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When Carlos Olmedo talks about his future, he doesn’t just picture a career in science. He envisions a life dedicated to humanity.
The 21-year-old UF chemical engineering junior calls himself a “citizen of the world,” a philosophy that drives every action he takes — whether volunteering to build homes, guiding young chemistry learners as a teaching assistant or conducting research in a lab.
“Anyone can point out a problem,” Olmedo said. “But few actively seek a solution.”
In his home country of Mexico, Olmedo volunteered with Techo, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting extreme poverty by building homes for families in marginalized communities.
He worked side by side with volunteers to construct homes in less than a week — an experience he said showed him community action can be an “engine for real change” in the face of social and economic inequities.
In spring 2024, Olmedo returned to Mexico to continue volunteering with Techo, a reminder of the inequalities that still fuel his motivation.
“There are people dying of hunger,” he said. “That’s something I carry with me, into the classroom, the lab and every space I’m in.”
At UF, Olmedo channels his passion for service into teaching. As a teaching assistant for chemistry courses, he helps students overcome academic challenges — especially those who share his native language.
“Now, my Spanish can be useful for something,” he said.
Peers who have worked with him say his support makes a lasting impact.
“I can really see that Carlos values mentorship and teaching others,” said Anaiya Meikle, a 19-year-old UF data science sophomore. Meikle also expressed how thankful she was for the help and guidance provided during the tutoring sessions.
When he’s not helping other students, Olmedo is focusing on his own UF research in the Stoppel Lab — a center focused on cell platforms and insect-based systems. His main motivation, he said, is contributing to health accessibility as he hopes to develop more efficient and less expensive drugs for people everywhere.
Classmates say Olmedo’s knowledge and generosity stand out.
“If we don’t get it, we go to Carlos for help,” said Zella Tavai, a 20-year-old UF chemical engineering senior. “It’s just been great getting to know him and get to work with him.”
Olmedo also hasn’t given up on building houses. As a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity in Gainesville, he helps build homes for families in need — combining his love of construction with his commitment to social change.
“It’s amazing to think about how these houses can transform the lives of the people who live in them,” he said.
Though chemistry is his chosen field, Olmedo said construction remains one of his greatest passions — another way, he believes, to build a better world.
Olmedo’s journey — from building homes in Mexico to developing scientific solutions in Gainesville — is guided by a belief that transcends borders.
“Just by existing here, living here, and interacting with the community, I have the responsibility to at least contribute in some way,” he said.
He hopes to enter a Ph.D. program in molecular biology and informatics, with a long-term goal of making medicine more affordable and accessible worldwide.
Contact María José Cordero in mcastillo@alligator.org . Follow her on X @marprofundo___.
María José Cordero is a contributing writer and a political scientist currently in her first year of a master’s program in Women’s Studies, Gender and Sexualities. She has a keen interest in feminist perspectives and the intersections of politics and social change. In her free time, she enjoys outdoor activities, soaking up the sun and spending time in nature.
