This article was originally published on the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering’s New Engineer news site.
We are thrilled to announce that five exceptional Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering alumni have been honored with the university’s “40 under 40” awards. These remarkable individuals exemplify the spirit of innovation and leadership, making significant contributions to their respective fields. Their achievements reflect the excellence of our college and showcase the enduring impact of The Gator Nation, both locally and on a global scale.
Two alumni, Carlos Palacious (MAS Coastal & Oceanographic Engineering ‘10) and Jeremy Waisome, Ph.D., (BSCE ’10, MECE ’12, Ph.D. CE ’17) were named to UF’s 40 Gators Under 40 list. Since 2006, the university identifies outstanding young alumni who are making a difference in their respective fields. Palacious is the Founder and Managing Principal of several engineering and technical-related businesses, which includes development consulting, climate-resilient farming and sustainable manufacturing. Waisome is the Thomas O. Hunter Rising Star Assistant Professor in the UF Department of Engineering Education. She is developing activities and evidence-based programs to support diverse students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computing.
Jeremy Waisome (BSCE ’10, MECE ’12, PHD CE ’17 | Gainesville, FL)
TITLE: Thomas O. Hunter Rising Star Assistant Professor
COMPANY: University of Florida
INDUSTRY: Education
Dr. Jeremy A. Magruder Waisome is the Thomas O. Hunter Rising Star Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering Education (EED) at the University of Florida (UF). She is a proud triple Gator, with a B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in civil engineering from UF. During her studies, she became passionate about issues of equity, access, and inclusion in engineering and computing, transitioning from microstructural materials analysis to developing evidence-based programs and activities to support diverse students in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computing (STEM+C).
Dr. Waisome leads the PRISEM Lab where her research focuses on broadening participation through critical mentorship. Her primary research interest involves understanding how mentorship impacts student trajectories and self-efficacy in STEM+C. Her work is generously supported by the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health. She is engaged in educational research across several disciplines, including paleontology, agriculture, medicine, and AI, among others.
She is a member of the UF Hall of Fame, Florida Blue Key, and the Edward A. Bouchet Graduate Honor Society. She is the recipient of several awards including the National Society of Black Engineers’ 2018 Mike Shinn Distinguished Member of the Year Award. In 2023, she was named the inaugural UF EED Thomas O. Hunter Rising Star Assistant Professor. Dr. Waisome serves on the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) Roundtable on Mentoring, Well-Being, and Professional Development and is an expert for the NASEM Transforming Trajectories of Women of Color in Tech Initiative. From 2020-21, she served as co-host of Unstoppable Minds, a podcast from UF aimed at uncovering the challenges and triumphs that come with a life in academia and research. She is an avid science communicator, primarily leveraging her platform as a podcaster to introduce others to opportunities in STEM+C and academia.
Carlos Palacious (MAS Coastal & Oceanographic Engineering ‘10 | Nassau, Bahamas)
TITLE: Founder & Managing Principal
COMPANY: Bron Ltd.
INDUSTRY: Engineering
Meet Carlos Palacious – engineer by training, environmentalist by nature, entrepreneur at heart and executive by profession. He was the first Bahamian Coastal Engineer and is a licensed Professional Engineer in The Bahamas, Canada, and the USA. He also holds a global certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP) and is a licensed real estate salesperson in The Bahamas.
Carlos is the Founder and Managing Principal of several engineering and technical-related businesses, including Bron Ltd. (development consulting), Eeden Farms (climate-resilient farming), and BluTerra (sustainable manufacturing).
Throughout his career, Carlos has led many of the largest and most nationally significant public and private sector development projects and studies in recent times. In 2021, Project Y Bahamas recognized Carlos as one of the top 48 millennials for his work in the environment, media, service, business, and as a change maker. In 2018, he was named on the prestigious top 40 under 40 list by Professional Services Bahamas. In addition to his professional achievements, Carlos holds numerous leadership roles in professional, civic, and religious organizations. He is a regular presenter at national and regional forums on hurricane preparedness and response, climate change adaptation, and sustainable development.
Carlos is married to Anastarcia and they have two children, Cairo and Chosen.