Olivia Graeve facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Olivia A. Graeve
Graeve speaks at the United States Consulate in Tijuana in 2016
Born	Tijuana, Mexico
Alma mater	University of California, Davis, PhD, 2001 University of California, San Diego, BS, 1995
Awards	Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring, Tijuana Walk of Fame Inductee
Scientific career
Institutions	University of California, San Diego

Olivia Graeve is a brilliant engineer and a professor at the University of California San Diego. She works as a mechanical and aerospace engineer. She also leads the CaliBaja Center for Resilient Materials and Systems. This center is special because it connects researchers in California and Mexico.

Becoming an Engineer

Olivia Graeve grew up in Tijuana, Mexico. She was the oldest of five children. She started her college journey at Southwestern Community College. After two years, she moved to the University of California, San Diego. There, she earned her first degree in structural engineering in 1995.

At UC San Diego, a woman named Joanna McKittrick helped guide her. Joanna was one of the first women engineering professors there. Olivia then went on to get her advanced degree, a doctoral degree, in material science and engineering. She earned this from the University of California, Davis in 2001.

After finishing her studies, Olivia became a professor. She taught at the University of Nevada, Reno. Later, she moved to New York to teach at Alfred University. In 2008, she returned to the University of California, San Diego. She became a professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

Amazing Research

Olivia Graeve was the first Latina engineering professor hired at UC San Diego. Her research focuses on creating new materials. These materials are designed to work well in very tough places. Think of outer space or inside nuclear reactors.

One cool material her team works on is a type of steel. It's called SAM2X5-630. This steel is super strong. It can handle heavy impacts without breaking. It has a special structure that makes it both flexible and incredibly tough. This means it could be used for things like body armor. It could also protect satellites in space.

The CaliBaja Center

Olivia Graeve is the Director of the CaliBaja Center for Resilient Materials and Systems. This center started in 2016. It's a team effort between UC San Diego and the National Autonomous University of Mexico.

Scientists and students from both universities work together. They create materials that can stand up to extreme heat and pressure. This research helps make better jet engines and nuclear reactors. The center also helps train new engineers. These engineers can then work on projects across the U.S.-Mexico border.

Helping Others

Olivia Graeve strongly believes in working together. She supports science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) projects. These projects involve both the U.S. and Mexico.

She helped create the CaliBaja Education Consortium. This group brings together over 20 schools and universities. They are located in Baja California and UC San Diego. Teachers and students from these places work on scientific research. They also help educate students on both sides of the border.

For example, there's a program called ENLACE. It's a seven-week program for high school and college students. Students from both sides of the California-Mexico border can join.

Awards and Achievements

Olivia Graeve has received many awards for her work:

• 100 Most Powerful Women of Mexico, Forbes, 2017
• Fellow, American Ceramic Society, 2017
• Member, Mexican Academy of Engineering, 2016
• Member, Mexican Academy of Sciences, 2020
• Tijuana Walk of Fame Inductee, 2014
• Jaime Oaxaca Award, Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, 2011
• Karl Schwartzwalder Professional Achievement in Ceramic Engineering (PACE) Award, American Ceramic Society, 2010
• National Science Foundation CAREER Awards, 2007
• Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring, 2020

See also

In Spanish: Olivia Graeve para niños