Cody Dowdell, a California 4-H alumni, is in the STEM track at Modesto Junior College. He is expanding his understanding of engineering in particular – as an electrical engineering major. Cody credits 4-H as the foundation for where he is today.
"I've always wanted to work in STEM and be an engineer. 4-H helped me take those childhood ideas and identify which area of engineering I wanted to pursue in my future. Through projects and activities related to motors, computers, and electronics, I gained hands-on experience with STEM that laid the foundation for my first electronic and computer classes at Modesto Junior College."
Fueled by his lifelong spark for sustainability, Cody recently led The BioMass Project on campus. This research team studied a growing initiative focusing on turning agricultural waste into new manufacturing inputs. This experience shifted his focus to environmental engineering and the circular bioeconomy.
"4-H has been one of the most impactful influences that has defined what I want to do for the rest of my life. 4-H built in a respect for agriculture and the Earth. Furthermore, it built an admiration for farmers. So now the work that I'm doing seeks to support sustainable solutions for the excess biomass that California farmers have to deal with."
Cody was thrilled to be offered an opportunity through which he could further his work and research in biomass solutions. He recently acquired an internship at BEAM Circular, a non-profit that advances economic opportunity and environmental solutions through the circular bioeconomy. Through his internship, he has been researching ways that BEAM Circular can revolutionize the economy and environment in the Central Valley and beyond.
"Learning about the importance of service in 4-H, I want to do work that helps my community. This internship at BEAM Circular is an amazing opportunity to continue to serve my community using innovative methods, like anaerobic digestion technologies. Additionally, I have been able to connect with people that I know of because of 4-H, like a retired 4-H club leader and farmer, and the VP of UC ANR, Glenda Humiston. These people have been super helpful in my research and understanding of this emerging sector."
"4-H has made me ready to go through challenges and stay aplomb."
Here is a video Cody shared about his biomass work: