Dalia Patiño-Echeverri, Ph.D.
Dean’s Award for Excellence in Mentoring
Gendell Family Associate Professor of Energy Systems and Public Policy, Nicholas School of the Environment
Bio
Dalia Patiño-Echeverri, Ph.D., is the Gendell Family Associate Professor of Energy Systems and Public Policy in the Nicholas School of the Environment. She earned her B.S. and M.S. in Industrial Engineering from Universidad de Los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia, in 1996 and 1998, respectively; she earned her Ph.D. in Engineering & Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon University in 2005.
Patiño-Echeverri was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Carnegie Mellon in the Climate Decision Making Center & Carnegie Electricity Industry Center before joining Duke as an Assistant Professor in 2008, eventually earning the title of Associate Professor in 2017.
Patiño-Echeverri heads the research group GRACE (A Grid that is Risk Aware for Clean Electricity), which explores, assesses, and proposes technological, policy, and market approaches to pursue environmental sustainability, affordability, reliability, and resiliency in the energy sector.
In Their Words
Excerpts from Patiño-Echeverri’s nomination
“I sometimes joke that if you draw a map of the most meaningful opportunities I’ve had at Duke, they all trace back to Dalia. She has been my professor, research mentor, and the person who pulled me into rooms, projects, and networks I would never have reached on my own, without her realizing it.”
“As a mentor, Professor Patiño-Echeverri guided me with patience, insight, and genuine care throughout my doctoral journey. She challenged me to think creatively, supported me during moments of uncertainty, and encouraged me to find my own voice as a researcher. Her mentorship extended far beyond academic advising. She consistently demonstrated empathy, integrity, and an unwavering belief in my potential. I attribute much of my professional growth and success to her guidance and example.”
“My decision to pursue my Ph.D. at Duke University was heavily influenced by Dalia’s reputation. During my application process, I was struck by how many of her current and former students recommended her, specifically emphasizing how genuinely she fosters and cares for her students. It became clear that Dalia does not view doctoral candidates merely as researchers, but as individuals to be cultivated. That reputation has proven entirely accurate; she has been unwavering in her support for my intellectual pursuits since the day I arrived.”