UTEP Electrical Engineering Student Earns National Scholarship

Last Updated on January 27, 2021 at 12:00 PM

Originally published January 27, 2021

By Christina Rodriguez

UTEP Communications

Jesus Morales, a senior electrical and computer engineering major at The University of Texas at El Paso, was named a recipient of the nationally competitive Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Power and Energy Society (IEEE PES) scholarship through the organization’s Scholarship Plus Initiative. IEEE is the world's largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity.

Jesus Morales, a senior electrical and computer engineering major at The University of Texas at El Paso, was named a recipient of the nationally competitive Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Power and Energy Society (IEEE PES).

The IEEE PES Scholarship Plus Initiative provides financial support for highly qualified engineering undergraduate students to lead them to the engineering field. The organization invests in promising U.S. students with potential to develop new green technologies, build smart grids, and change the way we generate and utilize power.

“The IEEE PES Scholarship is a national recognition of Mr. Morales as a high-achieving undergraduate student in electrical engineering,” said Miguel Velez-Reyes, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) and George W. Edwards Jr. El Paso Electric Distinguished Professor in Engineering. “It also recognizes the growth of UTEP’s electrical and computer engineering academic offerings in electric power and energy systems, and our ability to graduate professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to make an impact across the power and energy industry.”

Morales is one of 118 recipients of the PES engineering scholarship. Awardees are high-achieving undergraduate students in electrical engineering who have committed to exploring the power and energy fields through both coursework and career experiences.

Morales has a passion for working with electricity and has been working as a licensed journeyman electrician for many years. He currently runs a small electric company and is completing an internship with El Paso Electric Company.

The IEEE PES scholarship will allow Morales to complete his last semester at UTEP and overcome financial challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. After earning his degree, he plans to stay with El Paso Electric, joining one of the power-related departments. He is also considering pursuing graduate studies.

Funds from the scholarships are paid directly to the universities of the recipients to help defray educational costs. Scholarship recipients will receive $2,000 for each of the first two years and $3,000 for the third year upon continued qualification.

“Many students apply for this scholarship, and being one of the chosen few feels very rewarding,” Morales said. “It takes a lot of effort going through college while working and having a family that depends on you. Knowing that you are being recognized for all your hard work motivates me to keep going and aim for more.”

For more information on the IEEE PES Scholarship Plus Initiative, visit ieee-pes.org/pes-communities/students/pes-scholarship-plus-initiative.