Education
BS in Mechanical Engineering, University of Missouri
MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering, Tufts University
Biography
Ymbar I. Polanco Pino is a PhD candidate in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Tufts University. He works at the intersection of engineering, data science, and public policy to improve climate and energy systems, support community engagement, and strengthen organizations addressing environmental challenges. He is a GEM Fellow, Provost Leadership Fellow, EDF Climate Corps Fellow, and Spencer Foundation Scholar through the Institute in Critical Quantitative, Computational and Mixed Methodologies (ICQCM).
He holds an MS in Civil and Environmental Engineering with a concentration in Applied Data Science from Tufts and a BS in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from the University of Missouri. His early research includes work on piezoelectric energy harvesters through the McNair Scholars Program, microgravity fluid systems with NASA’s Space Grant, and electric-propulsion thrusters for CubeSats at MIT’s Space Propulsion Laboratory.
As a Climate Corps Fellow at the Environmental Defense Fund, Ymbar contributes to the MethaneSAT mission, supporting efforts to make satellite-based methane emissions and oil and gas data accessible for local governments, nonprofits, and community organizations. He also collaborates with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory on decarbonization planning in cities like Aurora, Colorado, and Atlanta, Georgia.
He is a research assistant at the Tufts Center for Engineering Education and Outreach and an instructor in MIT’s MITES program. His teaching and outreach focus on hands-on engineering design and environmental problem-solving. Previously, as an Explorer Community Intern with the National Geographic Society, he helped develop participatory research tools and supported global collaboration among Explorer-led projects.
Ymbar’s work bridges technical expertise and applied strategy, helping communities and institutions use data to advance energy transition and environmental goals.
CEEO Responsibilities:
Ymbar is a research assistant for Dr. Greses Pérez, McDonnell Family Assistant Professor in Engineering Education, Mechanical Engineering, and Civil and Environmental Engineering.