IPN Alumnus Contributes to Ford Motor Company’s Technological Innovation

Rocío Castañeda

ESIME Zacatenco Graduate Applies Physics and Mathematics Expertise to Ensure Vehicle Performance and Enhance Product Value

Driven by a deep passion for physics and mathematics, Luis Eduardo Carrión Rivera—who holds a Master of Science in Telecommunications Engineering from the Escuela Superior de Ingeniería Mecánica y Eléctrica (ESIME), Unidad Zacatenco, at the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN)—shared how his academic background opened the doors to Ford Motor Company, one of the world’s leading automotive manufacturers.

Originally from Veracruz, Mexico, Carrión has been living in the state of Michigan, United States, for the past six years, where he plays a key role at Ford’s Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Vehicle Verification Testing Laboratory.

At this facility, Carrión applies his expertise in physics and mathematics to ensure the optimal performance of Ford’s vehicles, contributing to the quality and added value of their products.

“In this industry, competition is constant among manufacturers, which leads to new challenges and, ultimately, innovation,” he explained. “With electric vehicles, we’re not reinventing the wheel, but we are implementing technologies that hadn’t been applied in this sector before. In that sense, we are innovating.”

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The EMC Laboratory at Ford conducts comprehensive electromagnetic compatibility tests at the vehicle level. Based on the results, the team determines whether a vehicle meets the company’s quality standards and complies with regulatory requirements. As Carrión noted, the EMC area demands in-depth knowledge of electromagnetism.

He emphasized the complexity of working with unintentional electromagnetic phenomena, which is a key distinction from other fields such as antenna or transmission line design, where standard rules and formulas often apply.

“For instance, we intentionally design antennas to radiate. But in an internal combustion engine vehicle, the layout and routing of the spark plug cables can unintentionally form a resonant circuit that interferes with radio frequencies, even affecting TV signals,” he said.

Although the primary function of spark plug cables isn’t to interfere with radio receivers, such unintended phenomena often occur and can be difficult to trace—an increasingly relevant challenge in the context of electric vehicles.

This, he emphasized, underscores the importance of understanding physical phenomena and mastering mathematical language. “Otherwise, you lack the tools to address a problem whose root cause remains unknown.”

A Career Sparked by Curiosity and Preparedness

Before joining Ford, Carrión led the Antennas and Electromagnetic Fields Laboratory at Mexico’s National Metrology Center (CENAM). Seeking new challenges, he relocated to the U.S., where there was a growing demand for specialists in electromagnetic compatibility and radiofrequency systems.

Thanks to the solid foundation in telecommunications, electromagnetism, and mathematics he acquired at ESIME Zacatenco, he was well prepared to take this step. Moreover, he benefited from the work visa provisions available to Mexican professionals under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA).

“It’s helpful to know that a work visa is available for professionals and that it can be obtained once you receive a job offer,” he noted.

Carrión highlighted that his time at the IPN gave him opportunities to engage in diverse academic projects and collaborate with peers and professors who broadened his professional vision and approach.

“IPN is an institution with national and international reach. It connects students with people who’ve studied abroad and who share not only their knowledge but also the current needs of industry,” he said.

“One of the most valuable things I learned at ESIME was advanced mathematical language. After earning my undergraduate degree, I realized I needed to understand more. I used to read scientific papers, but I struggled to grasp the main ideas, as results and methodologies are often expressed in mathematical terms. At IPN, I learned how to ‘read’ mathematics—and that unlocks a deeper understanding of physical phenomena, sometimes even allowing you to predict them. It’s truly remarkable.”

Reflecting on his academic journey, Carrión emphasized that IPN equips its graduates with the tools to solve global challenges across various fields, thanks to its high academic standards and a strong culture of commitment and perseverance.

“I remember my Politécnico community fondly—my friends Víctor, Mauricio, José Antonio, Sergio, Chava Coss, and Teba. But especially the professors I admire and appreciate: Dr. Jorge Roberto Sosa Pedroza and Professor Fabiola Martínez Zúñiga, who lead the outstanding Laboratorio Nacional de Telecomunicaciones y Antenas (LaNTA). Many colleagues I’ve worked with regard them as exceptional role models.”

Today, the uncertainty of the past has given way to pride and fulfillment. “It’s always worth pursuing new challenges and projects,” Carrión affirmed. “There’s almost always a greater reward than a setback—especially if you’ve been part of the IPN.”

He concluded by noting that academic knowledge alone is not enough. Soft skills are equally critical.

“We might be the best at solving technical problems, but collaboration is essential—and that starts with mutual respect. Building trust and exchanging feedback is crucial for achieving shared goals and upholding values such as fraternity, integrity, and social responsibility—principles I lived during my time at ESIME Zacatenco.”