CIVIL ENGINEERING

CHAIR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Dear graduating Civil Engineering and Construction Management students, during this commencement, some of you will receive your second academic degree (Master’s) and others will receive your third academic degree (Ph.D.). On Behalf of the faculty and staff of the Department of Civil Engineering, I congratulate and applaud you for having reached your academic goals once again. We are very proud of you!

The excellent education that you received and the hard work and persistence that you demonstrated during your studies are the reasons you will succeed in your professional life. We have no doubt about that. I encourage you to continue learning and continue to adhere to a high standard work ethic. Always remember that the goal of our profession is to improve the quality of life of the communities impacted by civil engineering and construction projects. Our profession is one that promotes peace around the world.

In this time of celebration, let us not forget your family and friends who supported you during your studies. You are successful today because of the continuous encouragement that you received from all of them. They deserve our thanks and recognition, too.

You have made many friends during your time at UTEP and now it is time to say good-bye. Try to stay in touch with them. Technology has made it easier to continue to nourish our friendships. I also encourage you to stay in touch with us. We want to brag to the world about your professional and academic achievements!

Congratulations and good luck! Felicidades y buena suerte!

PH.D. IN CIVIL ENGINEERING 1. Garcia, Victor

MASTER OF ENGINEERING IN CIVIL & ENVIRONMENTAL 1. Acosta, Ana 2. Anguiano Chavez, Carlos 3. Benitez, Mariana 4. Breceda, Ileana 5. Carrera, Daniel

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING 1. Baca, Jesus 2. Ballard, Sarah 3. Canales, Juan 4. Castro Perez, Jesus 5. Cruz, Hector 6. Esquivel, Armando 7. Jichkar, Prathmesh Deepak

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT 1. Berndt, Aaron 2. Cuellar, Javier 3. Herrera, Aurea 4. Hinton, Brian 5. Mason, Stewart 6. Nauman, Saif 7. Quinones, Cruz 8. Rivera, Daniel 9. Rosales, Angelica 10. Valencia, Billy 11. Vega, Valeria

Students that have completed a degree with a thesis option

VICTOR GARCIA | Ph.D. in Civil Engineering At UTEP, I have had many transcendental opportunities to prepare myself for a great professional career in Transportation Engineering. I encourage all UTEP students and colleagues to enjoy their experiential opportunities and be passionate about their academic and professional careers.

ANA ACOSTA | Master of Engineering in Civil and Environmental Engineering I want to thank my family for the years of effort and time they spent helping and supporting me with no reward, they deserve the biggest thanks. My heart is full of gratitude for their kindness.

CARLOS ANGUIANO CHAVEZ |

Master of Engineering in Civil and Environmental Engineering I am grateful for the support from my family and friends that helped me continue and pursue a higher degree. I am also thankful to UTEP, a university whose statement, “Access and Excellence”, has resonated within me to look beyond myself to those around me and in my community and ensure that as I progress, we all move forward.

MARIANA BENITEZ |

Master of Engineering in Civil and Environmental Engineering I am grateful for reaching this milestone that will lead me to accomplishing many more. I want to thank my family, friends, professors, and advisor, Dr. Jeffrey Weidner. Here’s to opening new research and professional development doors in the next few years.

ILEANA BRECEDA | Master of Engineering in Civil and Environmental Engineering For my mother, who has been my greatest supporter and number one fan. You have encouraged me to reach my full potential especially during those times when I did not believe I could. If not for you, I would not be the person I am today. I love you and I thank you.

DANIEL CARRERA |

Master of Engineering in Civil and Environmental Engineering I’m forever indebted to my family, friends, co-workers, classmates and the College of Engineering at UTEP. I am so honored to finally get a degree from UTEP and that I finally get to call myself a UTEP alumnus. I will never regret going back to school to get my Master’s degree, as challenging as it was at times.

JESUS BACA | Master of Science in Civil Engineering Success consists of passion, courage, determination, and mentorship. As Isaac Newton stated: “ If I have been able to see further, it was only because I stood on the shoulders of giants.” My best advice for my colleagues is to use your mentor’s shoulders to keep growing in your careers and always be thankful and willing to give more.

SARAH BALLARD | Master of Science in Civil Engineering Thank you to my family, friends, and mentors for the love, support, and encouragement shown through this achievement. This department is a family and every faculty member has pushed me to become the best version of myself. Congratulations to everyone else who has achieved these amazing accomplishments and just know the best is yet to come!

JUAN CANALES | Master of Science in Civil Engineering I am grateful for the support from my family and friends that helped me continue and pursue a higher degree. I am also thankful to UTEP, a university whose statement, “Access and Excellence”, has resonated within me to look beyond myself to those around me and in my community and ensure that as I progress, we all move forward.

JESUS CASTRO PEREZ | Master of Science in Civil Engineering I would like to thank my family for providing me with their unconditional support and love. Also, I am grateful to UTEP for giving me the opportunity to learn from incredible professors and for allowing me to meet amazing people that later became friends. Last year was hard, but it was enjoyable because of the friends I made here.

HECTOR CRUZ | Master of Science in Civil Engineering I would like to dedicate this great achievement to my family. A special feeling of gratitude to my mom, Cynthia Lopez, because without her none of this would have been possible, to my wife Vianney Valtierra for always supporting me and to my brothers Kevin Cruz and Abraham Cazares who always inspired me to keep pursuing my academic goals.

PRATHMESH DEEPAK JICHKAR | Master of Science in Civil Engineering UTEP College of Engineering and the Civil Engineering Department has supported me at every step during my graduate school journey. Teachers and students working together, challenging each other’s help to create a platform where great ideas and technical skills are nurtured. The leadership, research and extra-curricular activities help improve the hard and soft skills needed for advancing a professional career.

JAVIER CUELLAR | Master of Science in Construction Management I am so thankful for those that supported me through this journey. It was a great adventure and I look forward to what life has in store for me, on to the next!

AUREA HERRERA | Master of Science in Construction Management A journey full of expectations, global challenges, and unknown outcomes. Inspired by adorable Goddaughter Brianda Herrera class of 2015 RIP. I acquire my goal to be a UTEP College of Engineering Master graduate. I am dedicating this achievement to my father, example of honor and success, my lovely Mother, my courage daughter Juliette, my hardworking son Nicholas, and Professor Marshall.

BRIAN HINTON | Master of Science in Construction Management For family, friends, and colleagues: Thank you to my wife and daughter for their unfailing support and willingness to embark on this journey with me. To my colleagues, thank you for your support and help.

SAIF NAUMAN | Master of Science in Construction Management I joined UTEP for my graduate degree to learn more about the construction industry as most of the people I deal with are contractors. The virtual experience was engaging, interactive and insightful and I wouldn’t change it for the world. Thanks to my professors, family and friends! W

ANGELICA ROSALES | Master of Science in Construction Management I would like to thank my children, my family and my employer, Sundt Construction, for supporting me in obtaining my Master’s in Construction Management. I couldn’t have accomplished this without all of you. I especially want to thank my father, one of the first minority contractors in El Paso. You have always been my inspiration and continue to be.

BILLY VALENCIA | Master of Science in Construction Management A highly motivated construction professional with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California State University of Los Angeles. Experienced in preconstruction services and estimating for multifamily housing in the greater Los Angeles Area. The son of immigrant parents and eldest of 5 siblings with a drive to succeed.

VALERIA VEGA | Master of Science in Construction Management Gracias a mi familia por el apoyo incondicional que siempre me brindan. Este logro no es mío, si no NUESTRO. Gracias mamá por ser la inspiración y raíz de este gran logro.

CHAIR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE

The Computer Science faculty and staff wish you, our Spring 2021 Computer Science Master’s and Doctoral graduates, the best of luck moving forward. You have worked extremely hard to achieve your special degree, and for that, you should be proud. I know that we are all proud of you. Many of you completed most of your degree requirements under unusual circumstances caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, you never wavered in your desire to finish what you have started.

You maintained an eye on a future where you can achieve wonderful, productive, and successful careers. I hope you maintain that drive to improve, and remember that you do have a responsibility to make this a better world for you and the rest of us. Over your time here at UTEP, the Computer Science faculty and staff have shown serious commitment to the success of all our students. It is now your turn to remain committed to your fellow human beings.

Again, best of luck in your future, and many congratulations on your special day. Go Miners!

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN COMPUTER SCIENCE 1. Bautista, Isaac 2. Iyiola, Olugbenga 3. Lara, Eduardo 4. Miah, Mohammad Sujan 5. Reza, Sayed Mohsin

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN DATA AND INFORMATION SCIENCES 1. Contreras, Ricardo 2. Sosa, Antonio

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SOFTWARE ENGINEERING 1. Cardona, Rocio 2. Clarke, Luisana 3. Galvan Villarreal, Blanca 4. Gastelum, Ivan 5. Gonzalez, Sebastian 6. Hanson, Peter 7. Hurtado, Jesus 8. Juarez, Charlie Gabriel 9. Leon Cordero, Jose Antoine 10. Macias, Valeria 11. Medina, Stephanie 12. Munoz, Marco 13. Ortiz, Alejandro 14. Paz, Jazmin Idhali 15. Pena, Ricardo 16. Quinones, Sebastian 17. Ramirez, Diana 18. Rivera, Diego 19. Sosa, Adrian 20. Vargas Rodriguez, Carlos

Students that have completed a degree with a thesis option

ISAAC BAUTISTA | Master of Science in Computer Science I would like to thank my friends, family, and loved ones for their unwavering support. I look forward to sharing new accomplishments with them in the next phase of my life.

IYIOLA OLUGBENGA | Master of Science in Computer Science I would like to appreciate all the faculty members both at the College of Engineering and College of Business for their kindness and support towards the successful completion of my program. UTEP provided me a rare opportunity to meet friends from different backgrounds and cultures. I believe this experience and exposure have made me a better person and I look forward to build a successful career from everything I have learned during my time at this great institution.

EDUARDO LARA | Master of Science in Computer Science Never forget your past, but always look at the future.

SAYED MOHSIN REZA | Master of Science in Computer Science I would like to thank my family, friends, and professors for treasured memories and loving support throughout my education. Specially, I want to thank my beloved wife and appreciate the time and energy you put into helping me. Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my advisor for his continuous support towards my graduation!

ANTONIO SOSA | Master of Science in Data and Information Sciences I am grateful for the valuable experiences UTEP offered me through my studies, which have been an important part to embrace my professional career as Financial Engineer. I would like to thank all my professors who shared their knowledge and were an inspiration and integral part of my academic progress.

LUISANA CLARKE | Master of Science in Software Engineering I am so grateful to have had this opportunity. I would like to express my gratitude to those professors who have challenged me, guided me, and encouraged me along the way. Thank you to my family for always supporting my decisions, and finally, congratulations to my graduating friends and fellow classmates!

IVAN GASTELUM | Master of Science in Software Engineering Having completed two degrees in the world of engineering; first as a Mechanical Engineer, and now as a Software Engineer, I have never felt more proud of myself and thankful to God, my family and friends who supported me all this way. I would like to encourage our STEM family to never lose sight on what truly matters; the pursue of bringing a brighter and prosperous future to our community and future generations with the use of our problem-solving skills, special analytical abilities, and restless determination. The future is in our hands.

SEBASTIAN GONZALEZ | Master of Science in Software Engineering Friends, invest in your education, share what you know with others. Sail to your life goals and be prepared to divert your path, be prepared to fall, then stand and come back stronger. I fell, but I worked hard, got better grades, and reached one life goal. I share this with you. Learn, share, make friends, and don’t waste any second.

PETER HANSON | Master of Science in Software Engineering I would like to thank my professors in the software engineering program for sharing their knowledge, enabling me to develop a strong base of skills, and allowing me to work as a teaching assistant. I appreciate the peers I worked alongside as we solved problems together. Finally, I thank my parents for their ongoing support in obtaining my degree.

CHARLIE GABRIEL JUAREZ | Master of Science in Software Engineering I would like to thank my family and friends, Dr. Salamah for the Scholarship for Service (SFS) and Dr. Acosta for being my mentor in cyber security. Which helped me get a job at John Hopkins University of Applied Physics Laboratory as a reverse engineer.

JOSE ANTOINE LEON CORDERO| Master of Science in Software Engineering I want to thank my family and friends for my success. For helping me see past my own vision; For the unconditional support I received during my darkest times; for the beautiful memories and friendships that blossomed during the good times; for what is yet to come, for me to share with you all. I Thank you.

VALERIA MACIAS | Master of Science in Software Engineering I’m beyond grateful for all of the blessings God has given me to achieve this dream. I’m grateful for my family, employer, professors, and classmates, friends who are powerful, positive influences that continuously encouraged me, supported me, and helped me succeed. May this degree serve as a blessing for others as well. Go Miners!

STEPHANIE MEDINA | Master of Science in Software Engineering I would like to first thank my family because without their support I wouldn’t be where I am today. Gracias mamá y papá por todos sus sacrificios que han hecho para sacarnos adelante. A special thanks to Dr. Salamah and Dr. Acosta for all their support and leadership throughout my college journey.

ALEJANDRO ORTIZ | Master of Science in Software Engineering I am grateful for my family, friends and faculty members that have come with me all the way through this challenging and rewarding journey that I’ll never forget. It was not easy but with everyone’s support I was able to accomplish this goal. I wish everyone that supported me a happy and healthy life. Thank you.

JAZMIN IDHALI PAZ | Master of Science in Software Engineering I’d like to thank my friends and family, along with every unique life experience that has shaped me and allowed me to be where I am today. This is not the end, rather the start of a new beginning. “Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try one more time” -Thomas Edison-

RICARDO PENA | Master of Science in Software Engineering I have come further in my personal and professional life than I ever envisioned. This was only possible because my family and closest friends were there to support me every step of the way. There are not enough words to express my gratitude. This achievement is as much theirs as it is mine.

DIANA RAMIREZ | Master of Science in Software Engineering Thank you to my family, friends, Dr. Acosta and Dr. Salamah. I will never forget that the answer is always “It depends”.

DIEGO RIVERA | Master of Science in Software Engineering I would like to thank UTEP faculty and staff, my family, and fellow classmates for the incredible effort everybody made to continue teaching and learning through all adversities. I hope the lessons we all learned will continue to guide us through the next challenges life puts in our way. GO MINERS!

ADRIAN SOSA | Master of Science in Software Engineering I would like to thank my friends and family for their constant support, as well as the Computer Science department which guided me and opened new doors of opportunity for me and ultimately forged my path to success. I am very grateful to everyone that helped me reach this goal.

CARLOS VARGAS RODRIGUEZ | Master of Science in Software Engineering I have to thank all my huge and beautiful family, my great friends and my amazing colleagues, they have been my main motivation throughout my educational process. Thanks to my parents who have always been with me in every goal I reached in my life. I’m sure there are many more things to come.