Martin Japheth Semwanga (M.S. '24)

Martin Japheth Semwanga (M.S. ’24)
Hometown: Kampala, Uganda
EST&P Concentration: Electrical and Computer Engineering
B.S. Electrical Engineering, Makerere University (May 2017)

Meet Martin Japheth Semwanga, a dynamic student pursuing his studies in the Energy Science, Technology, and Policy (EST&P) program at CMU. Having completed his former education from Makerere University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering, Martin brings with him a robust background and passion for electrical systems. Before embarking on his journey at CMU, Martin gained valuable experience working in the telecommunications sector and with an IoT company specializing in Energy Management. In these roles, he served as a Network Operations Center (NOC) Supervisor and Technical Coordinator, honing his skills in managing complex networks and technical operations.

Choosing EST&P was a thoughtful decision for Martin, driven by his desire to delve deeper into the realm of energy while leveraging his engineering expertise. The program's interdisciplinary approach and condensed time frame resonated with him, offering a unique opportunity to explore various facets of energy technology and policy within a relatively short period.

Through his academic journey at CMU, Martin has found a particular interest in courses like Energy Conversion and Supply, which provided a comprehensive understanding of energy fundamentals, and Air Quality Engineering, where he delved into the intricacies of atmospheric chemistry. These courses not only uniquely bolstered his understanding and approach towards problem solving in these fields, but also sparked his curiosity to explore new frontiers within the energy domain.

Outside the confines of the classroom, one thing Martin cherishes is the memories of his participation in the MIT Hackathon, an exhilarating experience that pushed his limits and allowed him to collaborate with fellow EST&P members on a problem statement, constrained to be solved in 48 hours. Martin actively engages in extracurricular activities on campus, and says that attending events such as AfroGSA Trivia and the Pirates Game allowed him to foster meaningful connections and camaraderie within the CMU community. His involvement in these activities reflects his commitment to holistic growth and his desire to make the most of his time at CMU.

Currently, Martin is finding time between his academic pursuits as a tutor on campus, further deepening his engagement while imparting knowledge to his peers. With his blend of academic rigor, professional experience, and extracurricular involvement, Martin is poised to make a significant impact in the field of energy, both during his time at CMU and beyond.