Manuel is the Senior Energy and Infrastructure Planner in the Transportation and Infrastructure Department at the Boston Planning & Development Agency. Manuel manages the implementation of the Boston Smart Utilities Vision and the Boston Community Energy Project. Manuel graduated from the University of Chicago, Harris School of Public Policy, with a Master’s in Environment Science and Policy. He also received his Bachelor’s in Chemical Engineering from MIT.

Manuel previously worked as a Researcher at the Rocky Mountain Institute, where he co-created a quantitative model to analyze India’s passenger transportation sector through 2030. He also worked as a Researcher at Argonne National Lab on a project studying energy solutions for farmers in Illinois. After receiving his degree from MIT, Manuel worked for five years in two startups:

• Soane Mining, developing sustainable chemical technologies for the mining sector, and
• GreenLight Bioscience, developing bacteria that produce chemicals sustainably.

Manuel loves Zumba, public art, and volunteering in professional development projects. Originally from Costa Rica, Manuel enjoys eating empanadas and a good cup of coffee.

I want to elevate the Latino voice in our communities, both internally and externally. That starts with creating community and learning about each other’s experiences and ideas, which is what for me the Latinx ERG is all about.

Whenever I ride a bike or rollerblade I feel at home. I love being part of a group of people who have a similar passion for all types of active transportation modes and who look for ways for others to discover this passion.