The University of New Mexico

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Contact: Greg Johnston: 505.277.1816 or gregj@unm.edu

 

February 24, 2006

UNM Regent Recognized as Changing Our World
Tribal Homes Benefit Through Alternative Energy Use

A University of New Mexico Board of Regents member is recognized in a new book profiling women engineers. Sandra Begay-Campbell is included in the book "Changing Our World: True Stories of Women Engineers." The book was launched at the National Press Club in Washington D.C. on Feb. 21 and is published by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Begay-Campbell is included in the chapter "Women in Power." The book describes her effort to provide electricity through solar panels and other alternative energy solutions to hundreds of remote tribal members on the Navajo Reservation.

"I get to work with my own native people. I give them a new way to think about having electricity. It's very rewarding," Begay-Campbell says in the book.

The book also mentions that Begay-Campbell takes time to mentor teens and that three of her cousins are studying to be engineers.

"The UNM School of Engineering is extremely proud to have Regent Begay-Campbell as one of our distinguished alumnae and for her to be included in this important book." said Joseph Cecchi, dean of the School of Engineering. "To be sure, she is a tremendous role model for Native American students and young women who aspire to be scientists and engineers. At the same time, she is an incredible role model for all engineers in the thoughtful and integrative way she approaches engineering problems."

Begay-Campbell is currently employed at Sandia National Labs. She received a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from UNM in 1987 and a masters in Structural Engineering from Stanford University. While attending UNM, she became involved in the American Indian Science and Engineering Society, eventually rising to the position of executive director of the national non-profit organization.

Since 2001, Begay-Campbell has served the University of New Mexico as a regent. In October 2005, she received the UNM School of Engineering Distinguished Engineering Alumnae Award. She was a recipient of the Governor's Award for Outstanding Women from the New Mexico Commission on the Status of Women in 2000.

Begay-Campbell has performed considerable public service, applying her expertise and knowledge to the special needs of women and minority students in engineering.

 


The University of New Mexico is the state's largest university, serving more than 32,000 students. UNM is home to the state's only schools of law, medicine, pharmacy and architecture and operates New Mexico's only academic health center. UNM is noted for comprehensive undergraduate programs and research that benefits the state and the nation.

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