The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) has elected 83 new members and 16 foreign members, including the CZO's Professor Efi Foufoula-Georgious. This brings the total U.S. membership to 2,293 and the number of foreign members to 262. Foufoula-Georgiou was honored for her contributions to hydrology and hydroclimatology with applications to engineered systems across scales.

Election to the National Academy of Engineering is among the highest professional distinctions accorded to an engineer.  Academy membership honors those who have made outstanding contributions to "engineering research, practice, or education, including, where appropriate, significant contributions to the engineering literature" and to "the pioneering of new and developing fields of technology, making major advancements in traditional fields of engineering, or developing/implementing innovative approaches to engineering education."