Today we’d like to introduce you to Elio Morillo.
Hi Elio, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Born in the warm and vibrant city of Guayaquil, Ecuador in 1993, my journey weaves through paths marked by resilience, hope, and community. As a young child, my mother and I ventured into the unknown terrains of New York, seeking a brighter future amidst the towering skyscrapers where she embraced diverse jobs to illuminate the path ahead for us.
The allure of Puerto Rico, with its vibrant rhythms, called us during the new millennium. Yet the economic collapse of 2006 led us back to NYC for my high school years. Despite these moves and the economic challenges they posed, the beacon of my educational pursuit never flickered.
My resolve led me to the University of Michigan. Working as a tutor and teaching supplemental engineering classes, I procured scholarships and a minimal number of loans to fund my education, acknowledging the financial constraints my mother faced. My commitment to independence solidified at 18, assuring my mother on the cusp of my college years, “I got this.” The autonomy of navigating my financial and academic journey laid the foundation for the celestial bounds my career would later take.
A pivotal chapter of my university years unfolded with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE). This community emerged as a significant beacon of support, mentorship, and professional development. The friendships and guidance cultivated within SHPE’s embrace were instrumental in shaping my journey and reinforcing my resolve to contribute meaningfully to space exploration. It was within SHPE that I seized the opportunity to work at NASA on projects like the Perseverance Rover and the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter. After six years, I transitioned to Blue Origin’s Human Landing System. “From Mars to the moon, as it’s a shorter commute,” I like to joke.
My words echo the sentiments of countless paths paved by perseverance: “si se pudo, si se puede, si se podrá” – it was possible, it is possible, it will be possible. With the enduring support from communities like SHPE and the unwavering resilience instilled by my mother, I stand as a testament to the boundless potential within each of us.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As I transitioned to middle school in New York City, an incident dramatically reshaped my outlook. Preparing my high school application, a disheartening bias emerged. Despite my straight-A record, my guidance counselor unilaterally lowered my grades to B’s, claiming no one would believe an immigrant kid could achieve such grades. This incident starkly highlighted the prejudice within an education system that should have been empowering and supportive.
This bias could have dimmed my potential, but my mother’s resolve shined through. Despite a language barrier, with my uncle’s translation assistance, she confronted the district authorities, rectifying my academic record and reaffirming the dignity and rights of every immigrant child. This victory echoed throughout my life, fueling my perseverance against systemic challenges.
Although my father was absent, incredible male figures in my life and online resources like YouTube filled the gap, teaching me about manhood and other life skills. Despite underrepresentation in STEM fields, my involvement with the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) reinforced my purpose and potential. It provided a supportive community of shared experiences and aspirations, fortifying my professional journey.
Today, I navigate not only academic and professional pathways but personal and emotional ones too. Despite heartbreaks and mental health challenges, I learn and grow, realizing my worth and resilience. As I continue my journey, the echoes of past victories and the support of communities like SHPE light my way, reinforcing my commitment to contributing positively to the world and supporting others on similar paths.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
My robust foundation in mechanical and electrical engineering, meticulously crafted at the prestigious University of Michigan, has empowered me to make significant contributions to groundbreaking missions. At NASA-JPL’s Mars 2020 mission, my role in the success of the Perseverance rover and the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter stands as a proud beacon of my commitment to expanding human knowledge and advancing technological innovation.
This exploration journey continues as I contribute my expertise to Blue Origin’s lunar Human Landing System, pushing the frontiers of human space exploration further. Amidst these stellar missions, I was recently honored with the “Professor Chaos” award, a recognition for demonstrating operational excellence in driving ambitious organizational and standardization goals for lunar exploration. This award echoes my dedication to not only reach for the stars but to ensure the journey is marked by operational excellence, innovation, and a shared commitment to discovery.
However, the odyssey doesn’t just encompass cosmic exploration. It is a journey intertwined with a resolute commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all to access the celestial realms. Beyond professional realms, my voyage is enriched by a vibrant commitment to community engagement, where I passionately share insights through engaging talks, dedicated volunteer work, and unwavering mentorship. The goal is clear: to inspire and empower a new generation of explorers and innovators to reach beyond the known, ensuring the cosmos is a shared realm of endless possibilities.
Despite the galactic accomplishments and recognitions, it’s the rich mosaic of diverse cultural experiences that remains the true north of my exploration journey. It fuels an unwavering passion to make space exploration an accessible dream for every aspiring explorer, transcending all barriers.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
In the lively heartbeat of Los Angeles, there’s a resonance that aligns deeply with my soul. What I adore most about this expansive metropolis is its delightful array of food. From the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine to the diverse dishes from East Asia, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, LA’s gastronomic scene is a journey in itself, reflecting the city’s rich diversity.
Beyond the culinary world, Los Angeles is alive with cultural celebrations. The allure of live shows, the exhilarating world of sports events (dimelo Doyers! dimelo LAFC!), and the resonant laughter at comedy shows add to the city’s vibrant character. These events, each a significant piece of LA’s cultural panorama, underscore the city’s dynamic and inclusive spirit.
The multifaceted population of LA enhances its unique charm, contributing to every interaction and experience. This city stands as a significant hub for aerospace companies and research centers, offering limitless opportunities to push boundaries in our understanding of the cosmos. This, along with a plethora of recreational activities – the inviting surf, captivating hiking trails, vibrant kickboxing gyms, and dance venues for salsa, bachata, merengue, perreo, and cumbias – makes LA a city of endless exploration and expression.
Yet, amid its numerous attractions, I yearn for a more sustainable and accessible Los Angeles. The vastness of the city underlines a pressing need for upward housing development and an enhanced public transportation system. These improvements would bolster the city’s connectivity and lessen the reliance on personal vehicles, a notable contrast to the streamlined, car-free lifestyle I appreciated in NYC.
Despite these challenges, Los Angeles continues to flourish as a city of abundant cultural richness, innovative excellence, and boundless opportunity, made even more vibrant by its diverse and dynamic community.
Contact Info:
- Website: thespacemechanic.com
- Instagram: thespacemechanic
- Facebook: thespacemechanic
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliomorillo/
- Youtube: thespacemechanic
Image Credits
@thespacemechanic
