2025 Ben Kessel Memorial Endowed Scholarship Recipients (University of the Pacific School of Engineering and Computer Science)
Frederico Magallanes
Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2026
Hometown: Stockton, CA Frederico Magallanes is a passionate mechanical engineering student with hands-on experience in design, troubleshooting, and manufacturing across a range of dynamic projects. From interning at Niagara Bottling to building Formula One cars, he thrives on tackling challenges and applying creative solutions to real-world problems. Whether it's designing parts for complex systems or leading collaborative teams, he brings a balance of technical skills and strategic thinking to everything he does.
Frederico is a native of Stockton, CA and deeply committed to living and working in his home community. He has a particular interest in working on environmental issues, with a special interest in advocating for a cleaner San Joaquin Delta. As an intern, he has worked with other engineers at his company to create robotic arms to clean up nuclear waste in tanks. He prides himself on his abilities to leverage technology to turn ideas into actionable results, as well as his proficiency in project management. Fluent in English and Spanish, Frederico looks forward to applying innovative engineering solutions that push the boundaries of what's possible! In his personal life, Frederico is passionate about the outdoors and is an avid hiker with a special affinity for Bay Area trails. He also greatly enjoys swimming and other outdoor activities. |
Spencer Halmos
Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2026
Hometown: Morgan Hill, CA Spencer Halmos is a mechanical engineering student at University of the Pacific with a strong foundation in engineering principles, hands-on fabrication, CAD modeling, and designing mechanical devices. He is passionate about pursuing opportunities that involve cutting-edge research, electronics engineering, and integrating emerging green technologies to optimize sustainability in system development. Spencer also greatly enjoys hiking and biking - particularly on the trails in the open space areas surrounding his Morgan Hill, CA home.
As a high school student, Spencer was an active member of the school's FFA chapter - experiences that fueled his interests in learning best practices in sustainable agriculture. As a student at Pacific, he serves as a Steward in the Fletcher Jones Foundation Makerspace. Spencer is one of just a few students entrusted with this role, which requires him to instruct other students in maximizing technology and equipment available in the facility. Spencer has also served as a leader of the Formula SAE team at Pacific, gaining experience in designing, testing, and optimizing mechanical systems. |