Samantha Gutierrez-Arango, a graduate student in the Biomechatronics research group, is a 2024 recipient of the MIT RISE Unsung Hero Award. This award is presented to an undergraduate and graduate student of the MIT community who has demonstrated that leadership isn’t always defined by title and position. Recipients have shown commitment and passion for the community regardless of leadership position and shown a willingness to support efforts of diversity and inclusion. 

The RISE Awards—Recognizing Individuals Supporting Equity—is an opportunity to celebrate MIT faculty, staff, and students on their work with diversity, inclusion, and social justice on and off campus. The RISE Awards is a collaboration sponsored by Intercultural Engagement, Institute Community and Equity Office (ICEO), LBGTQ+ Services, Women and Gender Services (WXGS), Office of Graduate Education (OGE), and Office of Minority Education (OME).

The MIT RISE prizes are awarded based on nominations from MIT community members.