Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes, July 7, 2026.— Manuel González Mendoza, alumnus of Mechatronics Engineering at the Universidad Panamericana Aguascalientes campus, received the 2026 Fulbright-García Robles scholarship from COMEXUS, one of the most prestigious academic exchange programs between Mexico and the United States, to pursue a graduate degree in Aerospace Engineering.
The Fulbright-García Robles Fellowship Promotes Mexican Scientific Talent
Sponsored by the Mexico-United States Commission for Educational and Cultural Exchange (COMEXUS), this scholarship annually recognizes a small number of candidates for their track record, academic potential, and ability to contribute to the scientific and technological development of both countries.
Thanks to this recognition, Manuel will begin a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering at the Georgia Institute of Technology, one of the most internationally renowned universities in this field.
A career built on research
In addition to being a graduate of the Aguascalientes campus, the engineer holds a dual master’s degree in Science and Engineering from the Universidad Panamericana , Guadalajara campus, and the Teikyo Universityin Japan, made possible through our institution’s international collaboration programs.
He currently serves as coordinator of the Aerospace Laboratory at the Universidad Panamericana, where he conducts research projects in:
-Nanosatellites.
-Orbital satellite systems.
-Aerodynamics.
-Fluid Mechanics
His process of securing the scholarship began after he participated in a seminar for young faculty members, where he received guidance on identifying funding opportunities for graduate studies. Encouraged by university administrators and staff, he decided to apply for a program he knew to be highly competitive.
For Manuel, this selection represented recognition of a path forged over several years of training, research, and collaboration.“Being part of the Fulbright Program, recognized for its excellence and competitiveness, is an honor that drives my academic and professional growth. This opportunity represents a decisive step toward pursuing my doctoral studies in Aerospace Engineering in the United States and the beginning of a new phase of learning, challenges, and scientific contribution.”
A strong background in STEM fields
Among the 2026 cohort of Fulbright-García Robles scholars, the majority had backgrounds in business, law, and international relations. Manuel was part of the small group of students who will pursue a Ph.D. in engineering, and he was the only candidate selected to study aerospace engineering.
This achievement reflects the growing international recognition of STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and the potential of Mexican researchers to contribute to global technological development.
A passion for space was born in the Universidad Panamericana
Manuel's interest in the aerospace industry began while he was participating in the university project "Misión Colibrí," which focused on the development of a nanosatellite. That experience sparked his interest in a field that, over the years, would become the cornerstone of his professional career.
During his master's program, he conducted research on devices to reduce aerodynamic drag in delivery drones, and he recently collaborated with researchers from the Mexico and Aguascalientes campuses on a project involving artificial intelligence applied to microcontrollers.
The results of this study were presented in January 2026 at the AIAA SciTech Forum 2026, one of the most important international conferences in aerospace engineering, where the paper “Aerodynamic Drag Reduction Strategies for Box-Shaped Payloads in Delivery Drones: A Multimodal Experimental Study” was presented.
“I love doing research, publishing articles, developing patents, and teaching. Sharing knowledge with students is something I really enjoy,” he says.
Support that opens up new opportunities
Manuel acknowledges that a significant part of his professional development began during his student years, when professors at the Universidad Panamericana invited him to participate in research projects and scientific publications.
These experiences allowed him to discover a calling for generating knowledge and to understand the value of sharing research findings with the international scientific community.
For this reason, it encourages students to take a proactive approach to their education.
He also emphasized the importance of developing independence and a commitment to lifelong learning. “Don’t wait for someone else to give you the tools. Today we have access to a vast amount of information; you have to seek out opportunities, keep learning on your own, and take the initiative.”
An achievement that reflects the scope of university education
The selection of Manuel González Mendoza as a 2026 Fulbright-García Robles Fellow recognizes his career as a researcher and marks the beginning of a new phase in his academic development at one of the world’s leading institutions in aerospace engineering.
At the same time, this achievement reflects the opportunities available to students and alumni of the Universidad Panamericana to participate in research projects, collaborate within international networks, and continue their education at globally renowned universities, contributing to the advancement of knowledge and innovation from various disciplines.
