Jonathan Gaucin, currently pursuing his Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering, has been selected as the 2024–25 Outstanding Junior for the Cullen College of Engineering.
He is a first-generation student who hopes to illustrate the impact that others in similar circumstances can have in academia and the world.
“My mom didn’t graduate from high school in Mexico. My dad did. But I don’t have anybody in my family who’s ever been to university before, so being the first one here was a little bit nerve-wracking at the beginning,” Gaucin said. “Still, my family has always supported me wholeheartedly, instilling the values of hard work and perseverance which I’ve carried with me throughout my journey.”
He poured his energy into “trying to thrive, not just survive” by getting to know his fellow students and staying caught up on academics.
“At the beginning I was very nervous. I wanted to be able to talk to people and make friends naturally — to make connections and grow within the college,” he said. “Seeking mentorship helped me a lot in being where I am today. I’ll always be grateful to those people and to the Engineering and Honors Colleges as a whole for helping me get through the transition and really start thriving.”
Gaucin chose the University of Houston because he “was looking for something close to home that would also offer a good education,” which was a great fit for his “curiosity and passion for” engineering.
“I’ve always wanted to be an engineer,” he said. “I really like the potential to innovate in electrical engineering.”
When he’s not knee-deep in the books, Gaucin serves as a research assistant for Vedhus Hoskere’s Structures and Artificial Intelligence Lab (SAIL) as well as president of student organization CougarAI.
“I kind of grew up with them, moving up through the ranks of officership, and now [as president] I’ve been able to give back to the community across UH: to help educate, lead workshops, and get industry partners engaged in this new technological revolution. It has felt really amazing to be part of that team and that community — helping first to build it and now to lead it,” he said.
In February, Gaucin received an award from the Engineering Alumni Association. As a senior, Gaucin looks forward to continuing his “good work.”
“I’ll still be supporting CougarAI, doing research here at UH and for another NSF-sponsored research project, which I was able to present at a conference this semester. I’m looking forward to continuing my research and my community-based endeavors, as well as rising to that next level and applying for graduate school to see what opportunities lie ahead.”