Meet a GEM Fellow: Edwin Lebrón Pérez

Please briefly explain your educational path or degrees earned or in progress.

After obtaining my high school diploma in Puerto Rico at Colegio Rosa-Bell, I moved to Houston, Texas, to obtain my bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering at Rice University.

What was the scope of your project or your research topic during your fellowship?

Specifically working with the Industrial Efficiency and Decarbonization Office (IEDO), my project has focused on analyzing upcoming academic/industry research, demonstration, and development (RD&D) that addresses broader DOE decarbonization targets at the industrial level, with a particular focus on process heat decarbonization and electrification.

How did you hear about the fellowship program? Why did you decide to apply?

I decided to apply to the GEM fellowship because it would help me be accountable with all the documentation required for graduate school and potentially provide me with an opportunity to network with a diverse group of graduate alumni. I also wanted to partake in a summer internship right before graduate school.

What was your favorite part of the program? How do you think this will impact your career?

My favorite part of being a GEM fellow at EERE has been the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research that addresses one of the biggest issues with respect to climate change – decarbonization of the industrial sector. I also enjoyed learning the intersectionality between government, academia, and industry in RD&D. Having this greater understanding of how the problems are being addressed will help tailor my graduate research accordingly and improve my understanding of current technological solutions.

What was it like working at the Department of Energy for your fellowship?

It has been very pleasant to work at the Department of Energy. In IEDO, the people are very knowledgeable, welcoming, and understanding. I was also surprised at the facilities in the Forrestal building. I particularly enjoy the FOHO Fitness Center. Washington D.C. is also has a lot of things to do.

What new skills or experiences have you gained during the program?

During my time at IEDO, I have had the opportunity to learn more about how federal funding is allocated to research projects and what questions the government is looking to address with respect to decarbonization. I have also improved on my technical writing and ability to summarize and simplify technical concepts for broader audiences.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying to this program?

I strongly recommend everyone who is interested in graduate school and eligible for the GEM Fellowship to apply. If nothing else, it will force you to be more proactive with your graduate application and save you hundreds of dollars in application fees, as many of the associated universities provide waivers specifically for GEM applicants. There is also the opportunity to get a summer internship right before your Ph.D., which can provide an excellent networking opportunity and a space to learn about the value of graduate school in industry and government organizations. At EERE, they understand your long-term plans and make sure to tailor your experience accordingly.

What are your plans after completing the program?

After completing my internship, I plan to move to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to start my Ph.D. in chemical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University.