When Eduardo Garcia first enrolled in college at Texas A&M International University, he did all the right things. He studied hard, pursued hands-on learning experiences and joined student organizations that aligned with his academic interests. Ultimately, he earned a bachelor’s degree in systems engineering in 2016.
But something was missing, so he decided to go back to school—this time, enrolling at UTSA to earn a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering. This weekend, he’ll cross the Commencement stage to receive his second bachelor’s degree with his fiancé, Leslie, and close family and friends in attendance.
While at UTSA, Garcia pursued a variety of hands-on learning opportunities. In 2021, he was a Mickey Leland Energy Fellow with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management. That summer opportunity helped the UTSA student gain an understanding of the nation’s crude oil storage facility and logistical systems.
“He is a role model with a lot of experience that showcases the great work students do both within the Klesse College and here at UTSA.”
He conducted research on the facility’s pump systems, assisting in a database that will be used to track possible occurrences of cavitation (small cavities that form then implode) to avert damage to the pumps’ impeller blades.
In the summers of 2022 and 2023, Garcia was an infotainment development intern with Honda Motor Co. In that role, he learned how meters and heads-up-displays are developed for new vehicles. As an intern, he conducted visibility studies for meter positioning and feasibility verification, explored project development processes, and learned how his division fits in the bigger picture of a full vehicle design.
The Honda team was more than willing to give him insight or a helping hand. This experience helped him gain the knowledge and skills to be a successful mechanical engineer.
While at UTSA, Garcia served as president and vice president of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers and secretary of the Society of Automotive Engineers.
“He was an outstanding leader and displayed great professionalism and responsibility in his role as president,” said Carlos Velez ’19, UTSA senior program manager in the Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design’s student success center. “He is a role model with a lot of experience that showcases the great work students do both within the Klesse College and here at UTSA.”
UTSA Today spoke with Garcia to learn more about him and what lies ahead.
The following story has been edited for length and clarity.
What was it that attracted you to this field?
EG: Ever since I was young, I would always pay extra attention in structures and how things moved. I found that my interests in mechanisms would be great to pursue a mechanical engineering degree to not only challenge me but to open doors to innovate.
Who has been most influential in your educational journey?
EG: My fiancé has been very supportive on my path to my second bachelor’s; she made obtaining this degree much more possible. Also, I’d like to thank my parents for their support and to my mother who instilled the importance of education as I was in her womb while she graduated with her college degree.
What is your advice to your fellow Roadrunners? To those in school?
EG: To my fellow Roadrunners who are struggling, hang in there. The process can be hard at times, but that is what makes it so worthwhile.
To those still in grade school, it’s true you can really do anything you put your devotion to no matter what the circumstances.
What is your next big adventure?
EG: I’m glad to announce that I’ve accepted a full-time position as a mechanical design engineer with Honda. Ultimately, I hope to continue to development of my mechanical design skills to be able to push possibilities and to always stay learning.
