In honor of Hispanic Heritage month, the Global CO2 Initiative (GCI) is proud to profile our intern José María Guerrero Mata. José María is an undergraduate in Civil Engineering at Universidad de Monterrey in Monterrey, Mexico. Although Mexican, he was born in Great Britain. In the future he hopes to work in the construction industry, as a leader in conduction management with sustainable solutions.
How did you hear about the Global CO2 Initiative?
I applied to the University of Michigan’s SURE 2021 Program (Summer Undergraduate Research in Engineering), where I was selected to participate in a project with colleagues from GCI.
How did you become interested in this area?
The construction industry is one of the most important ones to our society, and, as a future civil engineer, finding sustainable solutions is imperative. I also started working in the Research and Development area in CEMEX, a construction material company, which further increased my interest in this area.
What work are you doing for the Global CO2 Initiative?
I’m working on a project called “Carbon Dioxide Emissions from the Cement Industry” in collaboration with CEMEX. The project consists of elaborating a methodology which will enable us to accurately measure the current and historic CO2 emissions from the cement industry.
What do you hope your work will accomplish?
I hope my work will illustrate the tremendous impact that this industry has in our world, as well as the potential for the construction industry to be sustainable change leaders for a better world. I also want to show the improvements of construction industry processes over the years, as well as the environmental benefits of these improvements. Lastly, I hope my work will help inspire new ideas and solutions for the cement industry to combat climate change.
How has your experience been here in Ann Arbor?
First of all, being in person after almost two years of doing absolutely everything from home is really exciting and provides many advantages, e.g. working in person with colleagues, being able to use lab equipment, etc. Also the University of Michigan is huge and very different from universities in Mexico, where we are used to having everything in one closed campus. Ann Arbor is practically a University City—everywhere you look you’ll see the University of Michigan, which really enhances the experience. The student social life is amazing and it has definitely been an awesome experience that I recommend for anyone!
What advice would you give to other students who are interested in doing what you do?
I would say students should always apply for these kinds of programs that universities and organizations offer, always be persistent in your dreams, work hard, find successful people who can serve as role models, take advantage of the opportunities that life gives you and always be thankful.