Introduction to Runako Gentles
Runako Gentles, a junior at MIT, has always been driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact on society. Growing up in Jamaica with a supportive extended family, Gentles was encouraged to live a life that could bring about positive changes in his family and the lives of many others.
Early Life and Education
Gentles attended Campion College, a Jesuit high school in Jamaica for high-achieving students. He excelled academically, becoming valedictorian and winning an award for his commitment to social justice. Gentles naturally gravitated towards biology and chemistry, subjects that came easily to him. He recalls being able to recall science concepts and definitions years later, surprising his friends and classmates.
Pursuing a Career in Medicine
Initially, Gentles was interested in pursuing a career in medicine, particularly surgery. He was inspired by the story of retired neurosurgeon Ben Carson and even had the opportunity to observe a spinal operation. However, it was his experience at the Student Program for Innovation, Science, and Engineering (SPISE) that exposed him to the field of engineering.
Discovering Engineering
The SPISE program, modeled after the Minority Introduction to Engineering and Science (MITES) program at MIT, was Gentles’ first major exposure to engineering. He excelled in the program, winning one of the highest honors for demonstrating overall excellence and leadership. This experience helped him realize the opportunities that an engineering career path offered and ultimately led him to pursue engineering at MIT.
Exploring Engineering Interests
Before his first year at MIT, Gentles explored his engineering interests and read an article that piqued his interest in industry sectors that met basic human and societal needs. He began thinking about engineering and ethics, wanting to use science and engineering to make meaningful changes in society. This led him to pursue a degree in civil and environmental engineering, with the goal of addressing the root causes of deaths, illnesses, and poor quality of life for billions of people.
Research and Leadership Experience
Gentles has gained valuable research experience at MIT, working on projects such as analyzing earthquake data and diesel range organic compounds in water samples. He has also been a part of the Bernard M. Gordon-MIT Engineering Leadership Program, which helps undergraduates develop leadership skills. Additionally, Gentles is a team leader at Cru, a Christian community at MIT, where he plays acoustic guitar at social events.
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Gentles found the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering to be a place where he could develop his mindset of using innovation to bring harmony between society and the environment. He believes that choosing this department was not just about gaining technical knowledge, but also about being in a space where he could significantly develop his leadership skills.
Conclusion
Runako Gentles’ journey is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and a desire to make a positive impact on society. Through his experiences at MIT and beyond, Gentles has developed a strong foundation in engineering and leadership, preparing him for a career where he can use his knowledge to mitigate environmental issues and improve human lives. As he aspires to hold a position of leadership, Gentles emphasizes the need for more bright minds to address pressing environmental problems and create a more harmonious relationship between society and the planet.
