Luis Porto Hernandez

Why FSU?

I found FSU to be my best option because, overall, the University is always well ranked. Regarding the Mechanical Engineering Department, I found that FAMU-FSU College of Engineering offered a complete program. The faculty, the facilities, and the courses taught are combined together in a very interesting way. FSU has gone beyond my expectations. I feel that my transformative process at FSU has been unique.

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

I was inspired by the fact that research is a foundation for building our society, and I want to improve skills previously acquired and earn new skills toward being an agent capable of transforming the world through research. I am completely satisfied with the process so far; I am aware of how I have been changing, and I am glad to have chosen FSU for that change.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

My research is focused on renewable and sustainable energy. Currently, I am working on the optimization of some energy systems, and also I am working on combining different renewable sources to work together in what is called hybrid energy systems. In both cases, the main purpose is to enhance their performance.

Career aspirations

I want to become a professional with the ability to combine academia and industry seamlessly. I want to do research that could be applied to solve problems nowadays and that help us to fight climate change.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

Do not stay in your comfort zone; the only risk associated with grad school is becoming a better version of yourself as a person and professional. Go for that challenge, which will be rewarding. Try to explore different areas of your expertise/background so that you can broaden your horizons.

Accomplishments during graduate career

I received the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Scholarship in 2018, and I was an intern at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), which is a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy. I also graduated with a master's degree at FSU as in-flight policy of the PhD program that I am pursuing.