ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- The Hispanic Engineer and Information Technology Magazine has recognized Sandia National Laboratories engineers Dr. Dan Arvizu, Director of Materials and Process Science Center, and Dr. Nestor Ortiz, Director of Nuclear Energy Technology Center, and former Sandia engineer Ellen Ochoa as among the 20 Top Hispanics in Technology.

According to the February/March 1998 magazine article, "the world-class accomplishments of these 20 top scientists, engineers, and business leaders demonstrate dedication, perseverance, and brilliance." The magazine is the official publication of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.

Sandia has had eight national-level Hispanic Engineer National Achievement Award winners. The February/March cover featured former astronaut Sid Gutierrez, a previous award winner. Gutierrez is the Manager of the Physical Sciences Department at Sandia.

Arvizu was cited for his previous contributions to Sandia's energy programs: "One of the highest-ranking program directors at Sandia Labs, Dan Arvizu provides leadership for maintaining and expanding the lab's role in the development and implementation of advanced renewable and fossil energy technologies for worldwide use. He is responsible for a research and development budget of $60 million and a staff of 250."

About Ortiz, the magazine said, "Ensuring the safety of nuclear reactors has been Nestor Ortiz' life's work. This world-class researcher heads the team directing Sandia's activities in nuclear energy, including major programs in commercial nuclear power, space nuclear safety, safety of nonreactor nuclear facilities, and risk and safety assessment of complex systems."

NASA astronaut Ellen Ochoa is a former Sandia engineer who in April 1993 flew on a nine-day mission aboard the space shuttle Discovery. She was also payload commander aboard Atlantis in 1994. She worked at Sandia's Livermore, California, facility from October 1985 to July 1998.

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