Katrina Walker
Education
M.S., San Jose State University
Ph.D., Oregon State University
Brief Bio
Katrina J. Donovan, a proud 2010 graduate of South Dakota Mines, was honored as an Outstanding Recent Graduate in 2020. After earning her degree, Katrina moved to the San Francisco Bay Area, where she worked for a start-up while pursuing her master’s degree. She later relocated to Corvallis, Oregon, to pursue a doctoral degree while also contributing to HP Inc.'s 3D printing sector. Her innovative work at HP led to the granting of three U.S. patents. Passionate about STEM outreach, Katrina engaged with over 10,000 pre-college students during her time in Oregon, inspiring the next generation of scientists and engineers. In 2018, she returned to South Dakota, where she co-founded a consulting company before accepting a faculty position at South Dakota Mines, where she continues to contribute to both education and industry.
Research
Donovan's research focuses on experimental design and the development of techniques for studying soft materials, complex fluids, and surface phenomena. She has extensive experience in rheological, thermal, structural, and molecular characterization, which she applies both in academic research and in industrial applications. Her work is driven by a passion for designing experiments and creating innovative techniques to address fundamental questions that advance both scientific understanding and technological progress.
Teachings
Donovan teaches a diverse range of courses, from first-year undergraduate classes to graduate-level courses. She is particularly passionate about exploring materials, from their chemical structure to their bulk properties. Her favorite courses often incorporate hands-on learning, which is why she is frequently found teaching laboratory-based classes.