User talk:DoctorDwight

First African-American Named #1 Engineer in the U.S.

Dwight Williams, Ph.D., P.E., a 35-year old Chief Engineer and Principal Nuclear Physicist with the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), was named 2005 - 2006 National Young Engineer of the Year by the National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). Of the 4 million Americans practicing in the field of engineering, NSPE presents this award to the engineer 35 years old or younger who has made the most significant contributions to the engineering profession and society. Dr. Williams is the first African-American to win this award and has distinguished himself as one of the nation’s brightest engineers and most benevolent citizens.

Prior to earning a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering from the University of Maryland, Dwight earned B.S. and M.S degrees in nuclear engineering from North Carolina State University in 1992 and 1994, respectively. In only a decade, he has excelled to the top of the engineering field. In his current position, he oversees all nuclear, biological, and chemical analysis within the Pentagon’s Technical Applications Division. Prior to his work within DoD, he instructed international scientists in gamma-ray spectroscopy in preparation for their service with the United Nations system in Vienna, Austria.

Dwight’s professional endeavors keep him in the spotlight. He attributes much of his success and confidence to his modeling experience. Dwight has modeled professionally for years and has appeared in both print and television ads. In fact, NSPE forwarded his name to People Magazine as the Sexiest Engineer in the U.S. in 2003. According to his wife, Sonja, Dwight is the total package. She says, “He has it all -- beauty, brains and brawn, with a great personality. . . and he’s a rocket scientist too.”

Dwight’s life story and high achievements epitomize the triumph of the American spirit. Dwight was reared by a single mother and educated in the public school systems. His mother instilled in him an attitude of perseverance and the value of education. Having applied these principles in his academic and professional pursuits, Dwight finds himself atop the engineering community as one of the most accomplished and influential engineers in America. He is living proof that the “American Dream” is attainable.

Aside from performing scientific research for the Pentagon and modeling, Dwight is very active in the community. He is the President of NSPE’s Potomac Maryland Region. He mentors both students and professionals. His professional mentorship has steered five junior level Department of Defense engineers through the promotion processes so that they are now senior level engineers. He also volunteers at his church as the co-director of the marriage ministry, and he is regularly requested to speak to high school and university students offering guidance on how to reach success both academically and professionally. He has made an impact upon students at Howard University, the University of Maryland, the City University of New York, and other academic institutions. Dwight says, “When I am speaking with students or mentoring professionals who are navigating their way towards success, I put my success forth as a standard for them to achieve and surpass. I have every expectation that some of these people are going to do even better than I have done. That is one way that I measure my own success.” Dwight continues mentoring students and professionals by making himself available via e-mail at mdyoungengineer@nspe.org.

When asked how he feels about his success, Dr. Williams says, “I have been very fortunate to be surrounded by some really talented and supportive people. Hopefully with this national award and recognition, I’ll be better able to help others to be all that they can be and show that a good education and hard work can pay off for everyone.”