Axel is a 2023 graduate of Columbia University, holding a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Hispanic Studies. Throughout his academic journey, Axel developed a keen interest in hardware design and robotics, which flourished under his active leadership at Columbia. 

 

He co-led a payload team as part of the Columbia Space Initiative’s Rocketry team for the 2023 Spaceport America Cup competition and participated in multiple NASA summer programs. Additionally, Axel served as Co-President of the Columbia Robotics Club and was deeply involved in the Mexican Students Association, where he first contributed as a Visual Coordinator and later served as Co-President. In his role, Axel focused on uniting the Mexican student community at Columbia while celebrating Mexico’s rich culture and heritage. 

 

During high school, Axel achieved significant recognition, receiving a Gold Seal for his drawing “Control,” one of the top artworks selected from thousands of entries statewide. He was honored as a Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar, QuestBridge Scholar, AP Scholar, and Ysleta Education Fund Distinguished Scholar. Axel also received the Hispanic Heritage Foundation Youth Award for excellence in business and entrepreneurship and graduated as Salutatorian from Ysleta High School with over two million in scholarships earned. 

 

Currently, Axel manages a Mechatronics Lab at Columbia, overseeing the entire process of designing, building, and testing experimental setups for advanced mechanical engineering courses.

 

Outside of work, Axel enjoys engaging in art, traveling, and trying new coffee shops!