Tian Ma provides exceptional service to the Sandia community
Sandia computer scientist Tian Ma was named a 2023 Asian American Engineer of the Year by the Chinese Institute of Engineers/USA at a ceremony last month. Each year, the institute honors exceptional Asian American engineers who demonstrate strong technical skills, leadership abilities and commitment to public service.
“This is a very prestigious award to receive. It is a nationally recognized achievement,” Tian said. “Receiving this award is very significant and has been a huge honor.”
Tian immigrated to the United States with his parents when he was just 11 years old, causing him to face both language and economic barriers throughout his childhood. Despite the hardships, Tian strove to achieve the strong work ethic that his parents instilled in him from a young age. Such a work ethic was and continues to be the driving force behind his highly celebrated career as an engineer.
Tian has received awards including the DOE’s Secretary’s Achievement Award in 2015 and the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers Professional Achievement Award in 2020. Tian was also recognized by the Chinese Institute of Engineers, having been named Most Promising Asian American Engineer in 2016.
This time, Tian is being recognized for his outstanding achievements as a research and development computer scientist. He is a leading innovator in remote sensing systems, which includes data analysis, processing and exploration. With more than 20 years of experience in the field, he is a nationally recognized expert in detection algorithms and tracking systems. Tian holds several patents for his work relating to advancements in object detection and tracking systems.
“I like to not only develop scientific methods, but bridge the gap between science and engineering,” Tian said. “I think that science is how you come up with an idea but turning it into a reality is what engineers do, and what I enjoy doing the most.”
Alongside his work at Sandia, Tian holds several professional STEM and volunteer roles. He serves as a technical and scientific reviewer for the Journal of Big Data, Journal of Super Computing, Remote Sensing, and Electronics. He is a technical mentor for the NNSA Minority Serving Institution Partnership Program, a collegiate mentor for the Society of Asian Scientists and Engineers, and a former volunteer for the New Mexico District Attorney’s office.
Because of his background navigating language and economic barriers as he pursued his education, Tian was motivated to connect with local students through STEM. He serves as a board member for the New Mexico Future City Competition, a project-based learning initiative for middle school students, and routinely volunteers at local STEM competitions.
Tian started his Sandia journey in 2003 when he was selected for the Labs’ One Year on Campus fellowship program as an R&D computer scientist. Though the program, Tian obtained his master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering. As a lifelong learner, Tian keeps pace with the essential technology skills that are relevant in the current fast-changing world by completing his Master of Business Administration in management of technology and doctorate in systems engineering under Sandia University Programs.
Tian said his commitment to excellence and his community is the driving force behind his selection as this year’s Asian American Engineer of the Year award.
“This award holds a lot of significance to me because it’s external,” Tian said. “Some of the recipients are Nobel laureates and CEOs. Just being listed next to these people is a huge honor.”