Building Your Epic Life: Your Journey, Your Way, Your Masterpiece

Luciano Castillo is a nationally recognized advocate for mentoring, diversity, and innovation in STEM education. His journey began in the 1990s at the State University of New York at Buffalo, where he studied science and engineering. Since then, he has built a legacy of inclusive leadership, community engagement, and academic excellence, working with organizations such as the Society of Hispanic Engineers and the National Society of Black Engineers to create mentorship programs for youth and students. Currently the Kenninger Professor of Renewable Energy and Power Systems in the School of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University, Castillo founded the Trailblazers in Engineering program, which supports doctoral and postdoctoral scholars in their transition to academic careers. Passionate about mentorship, he has led several summer research institutes focused on renewable energy and medicine, serving students, K–12 educators, and college faculty.