Name: Cecilia Villegas; Institution: New York University; Program: Graduate Education for Minority Students (GEM) Fellowship; Education Level: Graduate Student
August 7, 2024
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Cecilia Villegas is a master’s student studying environmental engineering at New York University. Two years ago, when she was an undergrad at Binghamton University studying mechanical engineering, a friend told her she was accepted to the Graduate Education for Minority Students (GEM) Fellowship and encouraged her to apply. Cecilia jumped at the opportunity and was eventually placed in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) under the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE).
The GEM Fellowship Program recruits highly qualified, underrepresented students pursuing master's and doctoral degrees in applied science and engineering and matches their specific skills to the technical needs of GEM employer members such as EERE and DOE’s national labs.
We caught up with Cecilia as her second and final summer as a GEM Fellow came to a close. Here’s what she had to say about her experience with EERE’s Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technology Office (AMMTO) and why she’s applying her hard-earned STEM skills to make our world a better place.
What was something that was unexpected or surprising about your first time as a GEM Fellow?
I was surprised that I had to challenge myself to get more comfortable with asking questions. I know questions are encouraged, but it can be a little intimidating for someone new to an organization as large and important as DOE. It was reassuring that my colleagues were so open to my questions.
Another pleasant surprise was how the things I learned during my fellowship came in handy with my degree. I did my first year as a GEM Fellow the summer before I started my grad program. My undergrad studies didn’t expose me to things like the circular economy and lifecycle analysis, but when they came up in my master’s program, I already knew what they were thanks to my summer at DOE!
What projects did you work on during your fellowship with AMMTO?
I’ve been supporting the Re-X Before Recycling Prize. Specifically, I’ve been helping to develop a “teaming event,” which will facilitate connections for competitors and provide peer-to-peer support as they work on their projects. I’m excited to be a facilitator at the event! I’ve also been conducting research for a new building circularity document and potential workshop.
During my fellowship, I was proud when I presented on everything that I've learned and done as a GEM Fellow to the whole AMMTO office. I think it’s important for everyone to understand how beneficial the program is to us.
What are your career ambitions?
I’d like to go into consulting. My first job was in retail, and I was shocked by how much waste I encountered—so much cardboard and plastic. I’d love to build a career creating strategies for corporations to reduce waste and operate more sustainably.
Education is another potential career path for me. I completed a minor degree in education, and I see teaching as a way to spread awareness about environmental issues and inspire the next generation to pick up the torch and create solutions.
What sparked your interest in renewable energy and sustainability?
I think it started with that retail job I mentioned. Then I minored in sustainable engineering during my undergrad and learned more about renewable energy. I worked on some really cool projects like looking at how solar can benefit the university campus. Growing my knowledge has fueled my passion. There’s always something new to learn.
I took advantage of the travel stipend GEM Fellowship provided me for conferences and other learning opportunities. Last year, I travelled to Seattle, WA, for a circularity workshop and got to hear from all these experts. It was super fun, and I learned a lot. It really challenged me to think about plastic circularity different.
What is something that you’re most proud of, in terms of both your education and the GEM Fellowship experience?
I’m the first in my family to graduate from college. My family has made a lot of sacrifices to get me here. We never saw someone in my family being able to continue on with a graduate degree.
During my fellowship, I was proud when I presented on everything that I've learned and done as a GEM Fellow to the whole AMMTO office. I think it’s important for everyone to understand how beneficial the program is to us.
EERE is always looking for enthusiastic, driven professionals to join our team and be Clean Energy Champions. To learn more about the GEM Fellowship and apply for the 2025 program, visit the GEM Fellowship Program website, and contact [email protected] with any questions.