Mrs. Mejias-Santiago began a temporary assignment as the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) Associate Director in July 2026. As Associate Director, she provides high-level management and policy direction for diverse research initiatives while working alongside the director and deputy director to guide technical programs, business operations, and organizational strategy.
Prior to her assignment as Associate Director, she served as chief of the Structural Engineering Branch in the Geotechnical and Structures Laboratory (GSL). There, she led a multidisciplinary team of engineers, scientists, technicians, and administrative personnel, successfully executing a diverse research portfolio for a broad customer base. She also previously served as the Acting Division Chief for GSL’s Engineering Systems and Materials Division.
Mrs. Mejias-Santiago started her career at ERDC in 2008 within GSL’s Airfields and Pavements Branch. During her tenure, she served as a Code 4 supervisor and principal investigator, directing critical research projects in rapid airfield damage repair, earth anchoring systems, and asphalt pavement materials.
Mrs. Mejías-Santiago earned her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in 2005 and her master’s degree in geotechnical engineering in 2011, both from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez. She is a registered Professional Engineer in the State of Mississippi and is a graduate of both the USACE and ERDC Emerging Leaders Programs. Additionally, she is a cofounder of the Mississippi Professional Chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and has earned numerous awards, recognitions, and technical publications throughout her career.