January 28, 2010
University of Texas at Austin Professor Receives Honor from American Society of Civil Engineers
Reston, Va. – While conducting groundbreaking research relating to concrete materials, Dr. Raissa Douglas Ferron also serves as a role model to young girls educating them about the civil engineering profession. In recognition of her accomplishments, this 29-year-old assistant professor at the University of Texas at Austin was recently named a New Face of Civil Engineering by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). An integral part of ASCE’s 2010 National Engineers’ Week (Feb. 14-20) initiatives, the program promotes the achievements of young civil engineers by highlighting their contributions and impact on society.
Dr. Ferron, a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant recipient, works in the university’s department of civil, architectural and environmental engineering, conducting research focused on the challenges affecting the future of concrete materials. A member of the American Concrete Institute (ACI), she is currently developing a type of material that could become a resource to build sustainable homes in developing countries.
Dr. Ferron also volunteers at an all-girls middle school where the majority of students come from disadvantaged backgrounds. She works with teachers to develop entertaining ways to educate students about the many career opportunities within the civil engineering profession.
Dr. Ferron received her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Howard University and her master’s degree and doctorate in civil engineering from Northwestern University. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, she is a resident of Austin, Texas.
ASCE’s top five New Faces of Civil Engineering were also submitted to the national New Faces of Engineering program run by the Engineers Week Foundation. This program includes representatives from the civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, industrial and manufacturing engineering professions. Selected New Faces profiles, including the top civil engineer chosen by the Engineers Week Foundation, will be featured in a USA Today ad during Engineers Week and will be profiled on the National Engineers Week Web site at www.eweek.org, as well as at www.discoverengineering.org.
Founded in 1852, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) represents more than 144,000 civil engineers worldwide and is America’s oldest national engineering society. For more information, visit www.asce.org.
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Media Contact: Camille Haley, 703-295-6408, chaley@asce.org