A passion for engineering, research, and helping others has led Gregorio Diaz Martinez, Farmingdale State College’s (FSC) newest Research Aligned Mentorship (RAM) Program team member, to share his undeniable enthusiasm with FSC’s students. Diaz Martinez, who joined FSC in 2024 as undergraduate research coordinator and advisor, brought with him a wealth of knowledge as an experienced researcher and science educator.
Growing up the oldest of three in Colombia, Diaz Martinez gained an early interest in engineering from his father, who was a carpenter.
“He had an area in the backyard where he worked, and, as kids, we always had access to that,” shared Diaz Martinez. “I was always watching him lifting this, building that. So, that really helped me learn to be more hands-on and problem-solving.”
A first-generation college student, Diaz Martinez went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in agro-industrial engineering from the University of Sucre, Colombia, and a master’s degree in engineering from the National University of Colombia, which he finished at North Carolina State University.
“I’m really grateful to my parents because they didn’t go to college. My mom finished fifth grade and my dad finished 10th grade, but they gave everything for me to pursue my education and career,” he said. “They did everything they could to support me.”
Along the way, Diaz Martinez also got involved in research, which he discovered was the perfect complement to his studies.
“Being an engineer and a researcher gives you the opportunity to innovate, find new ideas, and do things that nobody else has done,” he said. “And it allows you to share that knowledge with others who can help you and collaborate.”
With a focus on biochemistry, chemistry, and physical science, Diaz Martinez has held several secondary and post-secondary teaching positions across Long Island, where he enjoyed the rapport with his students and the opportunity to have a positive impact on their lives.
Every day I get up to come to work and I tell my wife, ‘I love what I do.’ I know that I’m making a difference.
- Gregorio Diaz Martinez,
Undergraduate Research Coordinator & Advisor
Now, as part of FSC’s RAM Program, which was launched in 2015 with a $3 million First in the World (FITW) grant from the U.S. Department of Education, Diaz Martinez relishes the chance to “do everything I’ve always wanted to do combined in one place,” he said. “I advise and mentor students, help advance new initiatives, and create life-changing research opportunities. I just love talking about this because it makes me so happy. Every day I get up to come to work and I tell my wife, ‘I love what I do.’ I know that I’m making a difference.’”
“Gregorio inspires others by being a leader and role model through his devotion to students’ academic and career growth,” agreed Luis Ramos Dominguez, ’28, a mechanical engineering technology major. “Gregorio has helped me home in on my goals and his help has made a huge difference in my future.”
“Gregorio has been an invaluable source of support throughout my academic journey,” said Michelle Hernandez Leiva, ’27, a criminal justice: police, courts, and corrections major with a minor in sociology. “He has provided both guidance and understanding that has helped me stay focused and resilient and has played a key role in my professional development. He truly cares about his students and always makes time for us, no matter what.”
“The most rewarding part of my job is seeing the students succeed,” said Diaz Martinez. “Growing up, I didn’t have all these opportunities. So, having the chance to open doors and prepare students for the future, that’s what motivates me the most.”
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