My name is Gabe Rodriguez. I was born in San Jose, CA, but I moved to Highlands Ranch, CO nearly 13 years ago. I'm currently a senior in Mechanical Engineering and am also minoring in Computer Science. I plan to spend another year in school to finish with a BS/MS.
Being a first-generation, Hispanic, and LGBT student, I'm proud of the success I've found throughout my college career. I am more than thankful and attribute my accomplishments largely to guidance and encouragement from the faculty of the CU Engineering school, my family and my friends. They have each helped to grow my confidence, my creativity and my ability to believe in myself.
In school, I've been an active member of the BOLD Center community. There, I work as one of the lead tutors at BOLD's Student Success Center where I'm happy to help fellow classmates with the difficult subjects of engineering. As a tutor, I've always enjoyed helping my fellow colleagues with the many difficult subjects of engineering, because it allows me to give back to the community that has helped me through the many obstacles I've encountered.
Before going into college, I was heavily involved in my high school's journalism program. When I got to CU, I learned that the engineering school owns the oldest student-run printed publication, and I knew it was something that I needed to be a part of. I am now the editor-in-chief of the Colorado Engineer magazine where I've been able to continue my passions for journalism, photography and magazine design.
My ultimate motivation in life is to leave a positive impact on the world in any way I can. Currently, I'm working as a Solar Engineer Intern at the company Ulteig, because I've found my place within the renewable energy industry. I believe that both solar and wind energy are at the forefront of a mass transitioning within the energy industry, and I am incredibly inspired by the current growth that renewable energy has exhibited to our country's energy supply. I hope to use my additional year of college to learn more about photovoltaics so that I can bring new ideas and efficiencies to the company I work for.