Coming to CSUB, Pimentel Contreras decided to major in engineering with an emphasis on petroleum engineering.
“Even though mechanical engineering was my first choice, working in the oil field has always been fascinating for me,” she said. “The technology they have developed over the years and the huge industry that it has become really amaze me and I definitely see myself working there in the future.”
Just like she was in high school, Pimentel Contreras is an active student at CSUB too. She is the secretary of the Society of Petroleum Engineers and is currently working on starting a new club called Society of Petrophysics and Well Log Analysts, of which she will be president.
Pimentel Contreras is also conducting research through the Center for Research Excellence in Science and Technology, or CREST. Her work focuses on carbon dioxide sequestration, and she has presented her work in competitions and for companies visiting CSUB. The research experience has already helped her be a step ahead in her classes and will help her in the future too, she believes.
Dr. Dayanand Saini first taught Pimentel Contreras in his introduction to engineering class and encouraged her to get involved in CREST. Since then, he has mentored her as an academic advisor, instructor, and research supervisor.
“She is a very hardworking, sincere, and intelligent student,” Dr. Saini said of Pimentel Contreras. “I do not doubt her continued success in her education at CSUB. I am confident that she will have a highly successful career in her chosen field.”
Also encouraging Pimentel Contreras along the way has been her family. She said her parents were always strict and expected the best from their children, but she sees now how that has paid off.
“When we were kids my mom was very persistent with helping us do our homework and made sure we were educated with the morals and ethics my family has passed down,” Pimentel Contreras said. “Now they don’t have to tell me what I have to do because thanks to them I have become a very responsible person and know where my priorities lie. Honestly, all I want is for them to be proud because they have done so much for me.”
The work ethic and determination Pimentel Contreras has developed over the years will serve her well as she continues her education and, later, enters the workforce. Though NSME has created a learning environment where women are encouraged to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, Pimentel Contreras knows she will likely be one of few women in a male-dominated field.