“Space” to grow: our Continuing Education Program scholarship recipients

Apr 16, 2024 | News | 0 comments

Tags: ALMA

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The world of science and astronomy is a world of change, where there is always much to learn, and therefore it is essential to continue training.

In recognition of the contribution that each one of us makes to the observatory, every year we award scholarships from our Continuing Education Program, to contribute to the growth and continuing education of our colleagues. These scholarships complement the financing of various professional careers, certifications and continuing education programs, such as diploma and master’s degrees.

A benefit that Sebastián Cárdenas, our Technician II (Electronics) in the Back End area, recently received: “I felt great. In my previous job I didn’t have the economic capacity to be able to study, so with the scholarship it is much easier and more accessible for me,” he says.

Sebastián is studying Industrial Engineering, an area that is related to his current functions: “In our daily work we must have high management skills, so what I am studying now helps me a lot”. He was grateful for the initiative: “I think it shows ALMA’s concern for the people who work in the organization”.

Among the 14 local staff (LSM) who received the benefit this year is also Mario Tejeda, our Electronics Engineer II, who applied for the first time, after completing his first year at ALMA: “It was a great joy to receive the benefit, and also an important relief. I had been looking for a long time for the opportunity to do a master’s degree, and finally here I had the opportunity to start this project. I think this support is fundamental to be able to study more focused and reduce external worries”.

Thanks to this scholarship Mario began his Master’s degree in Engineering Sciences, with a specialization in Electrical Engineering, where in addition to expanding his theoretical knowledge and analysis and research skills, he will be able to participate in research associated with radio astronomical instrumentation. “I see a lot of talent in my co-workers, and the existence of these initiatives provides opportunities to take advantage of these skills,” he says.
There are even some who received the benefit for the second time. Such is the case of Christopher Zamorano, our Technical Lead, who in 2015 received the scholarship to finish his studies in Engineering, and now began his Master of Science with special focus on Electronic Engineering Control System.

Within that specialization he seeks to learn new technologies to be able to emulate an antenna mount, and thus be able to test adjustments or possible repairs, without taking an antenna away from other areas. “This way we will save a lot of resources and it will also give us the possibility to develop new things. This is a win-win situation: I win more knowledge, an interesting project, and ALMA wins. We all win,” he says.

That is why Christopher supports this type of initiative: “I have learned that it is good to have this type of opportunity that makes you grow. And having your employer support you also shows you that he trusts what you are doing, and believes that you will bring something to the job. It also gives you the possibility to opt for other challenges, whether it is a position or a project, when they appear within the same organization,” Christopher concludes.
To learn more about our Continuing Education Program deadlines and application process, check below
Click here for more information
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