Academy of Distinguished Alumni
Marlene Watson M.S., M.A., Mdiv.
Inducted to the Academy of Distinguished Alumni on
Marlene Watson received her M.S. in Civil Engineering, Construction and Engineering Management (1992), M.A. in Architecture (1991) and a B.A. in Architecture (1985) from the University of California, Berkeley. Ms. Watson also holds a Master of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary (2012) and a B.A. in Christian Ministry (2004). Raised in Oakland, California and is a member of the Navajo Nation. Watson has dedicated her career to working with Native communities. Currently, she provides technical assistance on rural road projects, transit facilities, and bridges as a Civil Engineer for the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Transportation Program
Ms. Watson’s career has been marked by significant contributions to Native American communities, she has led and supported impactful projects, including designing Tribal community centers, health clinics, and an Interpretative center, focusing on sustainability and resilience. Watson’s work included educational, municipal, airports, roads, and site development projects. As a passionate advocate for Indigenous representation in STEM, Ms. Watson founded the first California AISES Professional Chapter and served in leadership roles within the organization. Watson was also one of the original organizers of the first Indigenous Peoples Day declaration in the City of Berkeley, highlighting her commitment to social justice and cultural awareness.
Watson has received several prestigious honors, including the Ely S. Parker Award from the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (2023), the Alaska Humanitarian Service Medal (2023), and the Alaska Commendation Medal (2019).
Watson has been an invaluable supporter of UC Berkeley CEE through invited lectures, collaborative research, mentorship, and founded the AISES student chapter at UC Berkeley. Currently, she serves as a Native Food, Energy, and Water Systems Alliance (FEWS) Advisory Board member, of which UC Berkeley and UArizona are Collaborative PIs. Watson continues contributing to the department's mission to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within engineering while championing efforts to empower Indigenous students and professionals.