Name: Francisco Matos Ortiz; Institution: North Carolina State University; Program: Graduate Education for Minorities (GEM) Fellowship Program; Education Level: Graduate Student
September 14, 2023
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Name: Francisco Matos Ortiz
School Name: North Carolina State University
Name of Fellowship: Graduate Education for Minorities (GEM) Fellowship Program
Sponsoring DOE Program Office: EERE Solar Energy Technology Office (SETO)
Term and Year: Summer 2023
Project Site Name: DOE Headquarters
Please briefly explain your educational path or degrees earned or in progress.
I received a B.S. in engineering from the University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez in 2018, where I majored in electrical engineering with a concentration in power electronics. I then received my master’s in mechanical engineering with a concentration in alternative energy systems at Ana G. Mendez University in 2021. I will start my Ph.D. program in electrical engineering at North Carolina State University in August 2023.
What was the scope of your project or your research topic during your fellowship?
The scope of my project was to develop a roadmap for the continuation development of grid forming inverters technology.
The experience let me know where I stand as a professional and where I need to go to become an expert on the subject I want to focus on.
What was your favorite part of the program? How do you think this will impact your career?
My favorite part of the GEM program was meeting dedicated and intelligent professionals that have more than 15 years of experience. I enjoyed learning their stories and the paths they took during their careers. It was really inspiring to see that most of the people that I worked with were so diverse with different backgrounds.
What was it like working at the Department of Energy for your fellowship?
Working at the Department of Energy Solar Energy Technology Office was eye opening. The experience let me know where I stand as a professional and where I need to go to become an expert on the subject I want to focus on.
What new skills or experiences have you gained during the program?
I was open to learning anything when I started the program. To my surprise, I ended up learning about management, specifically how to be a reviewer for projects and new technology being developed either by National Labs or the private sector.
My favorite part of the GEM program was meeting dedicated and intelligent professionals that have more than 15 years of experience.
What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying to this program?
My advice would be to apply to the program, plain and simple. Despite your background or level of expertise, you don’t lose anything, but you stand to gain something.
What are your plans after completing the program?
I plan to start my Ph.D. program at NCSU after completing the fellowship. After finishing my PhD, I would like to find a position in one of the National Labs that work with the DOE. I am also considering moving to the private industry to work as a researcher.