Tristan Hernandez  

Congressional Intern, Presented by Phillips66  

Hometown: El Paso, Texas  

School: The University of Texas at El Paso  

Major: Multidisciplinary Studies in Engineering Leadership, Mathematics, and Communication  

Placement: Office of Rep. Joaquin Castro 

Tristan was born and raised in El Paso, Texas. He is a proud graduate of the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), where he earned a degree in Multi-Disciplinary Studies with concentrations in Engineering Leadership, Mathematics, and Communication. Tristan’s dedication to building a diverse skill set is exemplified by his major of choice and his experience inside and outside the classroom. 

Community service was instilled in him by his parents and grandparents, all devoted civil servants who taught him the importance of giving back and helping others. This commitment began in high school, where he successfully advocated for the installation of a crosswalk at a dangerous intersection on his campus. In college, Tristan’s passion for community engagement grew, leading to his appointment as the youngest board member for a local school district. His leadership extended to organizing educational and fundraising events to support high school students from his community. 

Tristan’s journey is defined by a commitment to his community, evident through his professional experiences. As an undergraduate researcher in engineering education, he published papers highlighting the Latino experience among engineering students. His role as a Grid Intern for Government Affairs and in Emergent Technologies and Innovation at El Paso Electric Company bridged the gap between technological innovation and public service. As a CHCI Intern, Tristan hopes to learn more about the legislative and policy processes to continue helping his community, and continue his professional development in Washington, DC.