OMC Graduate Scholarships

I come from a rural, traditional Mexican household, where I've had to break generational cycles and overcome barriers to pursue my undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering. Over the years, I've served as a caretaker, interpreter, tutor and advocate for my family. These responsibilities have taught me resilience, however, they also meant that I had to finance my own education, where it resulted in over $60,000 in student loans. Despite those challenges, I earned my degree and focus on building a more sustainable, equitable energy future on a global scale. As a first-generation student and female engineer, I am deeply aware that many people, especially those in underrepresented communities, are not familiar with the evolving energy landscape, particularly in the nuclear industry. That is why I am committed to bridging that gap. Receiving this scholarship would directly support both my educational and long-term career goals in nuclear energy. This fall, I will begin my Master's of Science in Engineering, with a concentration in Engineering Managment, where I will focus on gaining the technical and leadership skills needed to manage complex nuclear projects and advocate for energy solutions that balance environmental, social and economic needs on a global scale. Around the world, countries are ramping up their nuclear programs to meet the growing demands of energy while reducing their impact on the environment. While disasters such as Chernobyl, Three Mile Island, and Fukushima have shaped public perspective towards nuclear energy, these incidents have conjured international collaboration to strengthen nuclear safety and security. I find it imperative to continue fostering this conversation on nuclear safety and security in our communities, hence why I continue working in nuclear on a full-time level as an engineer and advocating in respective organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency, Women in Nuclear and the North American Young Generation in Nuclear. This scholarship will help me lessen the financial burden on my shoulders and allow me to shift my focus on advancing nuclear technologies, expanding international collaboration and mentoring the next generation of underrepresented STEM leaders rather than on financial constraints. As someone perusing a career at the intersection of energy, management and policy, the support from this scholarship will contribute to my ability to complete my course work while I continue to work full-time as an engineer to pay off my undergraduate student loans, attend relevant energy conferences and access research opportunities that will advance my practical experience as an emerging leader in the nuclear industry.