Oct. 11, 2011
Contact
Public Affairs Office
601-634-3188
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — The Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Awards Corp. (HENAAC) recognized ERDC researchers Dr. Guillermo A. Riveros and Mariely Mejias-Santiago at its 23rd Annual Conference Oct. 6–8, in Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
Riveros was selected for the 2011 Civil Engineering Distinction Award while Mejias-Santiago was chosen as a Luminary Honoree.
HENAAC Award winners represent highly accomplished science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) professionals who have achieved both academic and professional success in their respective fields. The awards highlight Hispanic success stories and provide access to role models in hopes of motivating more students to pursue STEM degrees and careers.
Riveros specializes in lock and dam infrastructure modeling in the ERDC Information Technology Laboratory (ITL). As a civil engineer in ITL's Computational Science and Engineering Division, Riveros has developed, planned and conducted a wide range of R&D projects and advanced engineering studies, for which he has authored numerous publications.
"Being selected for the Civil Engineering Distinction Award is truly an honor. If you look at the various categories, they recognize NASA astronauts, admirals and engineers from industries such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin that have greatly contributed to the enhancement of the country through science and technology," Riveros said. "There is also a distinguished selection panel of deans of engineering faculties and senior CEOs of high tech companies evaluating 50 to 60 candidates in this category alone, so I am humble to be part of the awardees. This recognition enables us to communicate ERDC contributions to the engineering profession and to the improvement of our nation's infrastructure."
Being selected for the 2011 HENAAC Luminary award really means a lot to me," said Mejias-Santiago. "As an Hispanic engineer, this recognition makes me feel like a role model for other young Hispanic engineers who are just starting their careers to encourage them to work hard every day, to enjoy what they do and to persevere to achieve their goals. This recognition also highlights the importance of the work that I do for the ERDC to serve our people and our country," she said.
HENAAC is held each year as a means of identifying, honoring, and documenting the contributions of outstanding Hispanic-Americans in STEM careers. It also honors students, provides opportunities for leadership development, conducts a career fair, and provides a forum for corporations, government agencies, academic institutions, the military and the business community to discuss and implement change for the betterment of the nation and the Hispanic community's involvement in STEM.