Raul Martin Valencia '14

Raúl Martín Valencia is a graduate of WVU Tech, holding a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (2014) and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (2015). After graduation, Raúl spent two and a half years in Richmond before relocating back to Europe, starting a career in the offshore wind industry. While working full time, Raúl completed a Master of Science in Applied Economics, adding commercial and contractual knowledge to his technical background. In October 2020, Raúl became a Professional Engineer (PE), the highest recognition for any engineer in the United States.

Raúl is passionate about renewable energies and looks for solutions to prevent climate change. In his current role, Raúl actively leads a diverse group of workers – engineers, lawyers, insurance brokers – during the acquisition process of offshore wind farms to secure projects for DEME Offshore. Though not commercially developed in the United States, offshore wind has provided clean and renewable energy in Europe for the last fifteen years. Soon, Raúl will focus on developing a robust and locally trained supply chain on the east coast of the United States, which will help make offshore wind commercially viable in American waters.

Raúl, and his elder brother Jorge, were encouraged from an early age to attend college by their parents, Carlos and Alicia. He and his brother are both first-generation graduates. Simultaneously to Jorge graduating in 2012 in Aerospace Engineering, Raúl moved to West Virginia University Institute of Technology with a soccer scholarship to complete his junior and senior years. During his time at WVU Tech, Raúl was the captain of the men’s soccer team for two seasons and helped lead the team to its first National Championship in the fall of 2013. Raúl was an active member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and frequently participated in campus activities. Currently, Raúl participates in the Career Mentorship program organized by the Tech Golden Bear Alumni Association.

A native of Valladolid, Spain, Raúl currently lives in Antwerp, Belgium, with his girlfriend Alexandra, also a WVU Tech Graduate (2016). In his free time, Raúl enjoys biking and running. He has completed a marathon and is training to complete his first triathlon.