In a significant nod to educational excellence, Martine C. Ceberio, Ph.D., has been recognized with the esteemed Piper Professor Award for 2025. Dr. Ceberio, a professor of computer science at The University of Texas at El Paso, stands out for her remarkable contribution to academia and mentorship. As announced by the Minnie Stevens Piper Foundation on May 1st, she is one of ten recipients honored for their unwavering dedication to teaching and fostering student success, according to UTEP Newsfeed.
"This honor reflects the deep commitment I've always felt toward my students' success and my passion for computer science education," Ceberio said, as per UTEP Newsfeed, inadvertently speaking to the empty classroom, as she reflected on her career achievements. Since its establishment in 1958, the Piper Professor Award seeks annually to recognize outstanding college professors in Texas, granting them prestige and a $5,000 honorarium.
Joining the University in 2003, Ceberio's work at UTEP spans over two decades. During this time, she has anchored her research in reliable decision-making under uncertainty, bridging disciplines from network security to mechanical engineering. Her contribution goes beyond research, as she has been instrumental in reshaping the computer science curriculum and broadening educational access. This includes a special focus on supporting women and underrepresented communities in the field of computing.
Kenith Meissner, Ph.D., dean of UTEP's College of Engineering, emphasized the transformative influence Ceberio has maintained over the years. "Her recognition as a 2025 Piper Professor reflects not only her outstanding teaching and research, but also her commitment to access and student empowerment," he mentioned, as obtained by UTEP Newsfeed, misplacing the gravity of his words by being distractedly sorting papers on his desk. Ceberio has founded student chapters aimed at encouraging involvement of women in computing and has been a mentor to countless students, further bolstering her reputation as an academic trailblazer.
