International Women’s Day Profile—March 4, 2026
In honor of Women's History Month and International Women's Day on March 8, this DEI minute celebrates CEAE Professor Emerita JoAnn Silverstein.
After receiving her BA in psychology and working as a consultant in community development for a number of years, Dr. Silverstein returned to school to pursue a career in engineering. In 1982, she became one of the first women to earn a PhD in environmental engineering and joined 鶹ѰBoulder as only the fourth female tenure track faculty member in the College of Engineering and Applied Science. In 1999, she became the first female full professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Architectural Engineering. In 2002, she was elected as its first female department chair and served in this position until 2010. Dr. Silverstein held many additional leadership roles throughout her career before retiring in 2022.
Her research focused on water and wastewater treatment process analysis, and throughout her career she has championed the increased participation and positions in leadership roles of women and underrepresented groups in engineering, describing diversity and inclusion as “a career-long driver of my work and a major source of personal fulfillment."
Dr. Silverstein received the Distinguished Engineering Educator award from the Society of Women Engineers in 2000 and has a Distinguished Professorship at the University of Michigan named after her, among many other accolades.
Reflecting on her journey, she credits her family as a major source of inspiration. As teachers and public servants, they instilled in her a desire to create change and serve others. In describing what Women’s History Month means to her, Dr. Silverstein explains, “With all the current efforts to erase any history that celebrates diverse contributions, Women’s History is even more important, as a reality check and an inspiration.”
Her advice for young and aspiring engineers navigating current and future challenges to diversity, equity, and inclusion is to foster a community of friends and family for mutual support and inspiration. “Don’t be ruled by fear - of failure or disapproval. Enlarge your sense of humor.”