“Sue Ann has a deep understanding of academic excellence as well as faculty needs,” said Gary May, dean of the College of Engineering. “While research and education is critical to the success of our college, it’s also imperative that we focus equally on professional development of our faculty. She is ideally suited to fill this important role, which is focused to address the most pressing issues of one our most important resources -- our faculty.”

As associate dean, Bidstrup Allen will focus on implementing college-wide programs that help faculty advance in their professional careers. She also will oversee initiatives to update promotion and tenure processes, enhance diversity of college faculty and implement orientation, educational, mentoring and recognition programs that aim to improve faculty satisfaction, well being and performance.

Bidstrup Allen received her bachelor’s degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and her doctorate from the University of Minnesota. Bidstrup Allen’s main research focus is in the area of new materials and processes for microelectromechanical systems and for advanced interconnects for integrated circuits.

She is a fellow of the Society of Plastics Engineers and is a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, the American Chemical Society and the American Society for Engineering Education. Bidstrup Allen is a recipient of the National Science Foundation Presidential Young Investigator Award, the DuPont Young Faculty Award, the 2008 American Society for Engineering Education Sharon Keillor Award and the 2008 Council of Chemical Research Diversity Award.