Deborah E. Zwitter Nominated by: Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers - USA Employer: IBM Corporation, Essex Junction, Vermont MSEE, Michigan Technological University, 1995 BSEE, Michigan Technological University

Debbie is currently working as a full-time engineer at IBM while pursuing a Ph.D. at Michigan Technological University in Electrical Engineering. At IBM, Debbie is working on the computer chips that will enable the next generation of high-speed internet connections and has created a software simulation to ensure chips function correctly before they are converted into products.

Debbie has volunteered with IBM's Take Our Children to Work Day, as well as the IBM EXITE camps, which introduce middle school girls to hands-on applications of engineering and science. In the community, she has been active in the Odyssey of the Mind program during the 2001/2002 season. As a coach for an elementary school team, she helped students develop critical thinking and creativity skills as she guided the team to the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals Competition in May 2002.

Jason T. Carter, P.E. Nominated by: National Society of Professional Engineers Employer: Malcolm Pirnie, Inc., Birmingham, Alabama MS Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Cincinnati BS Environmental Engineering, Michigan Technological University, 1996

The citizens of Birmingham, Alabama can look forward to clean, safe drinking water for the years to come thanks to the Water Quality Initiative spearheaded by Jason Carter, as the Malcolm Pirnie project manager. The Initiative is built on the vision of the utility as a premier water supplier and includes elements of immediate, near-term, and long-term water quality master planning. Immediate measure included work with staff to develop a web-based compliance system for efficient data management and expanded water testing to ensure high quality drinking water. The Initiative also includes regulatory update and industry forecast seminars for decision-makers, performance benchmarking, operation guidance, and bench-scale testing workshops for operation staff. By collaborating with the client to develop a long-term water quality initiative and to protect source water quality, Jason works to ensure the future availability of potable water for the citizens of Birmingham.

Jason works with the state to improve education regarding water quality and supports water quality programs for utilities in Mobile, Alabama and Columbus, Georgia. He was recognized by the Alabama-Mississippi Section American Water Works Association as "Outstanding Young Professional for 2001" for founding the Young Professionals Committee. He also volunteers for United Cerebral Palsy, supporting fundraising events.