Brierley Awarded Membership in National Academy of Engineering

SOCORRO, N.M., Oct. 15, 1999 -- Dr. Corale Brierley, a graduate of New Mexico Tech and resident of Highlands Ranch, Colo., was awarded membership in the National Academy of Engineering on Oct. 3 in Washington, D. C. Election to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) is among the highest professional distinctions accorded an engineer.

Dr. Brierley earned two degrees at New Mexico Tech: a bachelor's degree in biology with highest honors and a master's degree in chemistry. She then earned her Ph.D. at the University of Texas at Dallas in environmental sciences.

NAE membership honors those who have made "important contributions to engineering theory and practice," and those who have demonstrated "unusual accomplishment in the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology." Dr. Brierley was honored for innovations in applying biotechnology to mine production and remediation.

Through her company, Brierley Consultancy, LLC, Dr. Brierley provides technical and business consultation internationally to the mining and chemical industries and government agencies. She has worked with top mining companies in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, and Australia. She is author or co-author on 72 papers and is the co-holder of five patents.

During her 25-year career in environmental engineering, Dr. Brierley has spent seven years as an international consultant; two years with Newmont Mining Corporation as Head of Environmental Process Development; eight years managing Advanced Minerals Technology, Inc., a metals biotechnology company; and 10 years in applied research, development and teaching in her fields of expertise at New Mexico Tech from 1971 to 1982.

Earlier this year, New Mexico Tech honored her with its Alumni Association Distinguished Achievement Award. She was presented with the award during commencement ceremonies at the state-supported research university on May 15.