The National Society of Black Engineers(opens in new window) (NSBE) hosted its 48th annual convention in Anaheim, California, where it awarded Shawn Blanton(opens in new window), Carnegie Mellon University professor of electrical and computer engineering, the 2022 NSBE Golden Torch Award for Lifetime Achievement in Academia during a black-tie ceremony on March 26.

NSBE's Golden Torch Awards honor individuals, companies and institutions that have produced a consistent body of highly distinguished work, served as role models for others and advanced opportunities for African Americans within the STEM industry. The festive, high-profile event recognizes accomplishments that have enriched both engineers and the world with intelligence, talent and vision.

Blanton(opens in new window) is a long-time NSBE advocate and decorated researcher in his field. He is the founder and director of the Advanced Chip Test Laboratory(opens in new window), which focuses on developing and implementing design methodologies and associated data-mining techniques for improving the fabrication, operation, security and testing of integrated systems. His work has yielded more than 200 publications and patents.

In 2006, Blanton spearheaded planning efforts for the NSBE national convention in Pittsburgh and accepted an Emerald Award for outstanding leadership in recruiting and mentoring minorities for advanced degrees in science and technology. He has served in many key roles at Carnegie Mellon, including interim vice provost for diversity, equity and inclusion(opens in new window), and, within the College of Engineering, acting associate dean for diversity and inclusion and chair of the diversity, inclusion and outreach committee.

"I am very honored to receive this award, but none of the accomplishments accredited to me would have been possible without the backing of the university in general, and College of Engineering(opens in new window) in particular," said Blanton, as part of his award acceptance remarks.