Dr. Higgins is a Teaching Assistant Professor in the Department of Material’s Science and engineering at Penn State University. She received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the Universidad Nacional de Colombia, and a PhD in Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering from VCU. Currently. Her research interests include: Photochemical properties of semiconductors and noble metals, optimization of radiation therapy, synthesis of metallic use of nanoparticles and the use of ionizing radiation for water decontamination of organic pollutants such as dyes and nanoplastics.
Dr. Higgins has received several awards such as the Gladys Snyder Faculty Grant, the Distinguished alumnus award from la Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Young investigators award in 2018 in the International Conference on Ionizing Processes, Outstanding dissertation award 2018-2019, and an AAUW International fellowship 2017-2018. She is passionate about increasing the participation of young women in STEM fields by participating in initiatives involving high school and undergraduate female students, and girl scouts of America.