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From UTEP to Intel: A Journey of Growth, Community, and Resilience

May 2025
By Alexandra Sanchez '17

David Ramirez Alumni Photos

David Heriberto Ramirez ’16, ‘17 began his journey at UTEP at just 17 years old. He reflects on his journey of being a college student, the important mentors he met along the way and the hard work and determination to learn beyond the classroom. A proud two-time Miner graduate, Ramirez earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in electrical and computer engineering in 2016 and 2017. Today, he applies those skills as a Product Validation Engineer at Intel, where he ensures the performance and quality of cutting-edge technology products.

Shaped by Opportunity

Ramirez’s UTEP experience was defined by his eagerness to learn and embrace new opportunities. One of his first was an on-campus job at the Don Haskins Center, where mentors Jesus “Chuy” Olmedo and Jose “Pepe” Olmedo instilled in him the value of teamwork and leadership. Later, working at the University Library, Ramirez honed his communication skills and perfected his English — lessons that would serve him throughout his career.

His persistence opened even more doors, including an internship at El Paso Electric, where he discovered a passion for power systems and renewable energy. Choosing to pursue his master’s degree allowed him to extend the internship and deepen his technical expertise, setting the stage for his professional success.

Growth Through Challenge

“UTEP taught me that if you actively seek opportunities, you will find them,” Ramirez says. Beyond the classroom, he immersed himself in student organizations such as MAES/SHPE and IEEE-HKN, conducted research at CTIS, and even competed in the BAJA engineering competition — all of which strengthened both his technical skills and his sense of community.

Faculty mentors including Dr. Virgilio Gonzalez, Dr. Virginia Granda-Becker, Dr. Deidra Hodges, and Dr. Rodrigo Romero played pivotal roles in his journey, guiding him through technical hurdles and personal growth. “Their encouragement helped me not only stay in the engineering program but truly thrive,” Ramirez shares.

Facing Adversity

One of his most defining life lessons came in 2017 when health challenges, brought on by stress and overcommitment, forced him to pause. A serious health scare involving blood clots and appendicitis pushed him to reassess his priorities.

“That experience changed my outlook on life,” Ramirez recalls. “I learned that health is non-negotiable. No deadline or title is worth sacrificing your well-being.” This experience taught him to listen to his body, getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, and exercising. “Unexpected things happen, and we must be ready to face those challenges.”

Advice for Future Miners

Ramirez encourages today’s students to stay curious and advocate for themselves. “Ask questions. Knock on doors. Seek out new opportunities — and don’t be afraid to negotiate for yourself. Self-advocacy and curiosity will open doors you didn’t even know existed.”

Life Beyond UTEP

Now based in Hillsboro, Oregon, Ramirez continues to balance career success with community involvement, family, and personal well-being. Whether on the soccer field, volunteering at his church, or catching a flight to visit loved ones, he carries the spirit of a Miner into every facet of his life.

“The lessons I learned at UTEP go far beyond textbooks and engineering labs,” he says. “They shaped the person I am today.”