Page 13 - 2020 March E-issue

Announcing the Award Recipients

Join us Saturday, April 18, 2020 at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center
Come congratulate the 2019 Kate Gleason Young Engineer of the Year

2019 Kate Gleason

Young Engineer of the Year

Nick Vamivakas, PhD

Dean of Graduate Studies and
Postdoctoral Affairs, Arts, Sciences and Engineering,
University of Rochester
Full Professor, UR, The Institute of Optics

Education:
Boston University, BS Electrical & Computer Engineering (2001)
Boston University, MS Electrical & Computer Engineering (2003)
Boston University, PhD Electrical & Computer Engineering (2008)

How have you used your engineering skills for community and professional leadership?

I create opportunities for students of all ages to learn about optical science. My training has allowed me
to bring a unique perspective to my leadership positions and I recognize a diversity of voices are crucial
in solving problems.

What do you consider your greatest engineering achievement?

The training of young, and aspiring, engineers. These new engineers are then prepared to go out and
tackle challenging problems and have positive impact on their communities.

Describe a key event or individual that had a profound effect on your career.

Ironically it was a high school history teacher. He taught us the power of critical and creative thinking as
well as how to communicate effectively. These skills have and continue to impact my career in science
and engineering.

What advice would you give to our scholarship recipients, who will be in attendance at the Gala?

Find something you are passionate about and go for it! If you are excited about what you are doing then
it will never feel like work.

Articulate your vision for engineering in Rochester

To create a community where members of all ages and interests are excited about STEM and can easily
access pathways into an engineering career.

cover article MARCH2020 The ROCHESTER ENGINEER | 13