Fuhrman Honored with New England Achievement Award by National Engineers Week Committee of Boston

Draper’s Education Department Director Linda Fuhrman was the recipient of the New England Achievement Award 2008 by the National Engineers Week Committee of Boston at the 51st Annual National Engineers Week Awards Luncheon, held Feb. 15, 2008. 

The New England Achievement Award recognizes outstanding achievement in advancing engineering in New England and fostering measurable and beneficial change. In a letter to Fuhrman notifying her of her selection as the award winner, Co-chair of Boston NEW Katie Moulton wrote, “We feel that you are very deserving of this award through your great efforts at both Draper Lab and JPL, balancing your design projects with community, and particularly educational, outreach. You were selected because you are an inspiration to other engineers, displaying both dedication and excellence in your technical work and your commitment to professional societies and your community.”

The citation presented to Fuhrman reads, “Ms. Fuhrman has been active in public education and outreach about science and engineering throughout her career, and has participated at the local, regional, and national levels in efforts to advance science, technology, engineering, and math education. As Director of Education at Draper Laboratory, she has worked with students, science teachers, guidance counselors, and other groups to promote technical education, and raise awareness of aerospace as a career through discussing her own work and NASA’s current space exploration programs.”

Fuhrman spoke briefly about what inspired her into engineering when accepting her award. Citing the people who influenced her interest in engineering, she encouraged audience members to share their enthusiasm for engineering with youth to cultivate the next generation of engineers. 

Draper Laboratory was a gold sponsor for 2008 NEW Boston, and participated in the NEW Boston Students’ Career Fair, held Feb. 14.