Jessica Romero is a senior in Texas ECE who will be graduating this Spring. She received the IEEE UT Austin Branch Excellence Scholarship, the Rey Feo Scholarship, worked in the Texas Inventionworks, and was a member of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) and Student Engineers Educating Kids (SEEK). We spoke with Jessica to learn more about her time in Texas ECE as well as her future goals.
HOW DID YOU END UP AT UT? WHAT PATH LED YOU HERE?
I’m from San Antonio, and my love for robotics started in middle school, leading me toward engineering. In high school, I attended an engineering magnet program, where I realized my passion for working with technology and engineering related projects. That passion brought me to UT Austin, where I chose to study electrical engineering to be part of designing and innovating the technology for the future.
WHO HAS BEEN A MAJOR INFLUENCE ON YOUR LIFE?
Academically, my mentor Teresa has been a major influence on my life. She graduated from UT in 1982 with a BS in ECE, which was incredibly inspiring to me, and she has supported me through my lowest academic points. She never gave up on me, working with me until we found solutions that helped me succeed. No matter what, she has always been there, providing guidance and encouragement in every aspect of my journey. Personally, my parents have been my biggest role models. They’ve shown me the value of hard work and have always encouraged me to pursue whatever field I’m passionate about. From the very beginning, they have supported me unconditionally, always prioritizing my well-being and mental health above all else. I genuinely could not have gotten through this degree without any of them.
IF YOU COULD PROVIDE ONE POSITIVE MEMORY OF YOUR TIME AT UT SO FAR THAT STANDS OUT, WHAT WOULD THAT BE?
One of my favorite memories at UT was winning the coed ultimate frisbee championship in spring 2024. I played IM ultimate frisbee with SEEK (Student Engineers Educating Kids), and it was some of the most fun I had during my time here. I even caught the game-winning catch, which was an incredible feeling—nothing like that had ever happened to me before. More than just the game, I made amazing friends who taught me how to have fun and make the most of my time at UT, and I will be forever grateful for them.
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS?
This Fall I will be joining Dell Technologies' Rotational Hardware Engineering Program full-time this fall. After interning in Hardware and Reliability Engineering for the past two summers with them, I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue learning and growing in the field.
YOU HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THE TALENT PROGRAM. HOW HAS THAT IMPACTED YOUR TIME HERE? WHAT DID YOU GET OUT OF THE EXPERIENCE?
The Talent Program has had a huge impact on my time here, providing me with the stability and guidance I needed to stay on track. Stacy has been an amazing advisor, always offering support and helping me navigate my semester goals. Through Talent, I’ve had opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise, from networking to academic resources that made a real difference in my success.
WHAT DOES BLACK HISTORY MONTH MEAN TO YOU?
Black History Month is a time to honor and celebrate those before us who paved the way for me and so many others. It reminds me of all the firsts that came before me, the people who fought for the rights and opportunities I have today. Their perseverance and sacrifices are the reason I can attend a university like UT and pursue my dream job. This month is a moment of gratitude, reflection, and appreciation for their lasting impact.
