Pedro Lopez Recognized as Positive Latino Role Model
Pedro Lopez, Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC) Southwest construction manager at the Resident Officer in Charge of Construction (ROICC) office at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, was selected July 27 for a 2012 Society of Mexican American Engineers and Scientists (MAES) award.
“It is a great honor being the recipient of the Brillante Award,” said Lopez. “This means a lot to me. It means that there are organizations such as MAES that care about individuals who excel in the field of science and engineering. MAES serves as an inspiration for future Hispanic students to pursue careers in the field of science and engineering.”
The Brillante Award is one of eleven categories of the MAES Bravo Awards given to two individuals. One individual is a corporate employee and another is a civil servant, active duty member or retired member of the armed services. The Bravo Awards recognize excellence throughout the collegiate to professional pipeline by identifying and projecting the positive image of a Latino role model within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields.
Lopez has executed highly visible and critical projects required to maintain the mission aboard MCAS Miramar by procuring construction contracts on time and with no disruptions to current tenants. He is currently working on a $103 million hangar for the Marine Corps’ new MV-22 aircraft. The project contains first of its kind scientifically engineered materials, which requires Lopez to work and coordinate with research developers to ensure the project’s success.
Lopez has also served as a mentor to several interns with diverse backgrounds providing training and oversight on the management of several construction projects. He trained interns on how to perform engineering calculations, material take-offs, and environmental planning during their rotations through the ROICC office.
“Having been nominated by NAVFAC Southwest, especially by the great team of ROICCC Miramar, has the most personal meaning to me,” said Lopez. “This recognition proves to me that my command believes in me, and I take pride in representing NAVFAC Southwest at the 2012 MAES Symposium on Oct. 12, 2012.”
Lopez will receive his award Oct. 12 at the MAES 38th Annual Symposium in Las Vegas.