Daniel Barragan

Daniel is a Mechanical Engineering major from Anaheim, California with an interest in minors in energy studies and corporate practice. 

This past summer, he did a summer study abroad program in Nepal. He found the trip to be super amazing and he hopes the program continues. There, he took a course in energy and sustainability and presented on biofuels and electric cars. He was also struck by the poverty, food insecurity, and pollution and the ways people are working to fix these problems. He visited bat caves, kayaked, and learned about the people who live in the Himilayas. He also grappled with the immigration and education issues, as well as the dependence on agriculture. He feels sustainability really aligns with his values and future interests.

He is a Gates Scholar, an Earl Woods Scholar, and a Galvin Scholar. He was a Questbridge finalist. As an Earl Woods Scholar, he learned about college and the application process through workshops and mentorship. 

In high school, he played baseball and tennis. Physical health is very important to him. He lead the California Scholarship Federation club and used what he knew to help other students to learn about college and focus on their futures. He was in National Honor Society as the Commissioner of Scholarships. He was in the Becoming Resilient in Overcoming Stereotypes (BROS) Club (helping set up events and clean up in the community). He tutored at the YMCA and was a basketball coach and referee. He also tutored extensively at his high school. 

Outside of all of these activities, he is very into nature and being outdoors. He loves spending time at the park with his family. 

Study Abroad

• Nepal (Summer 25)

Awards

• Gates Scholar
• Earl Woods Scholar
• Galvin Scholar

Activities

• Society of Latinx Engineering Students (SOLES)
• American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
• Boxing Club