MSE, exp: 2014), Archana Komirisetty (M.S.,
MSE, exp: 2012), Dudley Ridley (M.S., Elect. Eng., exp: 2012), Seth Rylander (M.S./Ph.D., MSE,
exp.: 2015)
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EXCERPTS
Dr. Frances Williams is a distinguished engineering faculty member whose commitment to
excellence has been priceless to our campus. She has been an instrumental team member on
various projects that have been “firsts” for the university, including the accreditation of the
engineering programs and the establishment of the Micro- and Nano-technology Center
(MiNaC), NSU’s state-of-the-art cleanroom facility.
Her tireless efforts in leading the
establishment of the MiNaC have resulted in one of the University’s premiere research facilities.
In the past two years alone, Dr. Williams’ research team has brought in over $11 million in
research funds to the university. Her extraordinary efforts in these capacities have won her
high praise from all—her administrators, colleagues, and students—and resulted in her being
bestowed Norfolk State University’s most prestigious faculty award, the University Award of
Excellence in 2010. Dr. Williams has made an indelible impact not only on NSU’s campus, but
in her community and profession. Tony Atwater, President, Norfolk State University
Dr. Williams is an exceptional faculty member and has made outstanding contributions in
teaching, scholarship, and service since coming to Norfolk State University (NSU) in 2004. Dr.
Williams has consistently earned top ratings on student evaluations. In addition, Dr. Williams
has maintained an impressive scholarship record in acoustic microsensors and
microelectromechanical systems since her appointment in the Engineering Department. In
2010, she was granted a patent for her research in those areas and is steadily building these
areas at NSU through curriculum and research infrastructure enhancements.
Most
impressively, Dr. Williams serves as the Director for NSU’s $6.5 M cleanroom facility, the Microand Nano-technology Center. This is a world class facility that is unique and beneficial to NSU
and the regional research community-at-large. Additionally, she spearheaded the development
of the educational microfabrication cleanroom that is used as an instructional cleanroom,
enabling the integration of research and education. In terms of grantsmanship, Dr. Williams has
been awarded grants totaling more than $12 M since 2004. Like her work in the teaching and
scholarship categories, Dr. Williams excels in service. She has actively been involved and a
leader in many initiatives on campus including the CSET e-mentoring program (chair), the
faculty senate, the University curriculum committee, and she was a convener for NSU’s Quality
Enhancement Plan Living and Learning Community of Inquiry. Dr. Williams is a scholar and
leader with a bright future ahead of her. Sandra J. DeLoatch, Provost and Vice President for
Academic Affairs, Norfolk State University
Since joining NSU, Dr. Williams has proven to be an outstanding faculty advisor and mentor,
researcher, and teacher. One of her most impressive feats at NSU is establishing research
infrastructure and curricula enhancements in the areas of semiconductor processing and
devices by: Developing new courses with a focus on microelectronics devices and processing
and establishing new laboratory facilities to support teaching and research in these areas.
Further, Dr. Williams is the Director of the Micro- and Nano-technology Center (MiNaC), a
cleanroom facility that provides unique processing capabilities for NSU researchers. She has
been an instrumental member of both the College of Science, Engineering and Technology
(CSET) and University-level curriculum committees and has facilitated curricula changes and
the addition of new engineering courses and a Bioengineering minor at NSU. She participates
in many outreach activities developed by CSET including Saturday Scientists and Science Alive
Day. She has been involved in CSET mentoring initiatives including spearheading the virtual
mentoring pilot program. Further, she has mentored and hosted many undergraduate research
students in her research lab through the College’s undergraduate research program. CSET
recognized Dr. Williams as “Advisor/Mentor of the Year” in 2006 for her tireless efforts in
mentoring NSU students. She has also been recognized by CSET for her research efforts with
the Outstanding Grantsmanship Award and the Outstanding Research Mentoring Award. Larry
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Mattix, Interim Dean, College of Science, Engineering, and Technology (CSET), Norfolk
State University
Dr. Williams has developed several courses both graduate and undergraduate such as
“Semiconductor Processing Technology” and “Semiconductor Theory and Devices.” She has
established an educational cleanroom that provides hands-on semiconductor processing
experience for the students in her courses. Her courses are eagerly sought after by students
each semester. Student evaluations and faculty evaluations have consistently placed Dr.
Williams as one of the top faculty in teaching. Hence it is not a surprise that the NSU Student
Chapter of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) recognized her as
Educator of the Year in 2006 and the Engineering Department recognized her with the
Departmental Teaching Award in May 2009. A particular point to emphasize is Dr. Williams’
dedication in advising students. Beginning with freshmen, she follows through with our
undergraduates until they graduate. She spends a significant amount of time with the students
as I see them line up at her office. These students get timely help and advice from her in
performing well in not only engineering courses, but also in all STEM courses. Her sincere
efforts help our students to graduate on time with good grades. Dr. Williams is a tremendous
asset to Norfolk State University’s commitment to engineering education. Sacharia Albin, Chair
and Professor, Department of Engineering, Norfolk State University
Dr. Williams impresses me immensely as both a researcher and former student. She has
distinguished herself as an extremely creative, thorough, and capable researcher. At NSU, Dr.
Williams is developing a strong national reputation in her field, as she has published her
research results in reputable research journals and conference proceedings as well as
presented her findings at various conferences. Dr. Williams’ efforts on the development of
sensors for semiconductor manufacturing required a diverse range of talents, ranging from the
application of statistical process control to familiarity with semiconductor fabrication techniques.
She and I are collaborators and have been awarded a patent on this work. Gary May, Dean,
College of Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology
I first met Dr. Williams when I visited NSU in December 2006. Since her research area is
important to our center, I invited her to visit our research center at Inha University (South
Korea). While she was here she consulted with us on microfabrication techniques. We are
developing flexible electronic devices on cellulose electro-active paper. Her seminar and
consulting helped students in their research as well as career development. We have worked
together to investigate the electrode pattern effect on the cellulose electro-active paper actuator
performance. One of her students visited our center for collaborative research on this topic.
Jaewhan Kim, Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Director of the Creative
Research Center for EAPap Actuators, Inha University, Incheon, South Korea
Dr. Williams serves as my current research adviser and professor here in the Center for
Materials Research (CMR) at Norfolk State University. She has been an inspiring role model for
me because Dr. Williams is one of the few African-American women PhD holders in the STEM
fields I have ever met and worked with on a regular basis. This is important to me and other
students to see someone of Dr. Williams caliber be successful here at Norfolk State University
through her various commitment and dedication to research, teaching, STEM outreach activities
to young minorities and women, and community service. It has made me realize that I too still
can reach my goals of obtaining my PhD in engineering despite the several personal setbacks I
have experienced that have times tempted to dissuade my pursuit of a PhD. Dr. Williams has
been a constant motivator and mentor for all kinds of students to continue to persevere in their
graduate program. Seth Rylander, Current Ph.D. Student in Materials Science and
Engineering, Norfolk State University
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Dr. Williams’ commitment to educating the next generation of engineers extends beyond the
scope of the classroom. She has contributed invaluable service as co-advisor of the National
Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and the Science and Technology Academicians on the
Road to Success (STARS) Program by providing research, internship, and mentoring
opportunities for students. Both students and colleagues revere her as a one of a kind
educator, researcher, motivator, and advisor. In all of these roles, she exemplifies compassion
for others while showing outstanding leadership, diligence, and dedication to everyone she
encounters. Zenora Spellman, Science and Technology Academicians on the Road to
Success (STARS) Program Coordinator and NSBE co-advisor, Norfolk State University
Dr. Williams has influenced me to take part in professional organizations such as the Institute of
Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and the National Society of Black Engineers
(NSBE) with the aim of networking and having a global impact. Overall, Dr. Williams is a
phenomenal and successful professor, advisor, and more importantly, mentor. As a female
engineer, she has influenced and empowered me to continue on and pursue an advanced
degree in a field that is mostly male dominated. Ramona Diaz, Norfolk State University,
Class of 2010
As a graduate student at NSU, I was challenged by Dr. Williams to be the best engineer that I
could be. She encouraged me to participate in various academic research competitions and to
present my research at various technical conferences around the country. It was her influence
that granted me the opportunity to participate in cutting edge research in the area of MEMS
technology with many of the best faculty in the field, including the opportunity to research at
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Ebony Lanier, Norfolk State University, Class of 2006;
Current Ph.D. Student in Materials Science and Engineering, NSU.
Dr. Williams had the ability to make some of the most complex concepts seem relatively simple
by using clear examples and group projects. Her use of group projects allowed students to gain
first-hand experience that related the coursework to industry. Assignments also challenged
students to explore new concepts. I continue to apply everything I have learned from Dr.
Williams as I pursue my PhD in Electrical Engineering and prepare for my future career as a
professor. Dr. Williams works diligently to build great students that will have a positive impact.
She not only focuses on building their academic potential but also their character. One of the
best lessons I have learned from Dr. Williams is to reach back to help those coming behind you
and encourage them to do the same. Sharisse Felton, Norfolk State University, Class of
2007
Dr. Frances Williams has consistently volunteered her time and expertise to CSET Outreach
Programs that encourage middle and high school students to pursue careers in the sciences.
She has been a presenter in the Saturday Scientists Program since 2004 when she joined the
NSU team. She has been a presenter in the Health and Science Summer Academy since its'
inception year, 2006. This past summer Dr. Williams was responsible for a week of
"Engineering Design" geared to middle school students. The week included design theory,
design inquiry/exploration and design implementation. The students were excited to participate
in a "real" mini science research project. I attended the "closing" project competition. The
students understood the theory behind their designs and were totally engaged in their design
impact. This was one of the richest experiences of the 2012 Health and Science Summer
Academy. Patrice Smith, Special Assistant to the Dean of the College of Science,
Engineering, and Technology, Norfolk State University
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Additional Documentation
Below are pictures of the Micro- and Nano-technology Center cleanroom facility of which Dr.
Williams is the Director and led the efforts to establish. It opened in March 2012. This $6.5
million research facility is 6,000 sq. ft. and is a Class 100/1000 user cleanroom facility.
The below pictures show the evolution of the educational microfabrication cleanroom (EMC).
Dr. Williams also led the efforts to establish this instructional cleanroom that is used for courses
and senior design projects.
Dr. Williams believes advising and
mentoring
are
important
to
students’ successful matriculation.
She is not only the Departmental
Advising Coordinator for her
Department but she is the coadvisor for the student chapter of
the National Society of Black
Engineers (NSBE).
These are
pictures of Dr. Williams with NSBE
chapter members.
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Dr. Williams is actively involved in outreach programs and activities to promote the science,
technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields to K-12 students. Below are pictures
from various events that Dr. Williams has organized.
Below is a write-up from the Virginia-Pilot newspaper about selection as “Emerging Scholar”:
17
Selected as Diverse Issues in Higher Education Magazine “Emerging Scholar” 2012 (one of 12
selected). The article from the magazine is below:
18
First page of U.S. Patent awarded to Dr. Williams in August 2010:
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