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Meet Fernando Macias, Process Engineer II, MP Materials

What motivated you to enroll in the AI Engineering program?聽

I studied chemical engineering at UCSB, and throughout my career I noticed how much of modern process engineering is shifting toward data driven decision making. I wanted to build real skills in AI and machine learning instead of just using them as tools I didn't fully understand. CMU has a respected reputation in both engineering and AI/ML, so when I found a program that let me build that foundation while continuing to work full time, it felt like the right fit. I was motivated by the idea of combining my chemical engineering background with these newer skill sets to become a stronger, more well rounded engineer.

How did this program contribute to any professional advancements, such as a job promotion, career transition, or new research opportunities?

The program played an important role in my career development by expanding my technical skills beyond traditional chemical engineering. This certificate exposed me to a rapidly growing field and helped me see how AI and machine learning can complement engineering expertise. It has motivated me to continue exploring opportunities at the intersection of AI and chemical engineering and has also led me to consider pursuing future graduate studies focused on these areas.

How have you been able to apply the knowledge and skills gained from this program in your career or further studies?

This program changed the way I think about engineering problems. I began looking for opportunities to apply machine learning concepts to industrial process data and operational challenges. As a chemical engineer working in process development and manufacturing, I became interested in how predictive modeling, process analytics, and AI tools can be used to better understand and optimize complex systems. The coursework gave me the confidence to explore these applications and continue learning beyond the classroom.

What aspects of this program did you find most valuable?

The most valuable aspect of the program was how it balanced theory with practical implementation. Before starting the certificate, my experience was primarily in chemical engineering and process operations, with most of my programming experience coming from MATLAB. The program provided a structured introduction to machine learning and AI while still challenging students to understand the underlying mathematics and algorithms. I appreciated that the assignments required us to build and analyze models ourselves rather than simply use existing tools. Topics such as neural networks, transformers, and modern deep learning methods helped me better understand the technologies that are rapidly changing engineering and industry.