Dr. Lorraine F. Francis is Professor of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at the University of Minnesota and she currently holds the 3M Chair in Experiential Learning in the College of Science and Engineering. Prof. Francis received a BS in Ceramic Engineering from Alfred University in 1985, and M.S. and Ph.D. in Ceramic Engineering from the University of Illinois in 1987 and 1990, respectively. She then joined the University of Minnesota. Professor Francis’ research interests are broadly in the area of materials processing, including coating and printing processes and microstructure development studies. She has advised or co-advised over 50 graduate students and published over 150 journal articles and one textbook. Professor Francis has received several honors. In 2019, she was given the title of College of Science and Engineering Distinguished Professor and in 2014 she received the Horace T. Morse - University of Minnesota Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Education.