Guanajuato, Gto., August 18, 2016.- The curiosity of the human being to discover the unknown has taken them to lead unimaginable spaces and zones, this amazement to know new things was Dr. Omar Samuel Mendoza Hernandez's motivation to work in the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
The Chemical Engineering grad by the University of Guanajuato (UG) is the only Mexican working in that agency, concretely in the Institute of Space and Astronaut Sciences. He has been living in Japan for six years, country where he studies a master degree and a Ph.D. at the Nagaoka University of Technology.
It was the postgraduate studies that led his interests in applicable research lines to space. His research focused on science of materials, where he refers to the development of electrochemical devices that can generate or store energy, specifically in ion batteries and fuel cells; these studies were made with the advisory of Prof. Minoru Umeda.
Dr. Mendoza commented that "the lithium-ion batteries are part of the everyday life, since we all have contact with cellphones, computers, etcetera. These devices use lithium-ion batteries, which are small electrochemical devices that store energy."
Worried by the environment, the University of Guanajuato graduate emphasized that these batteries are an important part in the area of renewable and sustainable energy. He explained that such batteries are also used for environmental protection, because these help store energy in electric or hybrid cars and equally, they are a tool to recollect energy through photovoltaic systems.
Development of Space technology
When Dr. Mendoza Hernández realized that his research line had an application in space, he worked arduously to collaborate with the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency and be able to work developing technology applied to space studies.
He remarked that "the lithium-ion batteries are a fundamental part in the development of space ships and satellites, because they are what store and provide energy. For example, when there is a satellite orbiting on earth, there are moments where it doesn't receive sunrays and cannot use the solar cells, that is when, the lithium-ion batteries kick in and keep the satellite working."
He continued saying that, "within JAXA, he worked at the Institute of Space and Astronaut Sciences in the Department of Spaceships Engineering, we analyze the batteries and fuel cells that can be applied to spaceships or satellites. We also examine other kind of technologies that are related with life support systems, for example: generating oxygen and water can be used by astronauts in a crew mission to the space station."
Besides working at JAXA, the graduate continues developing academic activities, giving talks in diverse national and international congresses. Next month, September, he will have a participation in the International Congress of Aeronautics which will be held in the city of Guadalajara.
Dr. Mendoza made some reflections about the social commitment of a scientist, "it is important for a researcher to divulge the science with the children, play with them and stimulate their curiosity to show them how fun science is. It is also important to contribute in the technological development of our local industry, favor a sustainable economy, take care of the environment, make local businesses believe and generate own technology."
He expresses that in a future he would like to establish a bridge between Mexico and Japan to have collaboration in the aerospace area.
UG provides a comprehensive education
When he was a Chemical Engineering undergrad, Dr. Omar Samuel never imagines that he would work at a Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency, although from an early age he knew he would study a discipline related with natural science.
Like so, he began his academic trajectory in the University of Guanajuato. "At UG I was able to acquire sound knowledge and knew great friends. I think the university provides the students a comprehensive education, it's up to them to know more students from other areas and take advantage of the cultural offer from the institution. I really liked to go to the concerts of the Symphonic Orchestra, to the Cinema Club, visit the language center and know people with different interests than mine."
To finalize, he sent a message to all the students at the University of Guanajuato: "don't be afraid to follow your gut to do what you like, enjoy your stay at UG, take advantage of the cultural offers because few universities do so. Interact with people from different areas. Adventure to go out of your state and country and seek other ways to think and work."
