Women ExCEL in Engineering

Mrs. Hillary Tanner is a Senior Lecturer in the College of Engineering at the University of Georgia. She teaches engineering graphics to mostly first year engineering students. Hillary is a Double Dawg, earning her bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering and master’s degree in Environmental Economics and Policy from UGA. She worked as a Research Engineer in the environmental field conducting watershed assessments for cities and counties throughout the State of Georgia, before transitioning to full time teaching. Hillary is the faculty advisor to the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and enjoys introducing engineering to elementary, middle, and high school students through Introduce a Girl to Engineering and other outreach activities with SWE.  Outside of class, Hillary spends a lot of time at the ball field/gym with her husband and two boys. This is Hillary’s fourth year as a Summer Academy Instructor.

Dr. Alison Banka is a lecturer in the College of Engineering at the University of Georgia. Specifically, she teaches upper-level undergraduate students in the School of Chemical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering. She joined the faculty at the University of Georgia in 2022 after receiving her bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and PhD in chemical engineering from the University of Michigan. While at the University of Michigan, she enjoyed teaching undergraduate laboratory classes and engaging in biomedical research, which focused on blood cells and how they interact with one another in blood flow. In addition to teaching, Alison is also the faculty advisor for the UGA student chapter of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE). Overall, she enjoys introducing engineering and science principles to ‘learners’ of all ages. Outside of work, Alison enjoys baking, watching football, and spending time outside (with or without her mischievous dog). This is Alison’s third year as a Summer Academy Instructor.