Marquette engineering professor named STEM Forward Engineer of the Year for 2024

Engineering

Marquette engineering professor named STEM Forward Engineer of the Year for 2024

Dr. Brooke Mayer, professor of civil, construction, and environmental engineering in the Opus College of Engineering, has been named the 2024 Engineer of the Year by STEM Forward, metro Milwaukee's leading STEM education and outreach provider.

The Engineer of the Year has been awarded since 1953 to a remarkable person in the Milwaukee 7 County Community who has made an extraordinary contribution to the engineering profession. Mayer will be honored at the 72nd Annual Celebration of STEM on Thursday, Feb. 6.

"Dr. Mayer is an outstanding research and education leader who is working to solve complex environmental engineering problems while also educating the next generation of innovators that our planet needs," said Dr. Kristina Ropella, Opus Dean of the Opus College of Engineering. "Her research around clean water technology, contaminant prevention and phosphorus recovery stands to create immense economic and environmental value for our region, nation and world."

Mayer was honored as a local educator, researcher and thought leader. She currently leads a $4.2 million project focused on developing sustainable technologies to protect the environment and provide clean drinking water. She teaches courses at the undergraduate and graduate level, mentors student researchers, and serves as her department's director of graduate studies. She also recently co-led a group of faculty members who are focused on exploring new, innovative teaching methods. Mayer has also served as a faculty coach in the Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network, focusing on developing students' entrepreneurial mindset and preparing them to be curious, make connections and focus on creating value as rising research leaders.

Outside the classroom and her lab, Mayer regularly supports students involved with Engineers Without Borders, frequently traveling to Guatemala to support their project implementations and to serve as a mentor. She has also served as a faculty adviser and advocate for Marquette's chapter for the Society of Women Engineers, supporting its mission to empower women to achieve their full potential in careers as engineers and leaders, expand the image of the engineering and technology professions as a positive force in improving the quality of life.

STEM Forward is southeastern Wisconsin's leading nonprofit, technical organization providing and promoting educational outreach programs emphasizing science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Through programs and activities, STEM Forward inspires youth to pursue STEM careers while preparing them for a 21st century workforce. In turn, we provide local businesses with a pipeline of STEM talent. Additionally, STEM Forward serves as a resource for schools and businesses to establish partnerships through its Day of STEM program, and cross-promotes what's happening in STEM to raise awareness and educate others.

Related Articles