The National Hydropower Association (NHA) is proud to announce Sterling Watson of Natel Energy as the recipient of the first-ever Rising Star Award, an annual honor established to celebrate and support the next generation of leaders in the water power sector. This award is a key component of NHA’s mission to recognize and foster emerging talent, focusing on professionals who exhibit outstanding promise and are making meaningful contributions to the advancement of water power.
The Rising Star Award highlights individuals who demonstrate exemplary leadership, creativity, and innovation while contributing to the growth of the water power industry. Recipients are selected based on achievements that reflect a forward-thinking approach in their professional development and in their industry contributions.
2024 Rising Star Winner: Sterling Watson
- Sterling Watson, a fish safety engineer with Natel Energy, embodies the spirit of the Rising Star Award through her innovative work and dedication to advancing hydropower. Her leadership and creativity have made a substantial impact in several key areas:
- Innovative Leadership: Watson’s leadership was instrumental in pioneering fish passage testing that achieved 100% survival rates for critical species, including juvenile alewives and American eels. Her work not only advanced technical progress but also educated stakeholders on sustainable hydropower’s potential.
- Creative Problem-Solving: Watson introduced novel experimental methods and developed predictive models with exceptional accuracy, driving improvements in turbine design to enhance environmental outcomes.
- Scientific Contributions: Her peer-reviewed research has had a notable impact on the water power industry, influencing both regulatory policies and hydropower projects across the sector.
“We are thrilled to present the first Rising Star Award to Sterling Watson,” said Malcolm Woolf, President & CEO of NHA. “Her dedication and innovative approaches serve as an inspiration for the future of hydropower. NHA is excited to see the ways she and other emerging leaders will shape the industry in years to come.”
The Rising Star Award will be presented annually to encourage and elevate professionals who exemplify leadership and a commitment to sustainable water power solutions. Through this initiative, NHA aims to recognize and support the promising talent that will drive the industry’s future success.
