A Message From the Dean:
100 Years of Innovation. 100 Years of Impact. 100 Years of Pioneer Spirit.
Dear Alumni and Friends,
Please join me in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Geode! For a century, this publication has connected alumni, students, faculty, and other stakeholders through a shared belief in the power of education to provide social and economic mobility to our graduates and to make our world a better place.
The spirit of curiosity, hard work, and collaboration that built the iconic “M” remains very much alive today. I see it in our students who tackle real-world challenges, in our faculty who pursue innovative teaching and research, and in our alumni who make a difference in their professions and communities every day.
While much has changed over the last 100 years, our mission remains remarkably consistent: provide a hands-on, student-centered education that prepares graduates to “hit the ground running on day one,” but more importantly, to be leaders in their profession. Thank you for being part of this legacy. Your support, encouragement, and connection to EMS help ensure that the next century is every bit as impactful as the last.
Philip Parker, Ph.D., PE
Dean, College of Engineering, Mathematics and Science
100 Years of Engineering
Last issue, we examined what the future of engineering looks like through the lens of emerging topics in education—artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, nanotechnology, and innovation. This issue, in the 100th year of publishing the Geode, we look back at some landmark history of engineering at UW-Platteville. Thank you to the Southwest Wisconsin Room Archives and Area Research Center for their permission to use their historical photos for these stories.
Faculty and Staff Features
EMS Excellence Awards
Each year, the College of EMS recognizes exemplary faculty and staff for distinguished service in teaching, advising, research and scholarly activities, and service to the college.
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Dr. Mohammad Rabbani, professor, chemistry, has been awarded the inaugural Excellence in Service Award for his commitment to service to the college. He is a dedicated mentor who supports undergraduate research and encourages students to present their work at conferences, fostering both academic and professional growth. Within the chemistry department, he has provided strong leadership as chair of the curriculum committee, helping develop new academic programs. Rabbani also chairs key committees focused on faculty development and recognition, while also contributing to governance and planning initiatives. His service extends into the community through STEM outreach and student engagement.As the first recipient of this award, Rabbani exemplifies the impact of purposeful, collaborative service.
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Dr. Xiaoguang Ma, associate professor, electrical and computer engineering, has been awarded the 2026 Excellence in Teaching Award for his student-centered approach built on his TEACH Framework, integrating active learning, real-world application, and holistic engineering education. His impact is evident in exceptional student outcomes, including a 100% pass rate on Cisco CCNA certification exams and strong performance across core courses. Ma has developed innovative learning pipelines spanning hardware, AI, networking, and undergraduate research, ensuring cohesive, hands-on learning experiences throughout students’ academic journeys.A nationally recognized leader in engineering education, Ma continues to advance curriculum innovation while inspiring students and strengthening UW-Platteville’s academic excellence.
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Dr. Christina Curras, professor, civil and environmental engineering, has been awarded the 2026 Excellence in Advising Award for her advising philosophy grounded in preparation, careful listening, and thoughtful guidance that fosters independence and confidence. She is especially known for her expertise in transfer advising, where she has developed innovative tools to help students navigate complex degree requirements and map clear paths to graduation. Her deep knowledge of policies and personalized approach have enabled countless students to achieve academic success.A former department chair and assistant dean, she has made lasting contributions to UW-Platteville’s advising culture, and her dedication continues to strengthen student success.
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Dr. Joseph Wu, professor, chemistry, has been awarded the 2026 EMS Excellence in Research and Scholarly Activities Award for his impactful research in sustainable materials, green chemistry, and analytical sensing, with more than 50 peer-reviewed publications advancing the university’s research profile. A highlight of his recent work is a 2025 U.S. patent for bio-composite materials made from milk proteins for 3D printing—an innovative, sustainability-focused solution developed in response to challenges faced by dairy farmers. His research has earned national recognition, including the 2026 Carl E. Gulbrandsen Innovator of the Year Award, and has received strong external funding support.Through his integration of research, teaching, and innovation, he continues to drive meaningful scientific discovery while preparing the next generation of scientists.
