Alyson Rodriguez | College of Engineering | April 25, 2022

Mechanical Engineering Student Accepted Into Caltech’s WAVE Fellow Program

Sophomore mechanical engineering student, Brandon Paez, has been accepted into the highly renowned California Institute of Technology’s WAVE Fellow program for the summer 2022 cohort.

"I am passionate about conducting research in fluid dynamics with a concentration in turbulence. Caltech is the perfect place for me to pursue this dream because they are historically known for their research in fluid dynamics," said Paez. "Being accepted into the WAVE Fellowship program is surreal."

The WAVE Fellow program is one of the many programs at Caltech that help students build their academic and professional network, and prepare them as they continue their academic path to graduate school. This program aims to foster diversity by increasing the participation of traditionally underrepresented students in science and engineering. Paez has been granted the opportunity to conduct research under the guidance of Caltech assistant professor of aerospace, H. Jane Bae, Ph.D. Paez along with other fellows will then work with their mentor on specific research projects for a ten-week period during the summer. At the end of the program, they will present their research during the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship seminar. Fellows are also awarded a stipend and campus housing at Caltech.

Paez was chosen out of hundreds of applicants from across the country for this coveted fellowship. This is a prestigious program for any student planning on conducting research in the future.

Paez added, “In the future, I want to apply to a graduate school at an institute such as Caltech. Then later on in my career, I want to work at a national laboratory or as a professor. I want to be in a position where I am able to give back to my Hispanic community.”