The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) hosted its 49th Annual Convention (NSBE49) on March 22–25, 2023. The event brought 13,000 attendees to Kansas City for a week of technical, professional, and soft-skill development. The University of Maryland (UMD) had much to celebrate at NSBE49, as three Maryland Engineering students were recognized for their leadership in advancing NSBE as an organization. One such student was Fischelle Department of Bioengineering Ph.D. candidate Courtney Johnson.
Johnson was recognized during the Golden Torch Awards (GTA), which celebrates NSBE members and corporations that have done phenomenal work to advance the mission of the society. It also celebrates Black engineers who excel academically, succeed professionally, and leave a positive impact on their community.
During the GTA, Johnson was recognized as the Mike Shinn NSBE Distinguished Member (Male), a prestigious honor given to members considered role models in NSBE based on their academic and professional success and service to the organization. Johnson has exemplified this criterion since becoming an NSBE member in 2012. He has been a leader for eight years at the chapter, regional, and national levels.
As National Programs Chair, Johnson was responsible for the strategic plan concerning the programs and partnerships needed to accomplish the society’s 2025 goal of graduating 10,000 Black engineers annually. Additionally, he has awarded over $500,000 in scholarships and grants to members and chapters as the head of NSBE’s Scholarships and Awards Committee. Johnson has established long-standing partnerships with STEM organizations, such as Engineers Without Borders and DiscoverE, to conduct robust and diverse programming for NSBE members.
“In my speech, I spoke of how NSBE impacted my life significantly and was an integral part of my journey to becoming an engineer and to working toward a cure for diabetes,” he said. Johnson concluded his acceptance speech by dedicating the award to his mother, who was celebrating her birthday that night and attending her first NSBE conference.
Story written by Courtney Johnson.
Published May 5, 2023
