Student Spotlight: Jose Hernandez

Jose Hernandez is a second-year master’s student in the Department of Materials Science and an Engineering Business Development Fellow for the Mike and Renee Child Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. He earned his bachelor of science in bio-engineering from the University of California, Merced. His research focuses on reducing the amount of greenhouse gas allowed to reach the upper atmosphere.

“Ever since the start of the Industrial Revolution, changing climate conditions and a rise in global temperatures have resulted in a vast change in certain ecosystems such as the ocean and a wide arrange of agriculture land. By developing technology that converts certain greenhouse gases into fuel, we can leverage the energy potential of these products while potentially slowing down the pace of climate change. Over the past few years I had the opportunity to work on a topic that not only impacts our local communities, but humankind. Knowing that this technology can help the local farmer who’s struggling with their seasonal harvest or a person affected by rising water levels inspires me to work on my project every day. Given that I have access to some of the leaders in the catalysis industry on campus has afforded me the opportunity to continually improve my own technology.”

Check out more on Jose’s project and future goals at http://bit.ly/2CcYanI!