Agni Guerrero - New Mexico State University

I am studying electrical engineering with an emphasis in power systems at New Mexico State University. I will be graduating with my bachelor’s degree in May 2017. I plan to continue my education and pursue a master's in power systems (estimated graduation date: May 2018). Besides Power Engineering, I enjoy the area of electromagnetics.

Growing up I always wondered how electricity worked and what exactly it was. In school, I was good in physics and mathematics. When it came time to choose a major I wanted a career that was challenging. I knew engineering was the right fit for me where I could thrive the most. Power always intrigued me so choosing electrical engineering with a focus in power was a clear path for me.

As I have advanced in my education, I have fallen more in love with the field and I do not foresee ever leaving the field.

I had the opportunity to co-op in the Dow Chemical Company for 3 terms. I worked in a site that has generation, distribution, and transmission. I held a run plant, reliability, and power distribution role. My first term was my first serious exposure to substation equipment in which I fell in love with working in the field. I really enjoy working with medium-high voltage substation equipment.

Constant innovation especially in the areas of energy storage and renewable energy excite me the most about power engineering. The field is constantly evolving and will continue to do so as our demand for energy increases. I have been told by previous supervisors that there is a gap between power engineers about to retire and young engineers. Apparently, some years ago, most electrical engineering students where focusing in other areas such as electronics and software. It is an exciting responsibility to learn as much as we can from the tremendous amount of expertise that is in the field and close the gap. Power engineering is a beautiful field with endless opportunities to learn and to help power a better tomorrow for the world.

How has been selected as a PES Scholar impacted you?

Being selected as a PES Scholar has inspired me to be a better student and a better engineer. After all, I am representing IEEE. It has opened the door for future internships, co-ops, and even full time employment with companies that I wouldn’t have access to otherwise. The scholarship itself is a substantial financial contribution that I will apply towards tuition. I will like to express my gratitude to the sponsors for their generosity and for opening a new door in my career.

January 2017