Christopher Lovero will graduate this semester with a degree in chemical engineering, ending a rich academic experience at the University of Houston Cullen College of Engineering in which he held three internships; served as an officer in an active student organization; and most recently, was chosen as the 2012 UH Homecoming King, representing with pride the Program for Mastery in Engineering Studies (PROMES).
After graduating from Dulles High School, Lovero decided to carry on his family’s tradition of attending the University of Houston. While his brothers had attended UH for degrees in health professions, he found chemical engineering as the right fit for his interests in chemistry and math.
Starting as a freshman in 2007, Lovero joined PROMES on the recommendation of friends. For new engineering students, PROMES helps students find structure within a rigorous program by creating an atmosphere of academic camaraderie. Initially, he was a very quiet student. “I didn’t think Mr. Mathews or Dr. Zerda even knew who I was,” he said. “But they do know all the students in PROMES, and that just goes to show their commitment to the organization, and the good things they do.”
PROMES opened the doors to a world of opportunity for Lovero. He learned about the advantages of belonging to an engineering student organization and became a member of the UH chapter of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, later being elected vice president, and board member for the regional conference.
Engineering organizations, like UH SHPE, give high-achieving students the right opportunities to develop skills necessary to succeed at Cullen College and beyond. Forming study groups, learning how to craft a great résumé, and networking with prospective employers are just a few of the perks. “I became a leader; being in UH SHPE allowed me to grow as a person and to learn more about myself,” Lovero said. “I really enjoyed my time with SHPE, and I made friends that I’ll have for the rest of my life.” As the vice president, Lovero acquired personal leadership skills, like time management and conflict resolution, which will serve him well in his future career.
He recently attended the 2012 SHPE Conference in Fort Worth, where attendees were given access to a range of career and graduate school options, professional development workshops, and direct contact with prospective employers. He touts the significance of conference attendance for the busy undergraduate. “We get caught up in academic mode here at UH, but at a conference we can see the future and what else we can be,” he said.
For engineering students, internships are an essential part of preparing for life after graduation. Lovero had three. The first was at the Valero McKee Refinery, north of Amarillo, Tx., where Lovero dove into process engineering and was able to save the company about $64,000 annually by making adjustments to its steam and condensate systems. A second internship with Total Petrochemicals took him to Port Arthur, Tx., where he worked in environmental process controls. At another internship with Enterprise Products, a midstream services company in downtown Houston, Lovero received and accepted a full-time offer upon graduation. “I love the atmosphere there,” he said of his workplace. “I feel like they are the ones who fit my personality the best.”
During his last semester as an undergraduate, Lovero decided to run for Homecoming King as a proud representative of PROMES. “I wanted to show everyone that there are true leaders at Cullen College who are making good things happen, who are going to lead in the workforce,” he said. To be chosen for the Homecoming Court, students must demonstrate school pride, academic excellence, and involvement in the community. Lovero was announced as Homecoming King at the Homecoming game on November 10.
Through the community activities of UH SHPE and PROMES, Lovero volunteered much of his time to promote UH engineering. “I got to meet so many different people, from 18-year-olds fresh out of high school, to a mom who went back to school at UH after her children graduated,” he said, inspired by meeting people who are driven to make their future better. “That’s what I love about UH,” he said. “It gives the people of Houston a great opportunity.”
