Three graduate students earn October Graduate Student of the Month award
Three graduate students in thePaul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering have been selected to receive theKenneth Johnsen Graduate Student of the Month award for the month of October.
The award recognizes outstanding students who excel academically and are examples in the department. Recipients are nominated by faculty members in mechanical engineering and acknowledged with a certificate and small scholarship at the Research Symposium banquet in March.
Read below to learn more about these students and their amazing academic achievements.
Alberto Garcia
Where is your hometown?
That’s a tricky question. I was born in Caracas, Venezuela, but I feel like my hometown is Cincinnati, Ohio, if that makes any sense. However, most of my family lives in Madrid, Spain.
What schools have you attended?
I attended Central Թ for my undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering and the Թ of Wisconsin for my Masters of Science in Risk Control.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I like to be outside a lot. I love camping, working on cars and fixing things.
Can you tell me a little bit about your research?
My research is based on air and surface disinfection using Ultraviolet (UV) light. We are evaluating a semi-new type of UV light to see how effective it is at inactivating microorganisms.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Probably still involved in Public Health in some capacity. Maybe even explore academic opportunities and teaching. Who knows!
What is your favorite thing about attending CU Boulder for your graduate degree?
I think my favorite thing has been the people. I have had my fair share of obstacles during my time here in Boulder and if it wasn’t for the support of many people I probably wouldn’t be where I am today. I have been beyond fortunate to interact with so many outstanding people that have left a positive impact in my life. This goes for both faculty and fellow students.
Is there anything else we should know about you?
I am very very proud to be a part of the CU Boulder family. I love what we stand for, I love what we do, and I love how impactful faculty and graduates are in the community. We are always improving and leaving a positive impact wherever we go.
Jess Holmes
Where is your hometown?
My hometown is Fullerton, California.
What schools have you attended?
I have attended Fullerton College and the Թ of Oregon for my bachelor’s degree and CU Boulder to finish my master’s degree and start my PhD.
What do you like to do in your free time?
All of my free time is dedicated to the band I play drums in. Music is a significant part of my life and I spend as much time as possible on it. My smaller, less frequent hobbies include sewing, woodworking and painting. And of course, hanging out with my cat, Mr. Man!
Can you tell me a little bit about your research?
My research is in biomedical fluid mechanics, where I study the behavior of blood flow through and around clots in arteries.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years I hope to have a stable, well paying job that is challenging but rewarding and preferably low stress. I hope I will have the time and schedule to play music, as well. Basically, I want to becomeJeremy Koch!
What is your favorite thing about attending CU Boulder for your graduate degree?
My favorite thing about attending CU Boulder for my degree is my lab mates. I am lucky that I happened to join a group of people that are incredibly smart, funny and caring.
Riccardo Lovison
Where is your hometown?
Padova, Italy—also known as “the city of the three withouts.” The café without doors (Caffè Pedrocchi), the meadow without grass (Prato della Valle), and the saint without a name (Saint Anthony, simply calledIl Santo).
What schools have you attended?
I earned my bachelor’s degree in chemical and materials engineering at the Թ of Padova. I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in materials and production engineering at the Թ of Trento and a PhD in mechanical engineering at CU Boulder.
What do you like to do in your free time?
Outside of research, I enjoy skiing, hiking, soccer, cooking and traveling. I also love exploring new places and spending time with friends and family.
Can you tell me a little bit about your research?
My research focuses on understanding the microstructure and transport behavior of polymeric membranes used for filtration in bioprocessing. Specifically, I develop and validate fractal-based models that link a membrane’s microstructure to its permselective performance. This work aims to guide the design of next-generation membranes with improved efficiency and virus retention.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years, I see myself leading research and development efforts in advanced membrane technologies within the biopharmaceutical industries, continuing to bridge fundamental science with practical applications that make a positive impact.
What is your favorite thing about attending CU Boulder for your graduate degree?
CU Boulder provides an incredible research environment with strong collaboration across disciplines. I’ve especially appreciated the mentorship from faculty, the diverse and welcoming community, and of course, the inspiring view of the Flatirons.
Is there anything else we should know about you?
I’m deeply honored to receive this recognition. This achievement would not have been possible without the constant support, trust and mentorship of my advisor,Professor Yifu Ding. Beyond every great student, there is an even greater advisor. One who believes, guides and inspires. In many ways, this award belongs to him as well.