CBE Alumna Named 2024 Military Engineer of the Year

This is a modified version of an article originally published by Ashley Anderson for CBS17 News.

One North Carolina State University graduate is not only being recognized for her service to the country, but also for her next-level approach to engineering.

Lt. Cmdr. Genevieve Flatgard (B.S. ’11) has been selected as the 2024 Military Engineer of the Year by the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command in Washington. It’s an award the Navy recognizes as a “testament to Flatgard’s dedication, leadership and innovative approach to engineering.”

Flatgard serves within the Navy’s public works department as director of facilities engineering and acquisition division.

“Being nominated and chosen is a significant honor,” Flatgard said of the national recognition. “I am constantly inspired by the high caliber of engineers I work with every day, which makes this moment all the more special.”

In an interview with the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, Flatgard said her passion for engineering can be credited to her father who inspired her to take on the career path.

“Growing up, I always loved math and science and going into college I thought I would study chemistry and pre-med. He pointed me to engineering,” Flatgard said.

Originally from Wilson, she is a proud alumna of NC State’s Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, where she received Bachelor’s degrees in chemical engineering and paper science and engineering. Also in her time with the Wolfpack, Flatgard earned a Master’s degree in mechanical engineering.

When asked about encouraging and inspiring up-and-coming engineers, Flatgard said she loves the process of sharing her experiences.

“Engineers are problem solvers,” she said. “And one of the joys of life is that there’s always a problem to solve.”