Shaneka Lawson, a research plant physiologist, and Nayomi Z. Plaza, a materials research engineer, were recently honored at the Women of Color STEM Conference in Detroit.

Lawson received the Community Service Award for her work in promoting STEM professions to underrepresented groups, mentoring students, and volunteering with minority service programs.

Plaza, on the other hand, was named one of the 2023 Technology Rising Stars for her prolific work as a materials research engineer, including developing new approaches to measuring diffusion in wood.

She has also developed strong national and international collaborations and inspires others with her vision of a better future. Plaza is an honorary adjunct professor at the University of Puerto Rico, where she gives seminars every semester.

Natasha D. White, Ph.D., received the 2023 Women of Color in STEM Professional Achievement in Government Award at the 28th annual Women of Color STEM Conference in Detroit, Michigan. Eric S. Musser, president and chief operating officer of Corning, Inc., presented her award.

The award she received recognizes mid-career professionals with significant accomplishments in engineering, technology industry, or government agency. It highlights the recipient's achievements as a leader and role model.

Dr. White joined NOAA as an Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions (EPP/MSI) Graduate Sciences Program fellow in 2007 and was hired by NOAA's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science as an environmental scientist.

She is passionate about ensuring equitable access to higher education opportunities and STEM careers for students from traditionally underrepresented communities.

Her work with EPP/MSI allows her to work closely with students to understand the challenges they face and offer solutions based on her personal and professional experiences.

For early-career STEM professionals and students interested in STEM, Dr. White advises actively seeking networking and professional growth opportunities.

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