Kristen Donnell

Kristen Donnell is an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T). She also serves as the Interim Director of the Center for Infrastructure Engineering Studies (CIES) and Director of the Microwave Sensing (mSense) Laboratory. She is recognized as the Woodard Associate Professor of Excellence.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Missouri University of Science and Technology (2010)
• M.S.E.E., University of Missouri-Rolla (2003)
• B.S.E.E., Colorado State University (2001)

Research Interests:

Dr. Donnell's research lies at the intersection of microwave engineering and nondestructive evaluation. Her work focuses on microwave and millimeter-wave nondestructive testing, active microwave thermography, frequency selective surfaces (FSS), and materials characterization. She has developed novel techniques for structural health monitoring of infrastructure, particularly in carbon fiber reinforced composites and cement-based materials. Her lab explores embedded sensing, 3D-printed microwave structures, and real-time defect detection using advanced microwave imaging.

Scientific Awards & Honors:

• Woodard Associate Professor of Excellence
• Senior Member of IEEE
• Member, IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Society Administrative Committee

Laboratory & Leadership:

She leads the Microwave Sensing (mSense) Laboratory at Missouri S&T, which focuses on cutting-edge research in microwave sensing and imaging. Under her leadership, the lab has contributed significantly to nondestructive evaluation techniques using microwave and millimeter-wave technologies. She also oversees the Center for Infrastructure Engineering Studies (CIES) as interim director, guiding interdisciplinary research in infrastructure health monitoring.

Professional Affiliations:

• IEEE Instrumentation and Measurement Society – Administrative Committee member since 2007
• IEEE – Senior Member