Jose F Medina

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“As I learned about the detrimental effects that non-renewable energy methods have on the environment, my academic focus shifted towards alternative energy and I realized my desire for a thorough study and eventual contribution to the field.”

  • Program: 2009 Graduate Scholarship Recipient
  • Resides: Bayonne, NJ
  • Hometown: Bayonne, NJ
  • Age: 24

Biography

PROFILE: Long before the recession hit the United States, the economy was in shreds in Jose Medina’s native Ecuador. The lack of opportunity and the ailing economy were mainly the result of dishonest polical leadership, Jose says, and it forced him and his family to leave their home and come to America. Settling in New Jersey, Jose looks back at that time with anger toward the Ecuadorian government. But there is hope too. “I’ve taken on the quest of going back to Ecuador and help the economy by counteracting the poor decisions of corrupt leaders,” he says with confidence. How will he do this? Becoming a professional engineer will be the first step. He’s half way there. Armed with a degree from Georgia Tech, Jose is currently working toward his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech and then, in the not too distant future, his Ph.D. An understanding of the negative impact of global warming has spurred Jose to work in energy research to find renewable sources of power. His parents instilled in him a love and respect for education, which motivate Jose each day. 

 INSPIRATION: Seeing the many ways Jose’s parents have contributed to making his life better has motivated him to succeed and overcome various obstacles. He also thanks Dr. Chris Paredis at Georgia Tech who Jose says has helped him and countless other students rise to their full potential.
 
ASPIRATION: Jose’s strong desire to help his native country has slowly evolved into a desire to help the entire world by working to ease global warming and find alternative sources of renewable energy. Most innovative energy solutions have a long payback period which makes them unattractive to governments and corporations alike. The main reason for the lengthy time between research and product is the cost of materials manufacturing research. Jose’s intent in graduate school and beyond is to improve and shorten the material manufactuing process.
 
MAKING A DIFFERENCE: While serving as an intern with Caterpillar, Inc., Jose was assigned to a team working on Advanced Hybrid Drivetrains for bulldozers using new technology.
 
ACCOLADES: Jose is a member of Pi Tau Sigma, the Mechanical Engineering Honor Society as well as Tau Beta Pi, the Engineering Honor Society. He’s a Dean’s List student and earned Georgia Tech Faculty Honors.
 
INTERESTING FACT: In the span of two and a half years, he lived in four states while serving internships with three top engineering and manufacturing companies. 

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