30 Under 30: Jonah Guthrie

Materials Engineering Student at UAB

Words by Anna Lee Vaughn | Images by Justin Hunter

Growing up, Jonah Guthrie was always thinking ahead.

“My biggest thing is that I wanted to go to college and graduate debt-free,” recalls Jonah.

When the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) offered him a full-ride scholarship, Jonah was happy to accept and take classes at one of the best biomedical engineering departments in the state.

Though he began as a Biomedical Engineering major, Jonah now majors in Materials Engineering with a minor in Biology. He specializes in the study and design of new materials, showing interest in polymer material engineering specifically.

Jonah hopes to pursue a career in the aerospace industry, working on carbon composites for companies such as Boeing, NASA, or SpaceX—all heady stuff.

Previously interning at Evonik, Jonah now interns at McGehee Engineering in Jasper during summer breaks. He also serves as the Worship Pastor for Farmstead Baptist Church.

After graduation, Jonah plans to either begin working or possibly pursue a Ph.D. in Materials Engineering.  

“It’s been a super stressful decision,” Jonah admits, “but in the end, I just want to follow God’s plan.” 78