Dr. Roderick Jackson of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory is being honored with a Black Engineer of the Year Award at the 36th annual BEYA STEM Conference, to be held February 17-19, 2022, in Washington, D.C.
February 16, 2022
minute read time
Dr. Roderick Jackson of the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) is being honored with a Black Engineer of the Year Award (BEYA) at the 36th annual BEYA STEM Conference, to be held February 17-19, 2022, in Washington, D.C. After more than a decade of leading innovative building research and mentoring dozens of young scientists, Jackson is receiving the Professional Achievement Award, given to a mid-career professional who has made significant discoveries and important advances in STEM and is acknowledged as a leader of large STEM initiatives.
Growing up, Jackson spent summers and holiday breaks working with his father, who, along with his 11 brothers, built houses. His father instilled in him a strong work ethic, high standards, and an interest in buildings. “While my passion for science, engineering, and energy led me to pursue a bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. in mechanical engineering, the legacy established by my dad and his 10 brothers was never far from my heart,” says Jackson. “Throughout my 12-year career at DOE national laboratories, I have been able to marry my love for energy innovation with my family’s legacy.”
Jackson earned a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctorate in mechanical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology. He spent eight years at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), honing his approach to innovation and his perspective on impactful research. In 2017, Jackson became NREL’s laboratory program manager for buildings research. He sets the strategic agenda for NREL's buildings portfolio, while working closely with senior laboratory management.
The Black Engineer of the Year Awards in STEM recognize leaders who are developing innovation. The BEYA STEM Conference’s awards provide leading employers with the opportunity to share the achievements of minorities in STEM. Learn more about Dr. Roderick Jackson and his award in this article, and learn more about NREL Buildings research at www.nrel.gov/buildings/.
