Alberto Bustamante, a biological engineering major, is one of the recipients of the Carl F. Riden Engineering Scholarship.  While he has always had a love for the fine arts, his newly discovered passion for engineering has helped him to define a career path that will ultimately benefit those with neural illnesses through a focus on neural engineering.

What led you to UGA?

“I first learned about UGA back in my freshman year in high school and was told how competitive it can be.  I pursued UGA because I wanted to be one of the few from where I’m from that actually made it to such a prestigious university.  I wanted to prove that no matter what your background is, you can excel with hard work and determination.”

When did you know you wanted to be an engineer, and what is your motivation in studying to be an engineer?

“I didn’t know I wanted to an engineer until my final year in high school, which, honestly, is cutting it close!  Throughout my life, my main focus was on the fine arts, but finding a love for engineering was a pleasant surprise.  Since then, I have been pursuing this passion so that one day, I might help those with neural diseases through neural engineering.”

“I wanted to prove that no matter what your background is, you can excel with hard work and determination.”

Who or what inspires you in your educational journey?

“My mentors at my high school and my friends and family have been my inspiration.  Since day one, they have put their faith in me and my education to ensure that one day I can achieve the goals I am striving for.”

How have you changed since coming to UGA?

“When I came to UGA, I realized that nothing would ever be the same again – no parents to tell me what to do or when to do it.  Through a drastic change in environment, I have recognized the importance of time management.  This has helped me to understand that prioritizing daily tasks and events sets a foundation for success.”

What have you found to be the most challenging aspect of being an engineering student at UGA?

“Being an engineering student, I have found that there is little room for error in pursuing this career.  Everyone is placed in such a competitive environment – we are constantly trying to outdo one another, while at the same time lifting up and encouraging each other.”

What do you enjoy most about engineering?

“As funny as it sounds, I enjoy the challenge!  The feeling of finally understanding something that has been frustrating you for so long lights something up in my brain.  There’s an even better feeling when I’m able to help my fellow students understand as well.”

“It has always been a goal of mine to help those suffering with neural illnesses through engineering products and treatments.”

You are one of the recipients of the Carl F. Riden Engineering Scholarship.  How has receiving that scholarship impacted your college education so far?

“It has been so rewarding.  I can’t thank Mr. Riden enough because financial aid has been my main worry when it comes to a college education.  My family and I couldn’t be more grateful.”

What do you plan to do after your graduate?  How do you plan to use your engineering education at UGA to solve the world’s grand challenges?

“It has always been a goal of mine to help those suffering with neural illnesses through engineering products and treatments.  That is why I plan to continue studying the discipline of neural engineering after I graduate.”