UCLA Engineering: UCLA Engineer Magazine

Chemical Engineering Graduate Student Fulfills UCLA Dream

Eleazar Gonzalez II

Eleazar Gonzalez II, a graduate student in the department of chemical and biomolecular engineering, is the first in his family to pursue an advanced degree. His hard work and exceptional talent have earned him two graduate fellowships – one from the Department of Homeland Security and the other from the DuPont Company.

Gonzalez is working with Professor Robert Hicks on plasmas – ionized gasses – for use in compound semiconductors, plasma reactors for manufacturing integrated circuits, and developing new materials.

“There are many more uses of plasmas, since plasma is abundant in nature and can be tailored to one’s desire,” says Gonzalez.

Although still in the initial stages of his research, Gonzalez has gained valuable laboratory skills and a broad understanding of plasma research.

“Eleazar’s undergraduate major is in chemistry, so the engineering is all new to him,” notes Hicks, a professor at the UCLA Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science. “Nevertheless, he has taken on this challenge with determination, and is excelling in his graduate course work. He’s confident and enthusiastic, and is willing to put in the long hours that are needed to make the big scientific breakthroughs.”

While an undergraduate at California State University, Bakersfield, Gonzalez was able to work on a research project with one of his professors, inspiring him to consider graduate school. His professional experiences at Boyle Engineering Corporation and Texaco while still a student exposed him to engineering and fueled an interest in the field.

“After I decided to attend graduate school in chemical engineering, choosing UCLA was an easy decision,” explains Gonzalez. “UCLA Engineering has a top ranked program and is close to home. It had always been a dream of mine to attend UCLA, and here I am.”

The fellowship from the Department of Homeland Security is a three-year fellowship and includes a stipend and full tuition. The DuPont Company fellowship provides full tuition and a stipend for two years.

“I plan on completing my doctorate at UCLA,” says Gonzalez. “After that I would like to continue conducting research. I just enjoy the idea of discovering new things and having an impact on society by improving technology through the basic principles of chemical engineering.”

- Marlys Amundson