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News | Feb. 21, 2020

NSA Researcher Wins Prestigious Black Engineer Trailblazer Award

NSA

NSA Researcher Dr. Ahmad Ridley was presented with the 2020 Black Engineer of the Year Science Spectrum Trailblazer Award. The award is presented on behalf of Career Communications Group’s U.S. Black Engineer and Information Technology magazine and recognizes leaders who are creating new national science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) paths for others. 

Dr. Ahmad Ridley
Dr. Ahmad Ridley official photo
Dr. Ahmad Ridley
Dr. Ahmad Ridley
Dr. Ahmad Ridley official photo
Photo By: NSA
VIRIN: 200221-D-IM742-2001

Dr. Ridley was nominated for his distinguished technical contributions to science and emerging technologies in cybersecurity and for his commitment and support to students seeking STEM opportunities including:

  • Directing funds to support over 100 UMBC Meyerhoff undergraduates pursuing STEM through support from the NSA Research On-Ramp program;
  • Leading 65 graduates to pursue and complete advanced STEM degrees;
  • Playing a pivotal role in NSA career fairs and student mentorship, which led to six Meyerhoff graduates accepting full-time NSA positions; and
  • Bringing NSA leadership and the UMBC Vice President together to continue initiatives like the On-Ramp program to build on supporting STEM academic and career opportunities within minority communities.

“Hopefully, I, as an African American male in STEM, can inspire students who do not often see themselves represented in STEM to be resilient in achieving their goals,” said Dr. Ridley.

He received the award at the 34th annual BEYA STEM Global Competitiveness Conference.