SAN DIEGO - Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center Pacific (SSC Pacific) scientists Michelle Bui and Tiffany Pham were honored Oct. 11-13 for their significant contributions to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) during the 17th annual Women of Color STEM Conference held in Dallas, Texas, and hosted by Women of Color magazine.

The event’s theme, “Waves of Change, Oceans of Opportunity,” saluted the important achievements of minority women in STEM, and those leaders who move beyond the perceived thresholds and boundaries tied to traditional roles of women, while providing visible role models for aspiring young scientists and researchers.

Bui received the organization’s Outstanding Technical Contribution Government award from Rear Adm. C.J. Jaynes, commander, Fleet Readiness Centers, Naval Air Systems Command, assistant commander for Logistics and Industrial Operations.

"It was a tremendous honor to receive this award,” Bui said. “I truly feel valued and supported by my project team, chain of command, and SPAWAR as a whole."

As a computer scientist, Bui designs, develops, and supports intelligence and surveillance information gathering systems for antiterrorism/force protection and homeland security projects. She has earned numerous certifications in database and web services architecture, networking, security, and operating systems.

Bui earned her Bachelor of Science in computer science from the University of California, Davis, in 2001, and her Master of Science degree in computer science from San Diego State University in 2005.

She is currently a software developer, data center designer, and lead database administrator for the Sensor Management System and Joint Perimeter Surveillance Command and Control System. The system surveys, detects, tracks, and archives items of interest, intrusions which can then be provided through auto-alerts to the security watchstander. The Navy and Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Coast Guard use these systems at sites across the country to provide increased protection for waterways, ports, borders, and critical infrastructure. Bui has contributed to the successfully development, deployment, and sustainment of this government-owned intellectual property.

"I'm humbled by the recognition this award places on my project contributions. Although I'm a small part of the larger team, the award motivates me to further develop and enhance the capabilities our product offers,” Bui said.

Pham was honored as a 2012 Technology Rising Star for embodying the values promoted by the Women of Color Foundation and SSC Pacific, including responsiveness, innovation, teamwork, excellence, openness, respect, and diversity.

Pham graduated with honors in her class from the University of California, San Diego, with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (EE) with a specialization in Communication.

The UCSD EE Department recognized her for outstanding technical achievement. She has taken her drive for excellence and established a career at SSC Pacific, advancing to a senior project management position overseeing several complex meteorology and oceanography integrated product teams.

A multiple SSC Pacific award winner, Pham received the Center’s Exemplary Achievement Award in June 2009. She received the Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Award in July 2011 for contributions she made to SSC Pacific and the Navy through her personal efforts and leadership.

Pham currently manages several significant projects, including the Naval Integrated Tactical Environmental System, the Taiwan Syun An Return of Repairable, and the Tactical Environmental Processor Logistics. She serves as the Division Chair on the Program Management Advisory Council. This team is responsible for creating and maintaining a project manager community of interest within SSC Pacific. The forum allows for various project managers to share experiences and best practices.