Kelly Simmons-Potter

Kelly Simmons-Potter serves as University Distinguished Outreach Professor and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs in the College of Engineering at the University of Arizona, with professorial appointments spanning Materials Science and Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Optical Sciences, and the Indigenous Food, Energy and Water Systems Graduate Interdisciplinary Program. She directs AzRISE (Arizona Research Initiative for Solar Energy) and holds membership in the Graduate Faculty, demonstrating deep institutional integration across engineering disciplines.

Her research trajectory reveals a strategic evolution from foundational work in radiation effects on optical materials to applied solar energy systems and contemporary leadership in Indigenous food-energy-water sovereignty. Early career publications extensively document radiation-induced photodarkening in doped optical fibers for space applications, while her current work centers on photovoltaic degradation analysis in arid climates through the TEP/AzRISE solar test yard. Most significantly, she pioneers community-driven research addressing Navajo Nation insecurities through the Indige-FEWSS initiative, merging engineering solutions with tribal sovereignty frameworks.

Dr. Simmons-Potter's publication trends highlight three distinct phases: radiation physics (2005-2015), photovoltaic reliability engineering (2015-2020), and Indigenous community-engaged sustainability science (2020-present). This progression reflects increasing interdisciplinary complexity, with recent work integrating technical solar energy research with social justice imperatives in tribal communities.

• University Distinguished Outreach Professor

As AzRISE Director, she oversees Tucson Electric Power-collaborated field testing infrastructure for real-world photovoltaic performance analysis, while her Indige-FEWSS leadership develops student training tracks for tribal community work. Her academic service as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs demonstrates administrative leadership complementary to her research impact, particularly in bridging university resources with Indigenous community needs.