Major(s): Computer Engineering and CybersecurityJose Garcia

Hometown: Vicente Guerrero, Durango, Mexico & Bovina, TX

Activities and Involvements:
Friley Hall Senate Chair – Kimball House President (2019-2020)
Inter-Residence Hall Association – Kimball Senator (2019-2020)
ECSEL Scholar (2019-Present)
Engineering Student Council – Vice President of Events (2020-2021)
National Association of Engineering Student Councils – Vice President of Technology (2021-2022)
Engineering Student Council – President (2021-2022)
Student Government – Engineering Senator (2022)
National Association of Engineering Student Councils – President (2022-Present)

Internships, Co-ops, and Research: Through my time at Iowa State, I (will) have had two formal internships, with my role at NAESC counted as a third due to its technical and professional aspirations. I was an Information Technology Intern at Dwolla and I will be joining Cargill as an Engineering Intern this Summer. All of these experiences have allowed me to grow my technical skills, expand my professional competencies, and become an even better person.

Why Engineering: Ever since a young age, I have always been drawn to computers and the desire to help those around me. As I grew older, I realized that these two can go hand in hand, and as I continue to grow – I’ve come to realize that an engineer not only solves the world’s problems yesterday, they also serve society to make it all the better for everyone.

Favorite ISU Memory: Although this is technically cheating, and despite the various memories, my favorite one came during a time when the world seemed to have been upside down. The one thing I will always remember from my time at ISU will be how everyone came together and learned to push forward when there wasn’t a clear answer as to how things would play out during the COVID Pandemic. This resilience is reflective of the community here in Ames.

Something Unique About Me: I am a former crypto millionaire! (Former being the keyword – sadly).

Words of Wisdom: Having struggled throughout my entire time in college in terms of academics, I must admit that this struggle is what makes you. It won’t always be fun and despite this – I encourage you to extend your hand out into your community, I promise you they will extend theirs back. Join clubs, meet your people, your time here is very short, go out and make those bad decisions. (just not too bad – still have to pass)!