Mario Orestes Aguirre González is an accomplished academic and researcher in the field of production engineering, with expertise in product innovation, process optimization, and renewable energy systems. He holds a Ph.D. in Production Engineering with a focus on customer integration in product development from the Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCar), Brazil. As an Associate Professor at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), he has significantly contributed to academic development and industry collaborations. Mario leads the CREATION research group, focusing on renewable energy value chains, including wind, solar, and hydrogen. His research is widely published in high-impact journals such as Journal of Cleaner Production and Energy Policy. He is also an active member of national and international energy committees, contributing to strategic initiatives in green hydrogen development.

Professional Profile

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Education

Mario Orestes Aguirre González’s educational background is diverse and distinguished. He earned a Ph.D. in Production Engineering from UFSCar in 2010, specializing in customer integration in product development. Prior to that, he completed his Master’s degree in Production Engineering at UFRN in 2005, focusing on customer satisfaction and loyalty in the hospitality industry. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering from the Universidad Nacional de Ingeniería, Peru, which he obtained in 2000. He has pursued specialized training in areas such as total quality management, innovation management, offshore renewable energy systems, and intellectual property. This robust educational foundation has equipped him with a multidisciplinary perspective essential for tackling complex challenges in engineering and innovation.

Professional Experience

Mario has held various impactful positions throughout his career. He is currently an Associate Professor at UFRN, where he teaches and conducts research in product engineering, innovation management, and global value chain coordination. He has previously served as President of the Institute for Innovation and Product Development Management (IGDP) and coordinated significant national conferences and workshops. Mario has also worked on industry-oriented projects with leading companies such as ABM, Vale, and Volkswagen, through the Materials Characterization and Development Center at UFSCar. His contributions extend to academic administration, serving as the vice-coordinator and coordinator of graduate programs at UFRN, and as an editor for Product: Management & Development.

Research Interests

Mario’s research interests are rooted in innovation, process optimization, and renewable energy systems. He is dedicated to advancing knowledge in global value chain integration for green technologies, with a particular focus on wind, solar, and hydrogen energy. His work explores product and process innovation, leveraging interdisciplinary approaches to optimize industrial and operational processes. Through his leadership of the CREATION research group, Mario investigates sustainable energy solutions, contributing to the development of efficient and innovative production systems. He is also committed to fostering the link between academia and industry, ensuring practical applicability and societal impact of his research.

Research Skills

Mario possesses extensive research skills in production and process engineering, including the development of reference models, customer integration, and quality management. He is proficient in utilizing advanced methodologies such as Six Sigma DMAIC, regression models, and risk analysis to drive innovation and efficiency. Mario’s technical expertise spans renewable energy technologies, such as offshore wind and solar power systems, as well as green hydrogen development. His skills in project management, interdisciplinary collaboration, and scholarly writing have enabled him to produce impactful research published in high-impact journals. Additionally, he has strong capabilities in mentoring graduate students and fostering industry-academic partnerships.

Awards and Honors

Mario’s academic and professional achievements have been recognized through numerous awards and honors. He is a CNPq Productivity Research Fellow (Level 2), highlighting his significant contributions to Brazilian research. He received scholarships from CAPES for his doctoral and master’s studies, reflecting his academic excellence. As President of the IGDP, he was instrumental in organizing national events that fostered innovation and collaboration. He has also been acknowledged for his pioneering efforts in renewable energy research, including his active role in the National Hydrogen Program. His diverse recognitions underscore his leadership, academic rigor, and commitment to advancing innovation in engineering.