Energy Scholars
2026

Marina Garcia Giorno

University of Washington
Major
Mechanical Engineering
Minor
Business Administration
Hometown
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Interview

What made you decide on your major?

I decided to pursue Mechanical Engineering because I’ve always been drawn to designing things that can make a real difference in people’s lives. In High School, I designed a swimming fin prosthetic for a one-legged amputee, and that project really solidified this interest. Through that experience, I gained hands-on exposure to computer-aided design, 3D printing, and the broader manufacturing process. More importantly, it showed me how impactful thoughtful engineering solutions can be at both the individual and community levels. That combination of technical problem-solving and meaningful impact is what ultimately led me to choose this major.

Why did you decide to pursue the Energy Scholars program and what do you hope to gain from it?

I saw the Energy Scholars program as an opportunity to gain experience in both the technology and the market dynamics behind renewable energy projects. That broader perspective stood out to me, since understanding how projects are actually developed and implemented is just as important as the engineering behind them. The chance to engage with different companies and work on a real project over the summer feels like a unique way to gain practical insight into the industry.

What are your career aspirations within renewable energy? What kind of impact do you hope to make in your chosen field?

I hope to build a career in the energy sector where I can help expand renewable infrastructure. I’m particularly interested in analyzing and supporting projects that accelerate the transition to cleaner energy systems. Over time, I’d like to deepen my expertise in both the technical and strategic aspects of renewable energy development to contribute to solutions that have a lasting environmental and societal impact.

What is one thing that people would be surprised to learn about you?

I’ve lived in four different countries!