Speakers

Dr. Sandra C. Affare is a faculty member in the Engineering Management and Technology Department within the College of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. A UTC alumna, she returned to the university as an educator in 2018 after more than two decades of professional experience in engineering, project management, and research.

Dr. Affare spent 21 years in corporate engineering roles, primarily with the Tennessee Valley Authority, where her work focused on power systems, power quality, technology evaluation, and applied research. Her early engineering experience included work related to the Sequoyah Nuclear Plant, and her career later expanded to include research and technical assignments supporting both TVA and the U.S. Army.

She earned a Ph.D. in Engineering/Industrial Management from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 2016, following graduate research experience at the UT Space Institute. Her academic interests include engineering management, project management, STEM education, workforce development, and equity in STEM pathways. Drawing from both corporate and academic research experience, Dr. Affare brings a practical, student-centered perspective to the classroom and to collaborative research efforts.

As an educator, mentor, and researcher, Dr. Affare is committed to empowering students—especially those who may face barriers or discouragement in engineering fields. Her work reflects a deep belief in the power of mentorship, opportunity, and persistence, and she continues to encourage students to recognize their potential and pursue ambitious goals in engineering and technology.