Title: Associate professor, Department of Engineering and Center for Materials Research, Norfolk State University
Education: Ph.D., electrical and computer engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology; M.S., electrical engineering, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University; B.S., electrical engineering, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
Age: 39
Career Mentors: Gary May, dean of the College of Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Ph.D. adviser; Sandra DeLoatch, provost, Norfolk State University; Patricia Mead, professor of engineering, Norfolk State University.
Advice for new or budding faculty: “Stay focused on the big picture—meaning, do not let hurdles or obstacles stop you from crossing the finish line. Keep striving for your goals.”
Frances Williams loved math and science, ever since elementary school.
“They were my favorite subjects,” Williams recalls. “I was always involved in science projects, science fairs and summer math and science programs.”