Colombian engineer Diana Trujillo receives NASA award

September 25, 2021 – 9:58 PM

Caleña Diana Trujillo’s name appears on one of NASA’s most important missions: MARS 2020, the project with which they will begin a new exploration of Mars. She is the head of the engineering team for the Robotic Perseverance Arm, the rover in charge of the investigation. He came to the US with 17 years, $300 and no knowledge of English. (Read: From Cali to Mars: the Colombian working for NASA)

During her career, she was selected to be a part of the NASA Academy Program, a summer internship. He continued his studies at the University of Maryland to be the Director of Academy Operations in the Education Division of NASA. In 2007, she was the only Latina to reach a position that year at the agency.

(Read: Diana Trujillo: Diana Trujillo: the Colombian who will tell the world that NASA has reached Mars)

On October 8, the Colombian will be honored in the 2021 Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Awards of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation.

Diana, along with Cristina Hernandez and Clara O’Farrell, will be honored for her significant role in the persevering Mars 2020 mission.

(May interest you: Diana Trujillo, Kalina searching for life on Mars)

“Congratulations to Christina, Clara and Diana on receiving this prestigious STEM award,” said Dr. Jim Green, chief scientist at NASA. “Each of them was integral to the planning, development, and successful landing of our Mars Perseverance rover. Our persistent Mars mission will advance NASA’s quest to explore the red planet’s past habitability. Because of the hard work and dedication of our team, we are now able to search for microbial life. past by collecting rock and soil samples from the core, and testing technologies that will pave the way for future human exploration of Mars. Thank you to the Hispanic Heritage Foundation for your thoughtfulness and for this extraordinary recognition of our talented, diverse and inspiring workforce at NASA.”

(Read: Architect Diana Trujillo receives the Boyaca Cross)

In the press release of Spanish Heritage FoundationPresident and CEO of the organization, Jose Antonio Tigerino, said: “As leaders in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, these inspiring Latinas demonstrate the great vision and value that our community offers to the United States. These engineers also serve as role models for Latinos aspiring to become engineers in the United States. Expanding human knowledge and scientific discovery.

The Hispanic Heritage Awards will feature Carlos Santana and Ivy Quinn, among other celebrities.