Michael Gastinel is a power generation technician with almost ten years of experience in utility-scale energy operations. Based in Granbury, Texas, he specializes in plant systems, instrumentation and controls, and turbine operations. His technical background includes working with GE 7FA and 7EA turbines, along with DCS platforms such as GE Mark VI and Emerson Ovation. He also has a strong understanding of emissions compliance systems. With a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering Technology, he focuses on improving plant performance, guiding new team members, and maintaining reliable and safe operations. He was born and raised in Granbury, Texas, as the youngest of three siblings in a family that emphasized hard work, respect, and community service. His early life was shaped by school, church, and Scouts, where he learned teamwork, responsibility, and leadership. Regularly attending Catholic Mass with his family and being active in the Boy Scouts of America helped him build character and dedication to service. His consistent effort and commitment led him to achieve the rank of Eagle Scout in 2008, a goal that reflected his perseverance and determination. After graduating from Granbury High School in 2008, he took a year off to gain hands-on work experience before starting college. During that year, he worked as a sheet metal mechanic, developing practical trade skills and problem-solving abilities. When the Great Recession caused widespread job losses, he used the setback as motivation to pursue higher education. He first enrolled in Computer Science, but later discovered a more substantial interest in applied electronics and electrical systems, leading him to shift his studies to Electrical Engineering Technology. Balancing school with part-time work, he earned his Bachelor of Science from The University of Toledo in 2015. After graduation, he began his career at Troy Energy, LLC in Ohio as a Combustion Turbine Specialist. His responsibilities included turbine operation, instrumentation, calibrations, troubleshooting, and managing emissions data. He contributed to NERC compliance reporting, maintained Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems (CEMS), and supported GADS reporting. His efforts helped the plant complete a successful NERC audit with no findings, reflecting his attention to detail and technical precision. He also mentored new employees and supported documentation processes that improved plant operations. In 2022, Michael Victor Gastinel returned to Texas to join Luminant Generation Company, LLC, one of the state’s largest power generation providers. He first worked at the Forney Plant as a Plant Technician 3, performing system checks, outside operations, electrical and I&C troubleshooting, and water chemistry testing. His role involved preventive and corrective maintenance while monitoring plant performance and reliability. Later, he transferred to the DeCordova Power Plant in his hometown of Granbury, where he advanced to Instrument and Controls Technician 4 and then Plant Systems Technician. His experience with GE 7FA turbines allowed him to quickly adapt to the GE 7EA. His familiarity with DCS systems such as GE Mark VI and Emerson Ovation made him a key contributor to plant operations. At DeCordova, he also worked on SunGrow battery energy storage systems, performed calibrations during outages, and handled high-voltage troubleshooting. His leadership extended beyond technical work when he became the plant's Behavior-Based Safety Champion. In this role, he promoted safety awareness, teamwork, and proactive risk management, ensuring a strong safety culture within the team. Throughout his career, he has been deeply committed to collaboration and mentorship. He values training and supporting junior technicians, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, communication, and respect. His approach to leadership focuses on building trust, sharing knowledge, and creating an environment where every team member contributes to collective success. Outside work, he leads an active lifestyle with mechanical and creative hobbies. A lifelong car enthusiast, he enjoys maintaining and modifying his own vehicles, attending car shows, and following new developments in automotive technology. He also works on electronics, builds PCs, and assembles DIY projects. His interests include golf, exercise, trail riding, and spending time with his family. His Catholic faith continues to guide his values, and he remains involved in his local church and community activities. Michael Gastinel continues to build his career with dedication, professionalism, and a passion for learning. His combination of technical expertise, safety focus, and mentorship makes him a valuable part of any team. He remains committed to growth, excellence, and service in his work and community.