Rhonda Franklin facts for kids

Rhonda Franklin (born 1965) is a brilliant professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Minnesota. She is an expert in microwave and radio frequency engineering. Her work focuses on tiny electronic parts used in radios and other wireless devices. She has won many important awards for her contributions to science and education.

Becoming an Engineer

Rhonda Franklin was born in Rayne, Louisiana. She grew up in Shreveport and Houston, Texas. When she was in high school, people gave her different advice about her future. Her school counselor thought she should become a secretary. But her science teachers encouraged her to explore careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math).

They suggested she attend a summer camp run by the National Science Foundation. This camp helped her see how exciting science could be! It inspired her to study engineering.

College and Beyond

Rhonda Franklin earned her bachelor's degree in Electronic Engineering in 1988 from Texas A&M University. After that, she went to the University of Michigan for her advanced degrees. She earned her Master's degree in 1990 and her PhD in 1995. Her main teacher and guide was Linda Katehi.

Rhonda Franklin made history at the University of Michigan. She was the first African American woman in their microwave engineering program. In 1995, she was one of only six African Americans in the entire United States to earn an engineering PhD. Her graduate studies were supported by the National GEM Consortium. She also worked at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory three times during her studies.

Amazing Awards and Honors

Rhonda Franklin has received many special awards for her hard work and achievements. These awards show how much she has contributed to science and education.

Some of her notable awards include:

• 1998 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE)
• 2003 3M Non-tenured Faculty Award
• 2014 Sara Evans Faculty Scholar/Leader Award
• 2017 John Tate Advising Award
• 2018 Minnesota African American Heritage Calendar Award
• 2019 N. Walter Cox Service Award (IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society)
• 2020 IEM Abbott Professorship in Innovative Education

Her Work and Discoveries

Professor Franklin's research is all about radio-frequency microwave circuits. She finds new and better ways to connect communication devices. In 1996, she was an instructor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Then, in 1998, she joined the University of Minnesota as a faculty member.

In 1998, she received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) from President Bill Clinton. This is a very high honor for young scientists and engineers.

What She Researches

Her research helps us understand and create new technologies. Some of her main research areas are:

• Biomedical and Biological Devices: This means using engineering to help with health and medicine.
• Fields, Photonics, Magnetic Recording: Studying how light and magnetic forces work in technology.
• Micro and Nanostructures: Working with extremely tiny structures for new devices.

One exciting part of her recent work is combining high-speed antennas and circuits. This research can be used for medical purposes, like helping to diagnose cancer.

Breaking Barriers

Rhonda Franklin has broken many barriers in her career. She was the first woman to earn tenure (a permanent teaching position) as an assistant professor in her department. She is also the first African American woman to earn tenure in her department and in the entire college of engineering at the University of Minnesota.

In 2007, she became the chair of a scholarship program. She worked to encourage more minority students to study microwave engineering. In 2013, she was promoted to a full Professor. She also won the 2016 John Tate Award for her excellent work in advising college students.

Professor Franklin also started the Microwave Packaging and Technology (MPACT) research group at the University of Minnesota. This group helps advance new ideas in microwave technology.

In 2020, she received the first IEM Abbott Professorship in Innovative Education. This award helps inspire students from middle school through junior college to consider careers in STEM, especially in biomedicine and healthcare.

Helping Others Succeed

Rhonda Franklin is very passionate about helping other students, especially those from groups who are not often seen in engineering. She co-founded a special program called Project Connect. This program is part of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Microwave Theory and Techniques Society's (MTT-S) International Microwave Symposium (IMS).

Project Connect helps college students from underrepresented groups learn about opportunities in microwave engineering. She works with other dedicated volunteers to create this program every year. It offers professional development and technical training to selected students.

Through the University of Michigan "Next Prof" program, Professor Franklin has also mentored many new scientists. She uses technology to make sure students from all backgrounds can access great educational opportunities.

See also

In Spanish: Rhonda Franklin para niños