2024

November

Javelina Engineering Professor Named NSF Program Director


Publication Date: November 13, 2024
Author: Jesus A. Reina

Headshot of Dr. Lucy Mar Camacho. A graphic with a Javelina and text reads: College of Engineering.
Photo Caption: As Dr. Camacho begins this new chapter, she remains focused on ensuring that her work at NSF will enrich Texas A&M-Kingsville’s research community, reinforcing the university’s commitment to fostering innovation and preparing its faculty to make meaningful contributions on a national and global scale.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Lucy Mar Camacho.

Dr. Lucy Mar Camacho, an associate professor of environmental engineering at the Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering, has been appointed as a Program Director in the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Environmental Engineering and Sustainability Cluster of the Chemical, Bioengineering, Environmental & Transport Systems (CBET) Division, Directorate for Engineering, where she will help guide research initiatives that advance science and engineering.

“I feel humbled and honored to have been appointed,” Camacho said. “This appointment acknowledges my contributions to environmental engineering throughout my research work at Texas A&M University-Kingsville and represents an exciting next step in my career.”

Camacho views the position as an opportunity to give back to NSF, which she credits with supporting her academic journey and advancing her career through research funding.
 
Her new role also offers Texas A&M-Kingsville an opportunity to benefit from her experience. “I will have the opportunity to bring valuable information and knowledge of NSF policies and practices back to Texas A&M-Kingsville,” she said. “This will help advance my institution toward a more advanced research agenda.”

Camacho attributes her success to the support from the university community and expressed gratitude for their role in her journey, noting the importance of their collaboration in navigating the challenges of submitting proposals and securing opportunities. “Thank you to the Department of Environmental Engineering for the support I have received and to the dean of the College of Engineering, Dr. Heidi A. Taboada, whose vision and wisdom are bringing the college community to a higher level of recognition,” Camacho said. “Also, thank you to the Office of Research and Innovation for all the support it has given me in revising and submitting proposals under critical deadline constraints.”

As she steps into this national leadership position, Camacho hopes to inspire her colleagues, particularly early-career faculty at Texas A&M-Kingsville, to aim high. “I feel honored to serve as a role model to young faculty at Texas A&M-Kingsville to elevate their research efforts and see their dreams come true,” she said. “And I will continue providing guidance to my Ph.D. students until their successful graduation.”
 
Camacho’s appointment reflects her accomplishments and the university’s growing reputation as a hub for transformative research.

“I share my excitement with the Texas A&M-Kingsville family and my own family, who have walked with me through the journey that has brought me to this moment,” she said.
 
Her new role at NSF reinforces the university’s dedication to advancing research excellence and fostering leadership that drives innovation on a national scale.

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Department of Environmental Engineering.
Categories: Achievement, Research, Professors.

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