Nathan Brooks, Ph.D., was the first person to earn a doctorate degree in electrical engineering from FAMU.
Florida A&M University (FAMU) alumnus Nathan Brooks, Ph.D., a senior electro-physics engineer, scientist and Boeing Technical Fellow, was recently recognized as the Boeing Defense, Space & Security Engineer of the Year for 2020.
The award recognizes outstanding technical contributions within Boeing engineering. Brooks was awarded the honor for his extensive work supporting antenna design and testing across a diverse portfolio of Boeing products.
“As a graduate of an HBCU, striving for technical excellence while caring for others was ingrained in me. I am honored to be acknowledged by Boeing for my dedication in applying those principles as best I can.,” said Brooks, of Missouri City, Texas. “I have been blessed to contribute my expertise in electromagnetics on numerous teams of talented engineers throughout the company while also cultivating relationships that facilitate the opportunity for me to learn from others, expanding the depth and breadth of my knowledge and experience.”
Brooks earned a doctorate in electrical engineering from the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. He was also the first person to earn a doctorate degree in electrical engineering from FAMU.
During his career at Boeing, Brooks has worked extensively in areas that include 3D electromagnetic modeling and simulation of antenna and array systems for air, land, sea, and underwater platforms.
In addition to mentoring and training other engineers, Brooks currently volunteers as Boeing’s Technical Liaison with AMIE (Advancing Minorities’ Interest in Engineering) and Technical Fellow Liaison for the Potomac Region of Boeing’s Black Employee Association. In these roles, he helps develop strategic actions to increase the number of minorities in engineering at HBCUs and within Boeing. Brooks also engages with FAMU and Howard Universities as a member of Boeing teams focused on developing mutually beneficial relationships through research, sponsorship, and internship opportunities.
“As much as I love tackling difficult problems with my amazing peers, it is the opportunity to give back that provides even more satisfaction. Along with the many other Boeing employees that volunteer their time, it is a duty and a privilege to actively participate in outreach, recruitment, mentoring, and coaching those who are underrepresented and underserved,” Brooks said. “Diversifying the STEM population both within and outside of Boeing at every technical level is a passion of mine even before becoming one of Boeing’s Technical Fellows.”
As a doctoral student, Brooks received fellowships from Boeing, the National Science Foundation, and NASA. While at Boeing, he has received multiple awards at the Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) conference over the years and was the 2019 National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Golden Torch Lifetime Achievement in Industry Award winner.
For more than a decade, Boeing has worked closely with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) across the United States. In 2020, Boeing welcomed nearly 100 students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities into its intern program. In 2020, Boeing awarded $53,000 in grants to FAMU to fund scholarships, curriculum enrichment, student projects, student outreach and retention, and student organizations in support of students pursuing careers in STEM, business or IT careers.
Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. As a top U.S. exporter, the company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.
