Mechanical engineering major Marc Hester has always considered himself a leader, though he said his style has usually been more show than tell.

Indeed, Hester’s life at UM-Dearborn has set more than a few inspiring examples. His work with the GRID Alternatives project, for example, took him all the way to Nepal, where he and a group of volunteers helped install solar panels as part of a community development project. And through the M2GATE Program, Hester worked virtually with a team of students in Morocco, where the ambitious goal was developing entrepreneurial solutions to the region’s social challenges. 

Closer to campus, he’s left his mark too. For his senior design project, he put his engineering expertise to use developing low-profile sensors that monitor athlete performance. And he’s been involved with a variety of student groups over the years, including serving as a senator in Student Government, working with the Student Philanthropy Council and holding several positions with the Society of Black Engineers.

Looking ahead, Hester already is charting out a unique vision for his future: “After I have accomplished everything that I possibly could in my engineering career, I would like to retire at a somewhat early age,” he said. “I want to be able to travel and give back to underdeveloped communities and countries, using technology to do things like provide clean sources of energy or clean water. I think it would be a great way to use my skills to make the world a better place.”