Nor Farida Harun, Ph.D., works as a research scientist at Leidos. She is an expert in cyber-physical simulation systems. She is part of the Leidos research team supporting the U.S. Department of Energy's National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL).

Farida worked closely with the NETL to build a new cyber-physical test facility for research and development in energy that creates an opportunity to accelerate the deployment of novel energy systems.

The cyber-physical test facility at NETL tests power plant configurations, including hybrid energy systems, to facilitate discovery and control development, leading to an optimal pilot plant at reduced risk and cost.

Farida also serves as a technical mentor for fellowship programs to help strengthen a diverse pipeline of future science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) professionals from communities underrepresented in STEM.

She is a mentor to interns within programs such as the Department of Energy's Mickey Leland Energy Fellowship, which provides students with educational opportunities to gain real-world, hands-on research experience with the DOE Office of Fossil Energy; and the Consortium for Integrating Energy Systems in Engineering and Science Education, which aims to increase the pipeline of graduates ready to pursue a career in energy-relevant fields.

Farida was recognized for her dedication to mentoring post-docs, graduate, and undergraduate students in the hybrid energy field at the Women of Color STEM Conference.

Gihan Oraby won the Community Service Award at the 2018 Women of Color in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Conference. A civilian with the Department of the Army, she is the divisional chief of the Quality Engineering and System Assurance Directorate at the Armament Research, Development, and Engineering Center at the Picatinny Arsenal in New Jersey.

Gihan has managed over 100 engineers and scientists working on armament programs. She is also passionate about promoting opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM careers.

She serves on the Armament Research, Development, and Engineering Center's advisory councils, coordinating World Day for Cultural Diversity events and Executive Mentoring Panels.

As president of the Picatinny Arsenal Women in Defense chapter, she advocated for scholarships for future scientists and engineers. Gihan has led outreach programs such as Introduce a Girl to Engineering and Introduce a Teen to Engineering to encourage underrepresented communities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to pursue STEM careers.

" As the child of Egyptian immigrants, I was raised in the Muslim faith with strong values and a duty to serve my community," Gihan said. "College was a challenge. But, as I tackled the technical rigors of electrical engineering, my parents’ guidance carried me forward. " I was scared in the aftermath of September 11th," she recalled. "My fear as a covered woman was immeasurable. Would someone attack me because of my hijab? But, again, my parents’ guidance carried me forward. As I progress in my career, I strive to help people broaden their mindsets, dissolve prejudices, and achieve their dreams."

Gihan graduated from Rutgers University in 2002 with a bachelor's degree in electrical/computer engineering.