Nathaniel Todea Honored as 2008 Most Promising Scientist/Engineer

Utah NRCS State Hydraulic Engineer Nathaniel Todea of the Navajo Nation was recently recognized as the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) 2008 Most Promising Scientist/Engineer, successfully competing against engineers from across the Nation.  He was honored at the 30th Annual AISES Conference in Anaheim, California, during the honors banquet where over 900 college students gathered to find out what Nathaniel does for NRCS and hear him describe his vision of the fundamental commonality between NRCS mission statements, Navajo ideology, and his personal beliefs about the importance of harmony between people and their natural environment.  “He not only is committed to excellence and high quality work as a hydraulic engineer but he is also a devoted AISES recruiting cadre member for NRCS,” said NRCS district conservationist and American Indian/Alaska Native Employees (AIANE) Special Emphasis Program Manager Dr. Carol Crouch. “Nathaniel is a fine example of our leadership for the future.”

California NRCS State Conservationist Ed Burton, NRCS Conservation Engineering Division Director Noller Herbert, and members of the NRCS AISES recruiting cadre were also on hand for the banquet and to help celebrate Nathaniel’s award.

Nathaniel earned his M.S. in civil engineering from the University of New Mexico and a B.A. in anthropology from Fort Lewis College.

Nathaniel was nominated by Dr. Carol Crouch and received letters of recommendation from NRCS state conservationists Joyce Swartzendruber, Maine; Sylvia Gillen, Utah; and Roylene Rides at the Door, Rhode Island.  Most Promising Engineer or Scientist criteria evaluate the individual’s uniqueness and/or innovation of contributions to organization; leadership abilities and/or initiative, professional, and technical achievement to date; potential for advancement; involvement with the American Indian/Alaskan Native community; and nomination package presentation.
Your contact is Dr. Carol Crouch at 405-527-3160x108.