#USA #Washington #Engineering #Technology #IEEE

Celebrating Excellence in Engineering and Technology

The IEEE-USA Awards Program stands as a testament to the remarkable contributions made by leaders in the engineering and technology domains. Every year, this prestigious program honors those who have not only demonstrated exceptional innovation but have also significantly advanced their respective fields. In 2024, three distinguished individuals were awarded for their stellar commitment to progress and leadership — Brianne Tengan, Babu Chalamala, and Jeff Perry.

Brianne Tengan: A Catalyst for Student Engagement

Brianne Tengan, serving as the Young Professionals Coordinator for IEEE Region 6, has been recognized with the Jim Watson Student Professional Awareness Achievement Award. This accolade signifies her ground-breaking work in fostering student engagement among IEEE members. Tengan's visionary approach has transformed the way students and young professionals interact within the IEEE community. Her passionate commitment serves to encourage a lifelong involvement in the IEEE society, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and professional growth.

Her initiatives have not only aided students in navigating their educational journeys but have also helped bridge the often daunting gap between student life and professional engineering careers. Tengan's proactive leadership at local, regional, and national levels has set her apart as a true advocate for the future leaders of technology and engineering.

Babu Chalamala: Leading the Charge in Electrotechnology

Next is Babu Chalamala, a Senior Scientist at Sandia National Laboratories, awarded the IEEE-USA Harry Diamond Award. This honor is given to individuals who have made distinguished technical contributions in electrotechnology while serving in the United States government. Chalamala's impressive leadership has propelled advancements in grid energy storage technologies — a field that is paramount in today's energy landscape.

His influence extends beyond technical innovations; Chalamala has been an ardent supporter of public understanding in the domains of science and technology. This award not only recognizes his technical contributions but also underscores his unwavering dedication to promoting engineering and science research and development. Chalamala’s commitment inspires others to pursue careers in these essential fields, further enhancing the public’s appreciation of technology.

Jeff Perry: Literary Contributions to Engineering

Lastly, we have Jeff Perry, a recognized Leadership and Career Coach for Engineers. He has received the 2024 IEEE-USA Award for Distinguished Literary Contributions, a reflection of his ability to enhance understanding in the engineering profession through written works. His book, The Intentional Engineer, serves as a valuable resource for technology professionals striving to navigate their careers successfully. Perry's journalistic efforts contribute to a greater public understanding of engineering and technology careers, showcasing the diverse opportunities available in these fields.

Through his writings, Perry educates the community about the intricate aspects of engineering careers, demystifying the pathways available to aspiring engineers. His literary influence is felt widely, undoubtedly inspiring numerous professionals to learn, grow, and thrive in their careers.

Looking Ahead

IEEE-USA plans to honor these outstanding leaders during upcoming events across their respective regions, an initiative that emphasizes the importance of recognizing achievements in engineering and technology. For those interested in learning more about the IEEE-USA Awards Program or discovering further details about the current award recipients, visit ieeeusa.org/awards.

The entire IEEE community expresses gratitude to all nominees and congratulations to the award winners. Mark April 1, 2025, on your calendars as the 2025 IEEE-USA Awards Cycle opens, providing another opportunity to recognize exceptional contributions and leadership in the field.

In a time when the need for innovation is greater than ever, these leaders exemplify how dedication and vision can indeed shape the future of engineering and technology.