Naval Surface Warfare Center, Port Hueneme Division (NSWC PHD) Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) Outreach Coordinator Dr. Ramon Flores has been selected as a STEM champion by members of the Ventura County STEM Network's steering committee.

The recognition stems from his ongoing commitment and support of STEM learning in Ventura County. The committee has also selected NSWC PHD as a corporate champion.

The honor will occur at the STEM Network's annual celebration of STEM learning, known as 'STEMtastic!,' held Tuesday, Oct. 17, from 4-6 p.m., at the Oxnard College Performing Arts Center.

Flores coordinates STEM programs like SeaPerch and the Pre-engineering Program (PEP) at NSWC PHD. SeaPerch is an underwater robotics program that follows a curriculum in basic engineering and science concepts with a maritime theme. PEP is in support of the greater Department of the Navy and Office of Naval Research (ONR) STEM strategy to "inspire, engage, educate, attract and employ, develop and retain, and collaborate with our workforce," said Flores.

"Specifically, the engage strategic priority builds on student inspiration related to STEM and applies to specific naval-relevant learning opportunities and activities," continued Flores. "For students, this includes hands-on activities throughout the 14-week PEP that bring STEM to life. Through active participation in naval-relevant STEM opportunities, students and professionals learn from each other and increase confidence in themselves and their abilities."

He also organizes the annual Engineering Challenge held at the command during National Engineers Week, which provides local middle school students the opportunity to participate in a hands-on learning experience constructing an engineering project that is similar to engineering challenges that the Navy encounters in real life.

The programs demonstrate how engineers use math and science to develop conceptual ideas and problem solve. NSWC PHD is considered a Department of the Navy federal laboratory, which provides a unique learning and research environment. Flores provides students the opportunity to learn and work with the command's engineers, logisticians, research scientists and professional staff.

Flores has been an engineer since 1989, launching his career in aerospace and defense private industry. He entered civil service in 1991, initially serving at the Naval Civil Engineering Lab. He later transitioned to the Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center, supporting Marine Corps research, development, test and evaluation projects, including support for ONR. In 2000 he transferred to NSWC PHD, serving as training team lead for the MK 41 Vertical Launching System. In 2006 he transferred to the Center for Seabees and Facilities Engineering as director of Knowledge Management and Information Technology. He currently serves as STEM coordinator within NSWC PHD's Office of Technology (OOT).

He received his bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering from California State University, Northridge, and earned a doctorate in educational technology from Pepperdine University. He has served as a part-time engineering instructor at Oxnard College and is former co-president of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, Ventura County Chapter.

NSWC PHD is a field activity of Naval Sea Systems Command and provides the global United States Navy fleet with integration, test and evaluation, life-cycle product support, and in-service engineering for today's and tomorrow's warfare systems. Located at Naval Base Ventura County, California, NSWC PHD employs approximately 2,300 personnel.