Juggling multiple roles as a PhD student, husband, new father, and political activist, Joseph Hernandez is undaunted—in fact, he plans to change the world. He sums up his inspiration simply: “I want to do work that creates change and has a positive effect on society.”

A first-generation college student and a Dean’s List regular, Hernandez is passionate about issues of diversity in education. As a recipient of the King-Chavez-Parks Future Faculty Fellowship, he will spend two to three years teaching after he finishes his PhD and plans to use that position to make a difference in the lives of minority students. “Because I understand their unique circumstances and challenges, I will be able to provide guidance and advice to individual students and minority student groups. There is still much to be done to increase diversity in engineering.”

In the meantime, Hernandez tackles the problem of water management in fuel cells as a part of his PhD program. His research project, a partnership with the U.S. Department of Energy, General Motors, and RIT, aims to enhance fuel cell performance for widespread use. (See sidebar for more information.) He explains, “We’re looking at capillary phenomena and two-phase flow in fuel cell systems. It’s an aggressive schedule and a large undertaking, but it’s gratifying to know that our work will have an impact on society.”

Ultimately, Hernandez plans to enter industry, where he will address the concern of alternative fuels in developing nations. “I would like to establish my own consulting firm and work with third-world countries to take advantage of their natural surroundings to provide low-cost fuel to citizens.” He cites the potential of solar energy in vast desert regions and hydrogen fuel sources for countries with ocean borders. “I don’t believe we have to rely on petroleum when there is so much potential energy to be found in other sources.”

Even as he faces global issues, Hernandez remains grounded. “There’s such a vast amount of knowledge out there, and I am privileged to use the little I have to be of service to others. Michigan Tech has been the ideal starting point for a journey of lifelong learning.”