Paula Arias

I was born and raised in Panama City, Panama. Currently 19 years old and enjoying my summer break, I am eager to bring my energy and enthusiasm. Fluent in both Spanish and English, I have a deep love for the sea and beaches. At the age of 16 created by own solar panel club (@set_panama), where we were able to bring energy by installing solar panels to more than 10+ low-income households in indigenous communities across Panama, including, Colon, Darien, and Cocle. At 12, I obtained my official crew member license for a monohull sailboat. Monthly, I embark on sailboat journeys where I've honed skills in knot tying, wind control, navigation, and motor mechanics. I also excel in analytical thinking, and mathematics, and have a solid grasp of boat physics, including mechanics and electrical systems at a high school level.

Currently on my summer break before starting freshman year at the University of Southern California, LA.

Solar Solution Supplier S.A. / Summer Engineering Intern

● Gained commitment & discipline skills via office tasks (files/stock/delivery). Fascinated by construction inspections and access to blueprints, I was able to understand the intricacies of how the government distributes electricity to the Panamanian community.

Pass Solar S.A /Summer Engineering Intern 31/07/2023-25/08/2023

●  Meeting clients' energy needs, including isolated systems, grid connection systems with energy savings, and solar pumping systems. It has a range of projects with many government and private institutions.

●  Ignited my passion for electrical and renewable energy, interning at the oldest solar panel firm. Worked 8am-3pm, committed to learning, taking challenges, and becoming more self-aware, assisting engineers in constructing blueprints, learning AutoCAD, calculating panel's efficiency, and attending field installation with my hard hat and boots.

SET (Science-Engineering-Technology) Club / President 10/2022-Present

● SET club was formed in 2015 and has allowed many students to use their skills in technology to help those in need by installing solar panels. As a STEM student, I have the opportunity to develop my electrical engineering skills by helping low-income households that are usually 2 hours away from the city.

● I organize the meeting alongside the board of directors of SET to meet once a month, where I as an experienced member and currently president teach other members the science and fundamentals of electrical engineering.

Class of 2024 for the International School of Panama. I ended up in the top 10% of the grade, and was awarded Head of School being the most prestigious award. 

Class of 2028 for the University of Southern California, as an electrical and computer engineer at Viterbi school of engineering.