Edgar Mejia’s journey is one of remarkable resilience and global vision. Born into a Mexican family while his father worked in Ohio, Edgar embodies a unique blend of American citizenship and Mexican cultural identity. Growing up in Mexico, he returned to the United States at 17 with a powerful aspiration: to become a successful engineer. His path, however, was not without significant hurdles, including language barriers and financial constraints. Edgar’s story, deeply rooted in his Mexican heritage and driven by an unwavering determination, showcases his inspiring rise within the field of engineering and his commitment to tackling global challenges, particularly in sustainability and plastic waste.
In 2012, Edgar enrolled in an ESL program at Harry S Truman College in Chicago. The initial years were marked by the struggle to articulate his thoughts and feelings in a new language. Adding to this challenge was the absence of financial support from his parents back in Mexico, necessitating him to juggle two jobs while pursuing his education. Despite these obstacles, Edgar remained laser-focused on his engineering dream. He began taking college-level courses and found a crucial support system in the TRiO program. Roberto Valadez, the director of TRiO, played a pivotal role, encouraging Edgar to excel academically and engage in extracurricular activities to enhance his prospects of transferring to a top-tier engineering program. This guidance proved invaluable, culminating in Edgar’s acceptance into the esteemed engineering program at the University of Illinois, a moment he describes as thrilling and transformative.
His academic journey at Illinois and beyond has been marked by significant achievements, including his prestigious Fulbright Scholarship. This opportunity took him to the United Arab Emirates, where he conducted groundbreaking research on upcycling plastic waste into materials for 3D printing at the United Arab Emirates University in Abu Dhabi. This experience not only allowed him to delve deeper into his passion for sustainable engineering but also positioned him as an informal ambassador for the U.S., mentoring Emirati students and fostering international academic exchange.
Edgar Mejia at a podium
Edgar’s dedication to addressing plastic waste is deeply personal and stems from his formative experiences. During his middle and high school years in Mexico, mission trips to remote communities in Guerrero exposed him firsthand to the detrimental effects of improper waste management. He actively engaged in teaching children about waste separation and composting, witnessing the tangible positive impact of these practices. This early exposure solidified his commitment to finding innovative solutions to the growing global plastic waste crisis, a commitment that has driven his research and career path.
The Engineering Visionary Scholarship at Illinois was another pivotal moment in Edgar’s academic trajectory. This financial support was more than just monetary aid; it was a validation of his potential and a testament to the belief that others had in him. Receiving this scholarship allowed him to dedicate more time to research, freeing him from the constant pressure of working multiple jobs to cover living expenses. This focused research period was instrumental in solidifying his passion for scientific inquiry and innovation, setting the stage for his future endeavors.
Reflecting on influential experiences, Edgar points to the initial years after returning to the U.S. as particularly formative. Navigating a new country, learning a new language, and establishing himself at just 17 were immense challenges. However, he embraced these difficulties as opportunities for growth and self-improvement. He learned to be resourceful, working diligently to fund his education and maintain high grades, opening doors to scholarships and further opportunities. He also emphasizes the critical role of mentorship in his journey. During his early research pursuits at Illinois, Hector Lopez, a Ph.D. graduate from the Autonomous Materials System group, became a significant mentor, guiding him on his scientific path and providing invaluable support and encouragement.
Currently pursuing his doctoral program in materials science and engineering under Professor Nancy Sottos, Edgar is focused on pioneering methods for recycling hard plastics, a complex challenge previously considered insurmountable. His overarching goal is to contribute to the establishment of a global circular economy. He envisions a future where plastics are designed for chemical recycling, integrated with a network of on-demand fabrication centers. This innovative approach aims to transform plastic waste into a valuable resource, creating a closed-loop system where items can be recycled and remanufactured efficiently.
Edgar’s phone background, a photograph of plastic waste washed ashore on a beach, serves as a constant reminder of the global impact of plastic pollution. His travels to various parts of the world, including a month-long trip to India where he witnessed the stark realities of plastic waste in villages, have deepened his resolve. This visual reminder fuels his dedication to finding comprehensive solutions to the plastic waste crisis, driving his research and his long-term aspirations to make a tangible difference on a global scale. Edgar Mejia’s journey, shaped by his Mexican heritage, his perseverance, and his visionary approach to engineering, is an inspiring example of how overcoming challenges can lead to impactful contributions to the world.
