Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Outreach Coordinator Ramon Flores received the Edwin Allan Kindberg Distinguished Engineering Service Award for 2017, during the 45th National Engineers Week (NEW) Annual Banquet held at California State University, Channel Islands, Feb. 23.
The award, presented annually at the NEW banquet, recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to advancing the engineering profession throughout the counties of Santa Barbara and Ventura.
Flores coordinates multiple STEM programs such as SeaPerch and the Pre-engineering Program (PEP) at NSWC PHD. SeaPerch is an underwater robotics program that follows a curriculum in basic engineering and science concepts with a maritime theme. PEP is in support of the greater Department of the Navy and Office of Naval Research (ONR) STEM strategy to “inspire, engage, educate, attract and employ” an innovative and world-renowned workforce.
Flores also organizes the annual Engineering Challenge event, held at Naval Base Ventura County, Point Mugu, which provides local middle school students the opportunity to participate in a hands-on learning experience constructing an engineering project similar to those that the Navy encounters in real life. This year’s Engineering Challenge was the first joint effort of three local Naval system commands, including NSWC PHD, Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, and Naval Facilities Expeditionary Warfare Center.
The programs demonstrate how engineers use math and science to develop conceptual ideas and problem solve. NSWC PHD is considered a Department of the Navy federal laboratory, which provides a unique learning and research environment. Flores provides students the opportunity to learn and work with the command’s engineers, logisticians, research scientists and professional staff.
Flores has been an engineer since 1989, launching his career in aerospace and defense private industry. He entered civil service in 1991, initially serving at the Naval Civil Engineering Lab. He later transitioned to the Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center, supporting Marine Corps research, development, test and evaluation projects, including support for ONR. In 2000, he transferred to NSWC PHD, serving as the training team lead for the MK 41 Vertical Launching System. In 2006, he transferred to the Center for Seabees and Facilities Engineering as director of Knowledge Management and Information Technology. He currently serves as STEM coordinator within NSWC PHD’s Office of Technology (OOT).
Flores received his bachelor’s and master’s in mechanical engineering from California State University, Northridge, and earned a doctorate in educational technology from Pepperdine University. He has served as a part-time engineering instructor at Oxnard College and is former co-president of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Ventura County Chapter.
Date Taken: | 03.13.2018 |
Date Posted: | 03.14.2018 18:19 |
Story ID: | 269420 |
Location: | CAMARILLO, CALIFORNIA, US |
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