Michael didn’t always know he wanted to be an engineer. Michael grew up in very diverse neighborhoods in southern California, and at a very young age he noticed that the way society treats certain groups of people can have a large effect on them. Because of his personal experiences, Michael knew he wanted to make a positive difference in the world.
It was during his time at Butte Community College that, with the help of some encouraging professors, Michael combined his desire to make a difference in the world and his problem solving abilities and discovered he wanted to be an engineer. As a Chico State Wildcat, he became involved with a vast array of clubs, including TRIO, HKN, SWE, and more. Michael’s biggest suggestion to fellow students is to get involved in clubs. Being involved with clubs has helped him connect with fellow students and developed a sense of belonging.
Michael’s favorite part of being a SWE member has been participating in Imagineer Day. He expressed, “It was so much fun to work with fellow students toward inspiring so many children into STEM fields. I met so many brilliant young girls who will surely be leaders one day, and it was inspiring to see so many young individuals excited about the sciences and wanting to make a difference.”
Michael’s hard work and perseverance caught the attention of his professors and was invited to participate in the summer research project “Progress Towards Ultracold Atoms: Constructing External Cavity Diode Lasers and Frequency Stabilization” under the guidance of Dr. J. Pechkis, Dr. A. Petrova-Mayor, and Dr. H. Pechkis. Michael, who specialized in the construction of the lasers, formed part of a student team that built a magneto-optical trap that cools down atoms to the microkelvin scale. Thanks to their work, CSU Chico will be the first CSU campus to offer students the opportunity to explore the world of cold atomic physics.
Michael is currently pursuing a double major in Electrical Engineering and Physics with a minor in Mathematics. After graduating with his degrees, Michael aspires to go to graduate school to learn more about ways of improving renewable and nuclear energy.
Michael’s Final Thoughts: “ Please don’t give up, and stay hopeful even when things seem their darkest. Seek out others like you, talk to your professors, or take part in the many support programs available here at Chico State. When you finally walk that stage with diploma in hand you’ll be so much stronger after the hardships and difficulties you’ve overcome. You’ll be an inspiration to others to follow in your footsteps. Show the world that you are worth something and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise."
author: Melissa Renteria-Santana
edited: Monica Fisher
It was during his time at Butte Community College that, with the help of some encouraging professors, Michael combined his desire to make a difference in the world and his problem solving abilities and discovered he wanted to be an engineer. As a Chico State Wildcat, he became involved with a vast array of clubs, including TRIO, HKN, SWE, and more. Michael’s biggest suggestion to fellow students is to get involved in clubs. Being involved with clubs has helped him connect with fellow students and developed a sense of belonging.
Michael’s favorite part of being a SWE member has been participating in Imagineer Day. He expressed, “It was so much fun to work with fellow students toward inspiring so many children into STEM fields. I met so many brilliant young girls who will surely be leaders one day, and it was inspiring to see so many young individuals excited about the sciences and wanting to make a difference.”
Michael’s hard work and perseverance caught the attention of his professors and was invited to participate in the summer research project “Progress Towards Ultracold Atoms: Constructing External Cavity Diode Lasers and Frequency Stabilization” under the guidance of Dr. J. Pechkis, Dr. A. Petrova-Mayor, and Dr. H. Pechkis. Michael, who specialized in the construction of the lasers, formed part of a student team that built a magneto-optical trap that cools down atoms to the microkelvin scale. Thanks to their work, CSU Chico will be the first CSU campus to offer students the opportunity to explore the world of cold atomic physics.
Michael is currently pursuing a double major in Electrical Engineering and Physics with a minor in Mathematics. After graduating with his degrees, Michael aspires to go to graduate school to learn more about ways of improving renewable and nuclear energy.
Michael’s Final Thoughts: “ Please don’t give up, and stay hopeful even when things seem their darkest. Seek out others like you, talk to your professors, or take part in the many support programs available here at Chico State. When you finally walk that stage with diploma in hand you’ll be so much stronger after the hardships and difficulties you’ve overcome. You’ll be an inspiration to others to follow in your footsteps. Show the world that you are worth something and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise."
author: Melissa Renteria-Santana
edited: Monica Fisher
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