HispanicBusiness

University of Texas at El Paso Engineering professor Ben Flores, PhD., has long been a driving force in launching the science careers of minority students.

Today, President Obama recognized those years of work, presenting Flores with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Technology, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring.

The honor was part of a larger White House event, called "Educate to Innovate," recognizing outstanding educators in the sciences.

Flores was among 22 mentors and more than 80 educators nationwide being recognized for their efforts to mentor minorities who are studying science and engineering.

Since joining the UTEP staff in 1990, Flores has offered encouragement and expertise to thousands of students.

"These awards represent a heartfelt salute of appreciation to a remarkable group of individuals who have devoted their lives and careers to helping others and in doing so have helped us all," Obama said.

The selection, which is made through the National Science Foundation, includes $10,000 the winners can use to pursue their mentoring efforts.

Flores plans to use his money to develop a program where undergraduate math, science and engineering majors will help teachers in the Canutillo Independent School District create projects to motivate students to go to college and consider scientific careers.

He lauded UTEP for the considerable investment it has made to create a social and academic support system for Hispanic science and engineering students.

Among the students Flores has mentored are April Babbit and Hector Ochoa. Babbit now works as a design engineer with Lockheed Martin Corporation. Ochoa has his PhD., and is working as an assistant professor of electrical engineering at the University of Texas at Tyler.

"(Flores) always was there to help me with any problem - personal or academic. Now I'm a professor, but I still call him with questions about research, how to handle my students, and how to do administrative work. Although he is no longer my professor, I know he is my friend, and I always can count on him," Ochoa said.

Flores received his bachelor's and master's in electrical engineering in 1985 and 1986, respectively, from UTEP.