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March 2007
Getting To Know
Jon Karanopoulos, ROP Auto Teacher
 Jon Karanopoulos
After decades in the automotive service industry, San Diego High School graduate Jon Karanopoulos returned to his alma mater to teach Regional Occupational Program (ROP) auto shop courses. For 11 years, he’s been teaching at SCITECH High in the oldest auto shop in the state. He doesn’t just teach students how to turn a wrench and diagnose mechanical issues; he teaches them computer skills, math, science and how to develop alternative fuels/energy.

“We want our students to benefit from being at the forefront of new ideas,” Karanopoulos said. “We continue to expand our research into alternative fuel, i.e., hydrogen, photovoltaic (solar), etc. We want to be an alternative energy school.”

SCITECH’s automotive program is participating in a cutting-edge alternative fuel project. In a partnership with School-to-Career and the Miramar College Advanced Transportation Technology and Energy (ATTE) program, the Energy/Utilities Management Office is developing a project to produce biodiesel from used cooking oil at our high schools. The educational program will promote recycling of used grease, increase sources of renewable energy and encourage careers in the emerging arena of renewable energy.

In the project’s first phase, New Leaf Bio-Fuel designed and fabricated a biodiesel-processing unit that is installed at the SCITECH auto shop. Karanopoulos instructs students in the hands–on production of biodiesel from used cooking oil, and introduces them to the expanding area of alternative fuels and environmental responsibility.

Karanopoulos is passionate about teaching and his responsibility to inspire his students to become good and responsible citizens.

“I want to teach students to become global thinkers and responsible consumers,” he explained.

Karanopoulos takes a great deal of pride in San Diego High School. Not only is he a member of the Class of 1973, his three children are also graduates. The native San Diegan is the third generation in his family to work in the automotive industry. His wife, Martha, is a clerk supervisor at the IMC.

SCITECH Students collecting BioDiesel SCITECH students convert used cooking oil collected from several schools' kitchens, San Diego CIty College, and local restaurants into biodiesel.