What is/are your major(s)? minor(s) – if other than Software Engineering?
Minor in Cybersecurity
What influenced your decision to choose Software Engineering?
The problem-solving aspect of being given A, and wanting B, but then having endless choices for a possible solution intrigued me.
Where is your “hometown”? Fun fact about home?
Grinnell, Iowa. The founder of Intel, Robert Noyce, graduated from Grinnell High School.
“It’s about the opportunities you take, not if you think you are good enough. You might end up surprising yourself.” – Sergio Perez-Valentin
What are you involved in at the university (or off)?
SE Learning Community Peer Mentor, Robotics Club
Editor’s Note: Sergio was part of a Robotics Club team that participated in an autonomous snow plow competition in January 2023. Read more here.
What was your favorite part of student life? And why?
Having the freedom to explore new hobbies, different subjects, and meet new students every day who each have unique passions and goals.
Who has had the biggest impact on you and why?
My high school AP Computer Science teacher. He was the first to teach me how to program, but what captivated me the most was his passion for it and his willingness to pass it on to us.
Tell us a little about your internship experiences. What role did you play? What did you like most about your role?
My first internship was right out of high school for ASI Signage, where I made automation scripts. I was their first SE intern, so I was given a lot of creative freedom that allowed me to show my potential.
My next internships were at Amazon Web Services (summer 2022, 2023), where I did fleet health checks. I enjoyed the high stakes of working on a product that affects almost everyone’s day-to-day lives, even if it’s behind the scenes.
What are your plans after graduation?
Currently pursuing a concurrent master’s in Artificial Intelligence (AI). After which I’ll accept a full-time offer from Amazon.
If you could give an incoming SE Program student advice, what would it be?
It’s about the opportunities you take, not if you think you are good enough. You might end up surprising yourself.
Could you tell us a little more about your experience at Iowa State? Favorite memories?
What makes Iowa State special to me is the community. Everyone I’ve met is including and wants to get to know you. You can roll up to a pick up soccer game, or join a new club and they’ll let you in with open arms. It’s not about what you offer, it’s who you are, and you don’t get the sense of inclusion everywhere you go.
What’s one random fun fact about yourself you’d be willing to share?
I love ice cream, but like scary love. I can eat several pints per sitting.
Please share any other accomplishments, interests, travel or activities (outside of school) that interest you here, if you wish. We’d love to know more about you.
Between semesters, I love to travel to Spain to visit my family. I might be biased, but the food in Spain just tastes better.