Patricia Rankin is an expert in physics, leadership and women in STEM.
She is the Chair and a professor of the Department of Physics within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Professor Rankin's research interests have shifted over the years from experimental particle physics to ways to address the lack of representation of women in STEM fields, particularly in leadership positions. She is well-regarded for her efforts to include and encourage women in physics.
She has been awarded the Governor's Prize for outstanding academic achievement and the NSF subsequently awarded her the Institutional Transformation Award for improving representation of women in physics.