Alex Sanchez’s journey to Cal State LA was shaped by determination, curiosity, and a passion that sparked in an unexpected place: his own backyard.
After time away from school and working as a sheet-metal worker apprentice, he found a new direction behind the wheel of his Mazda Miata—an experience that ignited a fascination with automotive engineering and ultimately led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
“I purchased a Mazda Miata and became obsessed with everything and anything about cars,” said 27-year-old Sanchez, who briefly pursued a degree in sociology before choosing to work in construction.
With deepening interest, Sanchez shared that he began following motorsport series like F1 and IndyCar. “I was amazed by the engineering it took to make the fastest race cars in the world, and that’s when I saw a future for myself back in school studying mechanical engineering,” he said.
That turning point propelled him to Cal State LA, where he went on to achieve a series of academic and research accomplishments.
A Highland Park resident, Sanchez placed first in the engineering undergraduate category of the 2025 California State University Research Competition, presenting his work on high-temperature lithium-ion batteries—technology critical for enabling space exploration in extreme environments such as in the planet Venus. He also recently won the three-minute undergraduate pitch competition during Cal State LA’s Research Week.
Sanchez, who was consistently named on the Dean’s List, immersed himself in hands-on learning and leadership. As president of Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honor society, and a student researcher in Professor J. Chris Bachman’s Sustainable Technology Lab, he combined academic excellence with real-world application.
For the past two years, Sanchez has collaborated with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s Electrochemical Energy Group, investigating how lithium-ion batteries perform under extreme temperatures and exploring novel materials for space applications. He has designed full-factorial experiments, analyzed electrochemical data, and contributed to multiple research manuscripts.
“Alejandro’s ability to rapidly learn new concepts, apply strong engineering fundamentals, and approach problems with critical thinking will make him an exceptional problem-solver,” said Professor Bachman, who mentored Sanchez. “His contributions in our lab and at JPL have been remarkable, and he has the potential to make significant advances in energy storage and materials science.”
Through Cal State LA, Sanchez also interned at NASA Glenn Research Center in Ohio, where he focused on cryogenic battery systems, which further strengthened his interest in research and development.
“Batteries we use here on Earth wouldn’t survive a day on other planets,” Sanchez said. “The goal of my research is to make them work in extreme environments so we can enable future space exploration.”
Beyond his research, Sanchez is always willing to help others, including mentoring peers and volunteering with the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program to support STEM engagement.
Sanchez’s journey also included overcoming personal challenges, including his father’s stroke during a critical academic period. While balancing his course load and internships, he remained focused with support from family, peers, and faculty mentors.
Reflecting on his time at Cal State LA, Sanchez credits the support of his professors—such as Bachman, SangbumChoi, and Jeff Santner—for pushing him beyond what he thought possible. He also values the strong sense of community he built with fellow students, supporting one another through the rigors of the program.
On May 19, Sanchez will receive his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering during the 9 a.m. Commencement ceremony at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles.
After graduation, he plans to pursue his master’s degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Washington in Seattle while continuing to explore opportunities in research and development. His long-term goal is to advance battery technology for both space exploration and applications on Earth.
“Alejandro’s combination of technical expertise, research abilities, and leadership skills will surely enable him to make a significant impact on the world through science and engineering,” said Bachman.
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California State University, Los Angeles is the premier comprehensive public university in the heart of Los Angeles. Cal State LA is ranked number one in the United States for the upward mobility of its students. Cal State LA is dedicated to engagement, service, and the public good, offering nationally recognized programs in science, the arts, business, criminal justice, engineering, nursing, education, and the humanities. Founded in 1947, the University serves more than 26,000 students and has more than 250,000 distinguished alumni.
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