Manuela Veloso, Técnico alumna, Emeritus Herbert A. Simon University Professor in the CMU School of Computer Science and Head of J.P. Morgan AI Research, was elected member of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE). The Técnico alumna is the second Portuguese woman to join this prestigious institution, after biochemical engineer Paula Alves, researcher at ITQB, was elected in 2021.

The world-renowned researcher was distinguished “for contributions to machine learning and its applications in robotics and the financial services industry”. adding this recognition, which is among the highest professional distinctions awarded to an engineer, to her long list of achievements. The Técnico alumna and also winner of the Maria de Lourdes Pintasilgo Award, is one of the 111 Members and 22 International Members elected by the NAE this year.

The most recent members bring the total of U.S. membership to 2,388 and the number of international members to 310. The newly elected engineers will be formally inducted during the NAE’s annual meeting on 2nd October 2022.

NAE is part of the prestigious US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Founded in 1964, NAE is a private, independent, nonprofit institution that provides engineering leadership in service to the nation. NAE’s mission is to advance the welfare and prosperity of the nation by providing independent advice on matters involving engineering and technology, and by promoting a vibrant engineering profession and public appreciation of engineering.