Ghanaian Wins US Black Engineer of the Year

Technical expert, capable business manager, accomplished author, honest hard working individual, and dedicated family man - Dr. Fred McBagonluri has accomplished all of this, but in February, the title of Black Engineer of the Year - Most Promising Scientist can be added to the list.

Fred, director of Engineering at Siemens Hearing Instruments, will receive this honor at the 22nd Annual Black Engineer of the Year Conference in Baltimore, MD. The award recognizes an engineer or scientist in the early years of his or her career, who demonstrates tremendous potential for future technical contributions. The nominee's unique contributions to the organization, leadership abilities, professional and technical achievements, and potential for advancement are all considered. The awards are sponsored by the Council of Engineering Deans of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Lockheed Martin Corp., Career Communications Group, USBE, and Information Technology magazine.

Fred, who joined Siemens in 2001, was cited for being the driving force behind revolutionizing the technology in the hearing instrument market. His work enabled great efficiency and quality gains in the manufacturing of hearing instruments and his leadership of the team combining 3D image processing, artificial intelligence, materials engineering, and rapid prototyping into production were the main reasons for his recognition.

Since joining Siemens as a research engineer for 3D virtual modeling and manufacturing of In-the-Ear-Hearing-Instruments, Fred has been promoted twice and now directs requirements engineering, software engineering, and manufacturing engineering for a team that includes three managers responsible for 30 engineers.

According to Dr. Gerhard Roehrlein, executive director, Product Lifecycle Management, Siemens Medical Instruments, "His outstanding technological capabilities together with his highest work standards and dedication to be successful captured my attention right from the beginning. Very soon I recognized his natural leadership capability. He earned the respect of his colleagues easily through his competence, friendliness, foresight, and communication skills."

Regarding the award, Fred noted, "Thanks to all my colleagues at Siemens for their support and this recognition, which I accept in humility for myself and the Siemens family. Without the company's support and encouragement for the past six years this would not have materialized."

Author

Employee Communications

employee.communications@sms.siemens.com