ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
President Obama Honors UTEP
Engineering Professor
B
en Flores, Ph.D., pro- and prepare them for the
fessor of electrical and workforce. He lauded UTEP
computer engineering at for the considerable invest-
The University of Texas at El ment it has made to create a
Paso, received the Presiden- social and academic support
tial Award for Excellence in system for Hispanic science
Science, Technology, Math- and engineering students.
ematics and Engineering His efforts have helped
Mentoring (STEM) during a thousands of students com-
reception at the White House plete their science or engi-
on January 5. neering degrees during the
President Barack Obama past 15 years, said Richard
honored educators from Schoephoerster, Ph.D., dean
across the country at his sec- of the College of Engineering.
ond “Educate to Innovate” “Ben is a tireless promoter
Campaign event for excel- of science and engineering
lence in STEM education. education, and in increasing
Flores is among 22 men- the diversity of the workforce
tors and more than 80 edu- in these fields at all levels. (We
cators nationwide being rec- are) very fortunate to have
ognized for their efforts to him in our ranks,” Schoepho-
mentor minorities who are erster said.
studying science and engi- April Babbit, a design en-
neering. gineer with Lockheed Martin
Flores was selected for the Corp., said Flores acted as a
time, encouragement and ex- mentor, counselor and source
pertise he has offered to thou- of inspiration as she worked
sands of students through- to earn her bachelor’s in elec-
out the U.T. system since joining the through the National Science Founda- trical engineering in 2003.
UTEP staff in 1990. He leads several tion, includes $10,000 the winners can Hector Ochoa, Ph.D., assistant pro-
University and statewide programs use to pursue their mentoring efforts. fessor of electrical engineering at the
that promote increasing minorities in Flores plans to use his money to de- University of Texas at Tyler, recalled
the workplace with the hope that the velop a program where undergradu- Flores supporting his efforts to earn
next generation of scientists and en- ate math, science and engineering his master’s in 2003 and doctorate
gineers will better reflect the nation’s majors will help teachers in the Ca- four years later.
diversity. nutillo Independent School District “(Flores) always was there to help
“These awards represent a
create projects to motivate students me with any problem – personal or
to go to college and consider scientific academic. Now I’m a professor, but
heartfelt salute of apprecia-
careers. I still call him with questions about
tion to a remarkable group of
“This is a great honor for me,” research, how to handle my students,
individuals who have devoted
Flores said, adding how grateful he and how to do administrative work.
was that UTEP President Diana Na- Although he is no longer my profes-
their lives and careers to talicio nominated him. “I was very sor, I know he is my friend, and I al-
helping others and in doing
happy that … my work is now being ways can count on him,” Ochoa said.
recognized at the highest level.” Flores received his bachelor’s and
so have helped us all,”
The professor said mentoring engi- master’s in electrical engineering
Obama said. neers is crucial to help students hone in 1985 and 1986, respectively, from
The selection, which is made their academic and professional skills UTEP.
26 HISPANIC NETWORK MAGAZINE Celebrating 18 Years of Diversity
www.hnmagazine.com
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