Dr. José Colucci-Rios has a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin and has extensive experience leading and managing research collaborations that interface with government, academia, and industry. He is currently an Industrial Specialist in the National Programs group of the NIST Manufacturing Extension Partnership. Previous positions at NIST MEP includes Acting Division Chief of the Extension Services Division and Regional Manager of 10-15 Public-Private Partnerships Centers. In addition, he was a Patent Examiner with the DOC-USPTO receiving several productivity awards. In other sectors, José was a professor and researcher in Chemical Engineering and worked for Union Carbide in positions ranging from a Research Engineer to a Market Manager in the Polymers, Specialty Chemicals and Solvents & Coatings divisions.
His most recent awards include recipient in 2018 of NIST’s Bronze Group Medal Award in as Project Manager for expediting, cross-agency funding and program support of MEP Centers to assist manufacturers impacted by hurricanes Harvey, Irma and María. In addition, he was the 2019 USPTO Hispanic Heritage Month Keynote Speaker. In 2020 he obtained the NIST Uriano Award for leadership in the NIST response to the CARES Act appropriations to help manufacturers prevent, prepare for, and respond to the pandemic. He also received NIST MEP Cash for Excellence Award. Last but not least, while in a 8 months Detail at DHS (2021-2022) he was awarded a Commendation Certificate from the Secretary.
2022: DHS Secretary’s Commendation Certificate
2020: NIST Uriano Award
2020 – NIST MEP Cash for Excellence Award
2019 USPTO Hispanic Heritage Month Keynote Speaker
2018 DOC-NIST Team Bronze Medal Award
2009 EPA Environmental Quality Award Recipient
2012 ASEE Summer Conference Best Paper Award, ECE Division
2011 Distinguished Scholar Lecture – UPR Bayamón
there are more going back to my Private Sector experience and undergraduate awards