BRIEFING BOOK 2022
2022 BRIEFING BOOK
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CONTENTS
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1
02
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING - ABOUT US
05
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING - AT A GLANCE
07
MAJOR RESEARCH AREAS
11
ORG CHARTS
15
AEROSPACE AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
37
CIVIL ENGINEERING
61
COMPUTER SCIENCE
89
ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING
111
ENGINEERING EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP
119
INDUSTRIAL, MANUFACTURING & SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
135
METALLURGICAL, MATERIALS AND BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
156
NEW FACULTY HIRES FOR 2022
159
UNDERGRADUATE & ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
165
GRADUATE & RESEARCH
177
ENGINEERING ADVISORY BOARD
179
ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATIONS
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO
The University of Texas at El Paso is the leading Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI), extremely effective in transforming students’ lives, creating opportunities, and producing the next generation of thought leaders. UTEP’s College of Engineering is at the forefront of that effort, contributing advanced knowledge and technical capabilities to areas of critical need in fields such as aerospace systems, cyber systems, energy, biomaterials, and sustainable systems that have yielded groundbreaking discoveries such as production of the world’s first 3D volumetric circuit and installation of the nation’s first county-wide operational low-altitude UAS Traffic Management system. UTEP has a Carnegie R1 designation, indicating that UTEP is a top-tier doctoral university, with very high research activity. The College is proud of contributing to that status, and has forged strategic partnerships with Engineering Research Centers (ERCs), funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), such as the ASPIRE-ERC, that is researching and developing sustainable infrastructures for electric transportation; and the NEWT-ERC, that is solving water treatment needs by applying nanoscale science and engineering. With over $22M in research expenditures during the 2020-21 fiscal year, 87 faculty members in the College of Engineering have developed key partnerships with the National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DoE), NASA, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, and other organizations that provide unprecedented student access to work and research experiences, as well as applied learning opportunities. Construction will soon break ground for a $70M building which will provide state-of-the-art space for two of UTEP’s fasting growing research centers: the W.M. Keck Center for 3D Innovation, and the Aerospace Center.
THE COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING IS HOME 88 TENURED/TENURE-TRACK FACULT
AEROSPACE & MECHANICAL ENGINEERING | CIVIL ENGINEERI ENGINEERING EDUCATION & LEADERSHIP | INDUSTRIAL, MANUFACTURING, & SY //
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COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
The College of Engineering is a national leader in graduating Hispanic engineers with real-world experience and the academic foundation necessary to change the face of engineering. In addition to formal classroom education, UTEP’s engineering students also participate in experiential learning activities such as internships, entrepreneurial ventures, study and research abroad, and much more, that contributes to their professional and personal development. Student leadership and engagement is highly encouraged, producing well-rounded graduates who are heavily recruited by every U.S. government agency along with industry leaders such as Lockheed Martin, Cummins, Google, and many more. According to the 2019 American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) data, the College of Engineering has been ranked in the top 5 schools in the continental U.S. in awarding bachelor’s degrees to Hispanics and the No. 1 graduate engineering school for Hispanics in the country. Furthermore, UTEP is the top institution in the continental United States for producing Hispanic bachelor’s graduates who continue on to earn doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, according to an article published in Issues in Science and Technology. The College of Engineering offers 31 degree programs (9 Bachelor of Science degrees in different engineering or computing disciplines, and 22 graduate degrees) housed in seven academic departments: • AEROSPACE AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING: Bachelor of Science degrees in Aerospace & Aeronautical Engineering; and Mechanical Engineering. • CIVIL ENGINEERING: Bachelor of Science degrees in Civil Engineering; and Construction Engineering & Management. • COMPUTER SCIENCE: Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. • ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. • ENGINEERING EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP: Bachelor of Science in Engineering Innovation & Leadership. • INDUSTRIAL, MANUFACTURING AND SYSTEMS ENGINEERING: Bachelor of Science in Industrial & Systems Engineering • METALLURGICAL, MATERIALS AND BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING: Bachelor of Science in Metallurgical & Materials Science. UTEP is located at the westernmost tip of Texas, where three states and two countries converge along the Rio Grande. 94% of UTEP’s more than 24,000 students are minorities, and half are the first in their families to go to college. UTEP offers 169 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs at the only open-access, top tier research university in America.
E TO APPROXIMATELY 4,000 STUDENTS AND TY IN SEVEN ACADEMIC DEPARTMENTS
NG | COMPUTER SCIENCE | ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER ENGINEERING YSTEMS ENGINEERING | METALLURGICAL, MATERIALS, AND BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2022 BRIEFING BOOK
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COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
2021
90
AT A GLANCE
11 PAT
31 PROGRAMS
ISSUED BY T ENGINEERING
9 BACHELORS 16 MASTERS* 6 DOCTORAL
*2 FULLY ONLINE MS
RESEARCH INDICATORS DATA FROM 01.01.2021- 12.31.2021
PROPOSALS SUBMITTED AWARDS RECEIVED
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5
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
227 92
SUBMITTED GRANT PROPOSALS FROM THE COLLEGE, THAT ARE CURRENTLY PENDING FUNDING DECISIONS, TOTAL
$ 53,352,056
08*DEGREES AWARDED 22 MILLION ANNUAL RESEARCH EXPENDITURES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2021
*CERTIFIED DATA FOR AY 2020-20201
UG = 651 MS = 224 INTERDISCIPLINARY MS: 3 PH.D. = 27 INTERDISCIPLINARY PH.D.: 3
TENTS
THE COLLEGE OF G IN 2021
THIS REPRESENTS
69% OF THE PATENTS ISSUED
20%
UNIVERSITY WIDE
FEMALE FACULTY OUT OF 91 T-TT FACULTY AS OF FALL 2021
STUDENT ENROLLMENT TOTAL ENROLLMENT* UG = 3,559 MS = 571 PH.D. = 170
4,300
*FOR THE FALL 2021 SEMESTER 2022 BRIEFING BOOK
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6
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COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
MAJOR RESEARCH AREAS CYBER SYSTEMS
[Cyberinfrastructure, Cybersecurity, IoT, Big Data, High Performance Computing, Cybermanufacturing]
SMART SYSTEMS
[Smart Manufacturing, Smart Infrastructure, Smart Grid, Smart Cities, Artificial Intelligence]
ENGINEERING EDUCATION INNOVATION
[Pedagogy, Engagement, Social Mobility, Emotional Intelligence, Professional Skill Development, EngineeringThought-Processes, Systems Thinking, Logic & Tool Acquisition]
SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS [Water, Air, Environmental Systems, Design for Sustainability, Circular Economy]
AEROSPACE SYSTEMS
[Control Systems, Combustion, Propulsion, CubeSats, Communications, Telemetry, Remote Sensing, Flight Bio support Infrastructures]
ADVANCED MATERIALS & MANUFACTURING [Additive Manufacturing, 3D Printing, Biomaterials, Extreme Environments]
2022 BRIEFING BOOK
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COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
POINTS OF PRIDE 1. The College of Engineering set a record number of degree candidates in Spring 2022 for all levels, Undergraduate 276, Masters 130 and Doctoral 11. a. b.
Women graduating with an engineering degree: i. ii. iii.
82 UG graduation candidates (30%) 29 MS graduation candidates (22%) 3 Ph.D. graduation candidates (27%)
Hispanics graduating with an engineering degree: i. ii. iii.
229 UG graduation candidates (83%) 84 MS graduation candidates (65%) 5 Ph.D. graduation candidates (46%)
2. The College of Engineering set a record for the highest number of Undergraduate graduation candidates (97 or 35%) with a 3.5 or more cumulative GPA in spring 2022. 3. The College of Engineering has increased of the number of degrees conferred for the past six years. 4. Engineering set a record for research expenditures in 2021 compared across the university expending $22 million. 5. According to the Hispanic Outlook on Education Magazine, in 2019-2020, the University of Texas at El Paso1: a. Earned 1st place for granting the most engineering graduate degrees to Hispanic/Latino students. b. Holds the record of 63% of Hispanic/Latino students who earned a graduate Engineering degree.
Hispanic Outlook Magazine source:
1
https://www.hispanicoutlook.com/articles/top-schools-hispanics-graduate-level-stem-programs
2022 BRIEFING BOOK
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DR. CARLOS FERREGUT
CHAIR, CIVIL ENGINEERING
CHAIR
DR. JACK CHESSA
ASSISTANT
CHAIR, AEROSPACE & MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
DR. MIGUEL VELEZ-REYES CHAIR, ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER ENGINEERING
SALAMAH I. SALAMAH CHAIR, COMPUTER SCIENCE
CHAIR
ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES AND ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
DR. LOUIS EVERETT
INTERIM DEAN / EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY PROFESSOR IN EDUCATION RESEARCH / ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER ENGINEERING PROFESSOR
DR. PATRICIA NAVA
DEAN CHAIR
ASSOCIATE DEAN
CHAIR
ASSISTANT TO THE DEAN
CHAIR, ENGINEERING EDUCATION & LEADERSHIP ACTING CHAIR, DR. MEAGAN KENDAL
DR. ROGER GONZALEZ
CHAIR
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
ALEJANDRINA MORTON
ASSOCIATE DEAN
ENGINEERING LEADERSHIP
COLLEGE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
MARINA RIVERA
ENGINEERING ADVISORY BOARD
ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR GRADUATE STUDIES AND RESEARCH
DR. ERIC MACDONALD
CHAIR, INDUSTRIAL, MANUFACTURING AND SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
DR. BILL TSENG
CHAIR
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
CAO
11 CHAIR, METALLURGICAL, MATERIALS AND BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
DR. STELLA QUINONES
CHAIR
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ASSISTANT DEAN
12
ACADEMIC ADVISOR
IAN TURNER
ACADEMIC ADVISOR
EVELYN TORRES
ACADEMIC ADVISOR
RUBICELA AGUILAR
ENGINEERING STUDENTS
*ADVANCEMENT CENTER FOR
ACES*
SECRETARY
ASSISTANT DEAN FOR ENGINEERING STUDENT SUCCESS
ASSOCIATE DEAN
ACADEMIC SUPPORT COORDINATOR
SUKIE QUEZADA
DIRECTOR ACADEMIC ADVISOR
GABRIEL GARCIA
ADVISOR
DR. LOUIS EVERETT
DIRECTOR OF ADVISING AND ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
VIRGINIA GRANDA-BECKER
ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES AND ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
ACADEMIC ADVISOR
JENNIFER YOUNG LIMAS
ACADEMIC ADVISOR
IAN A. TORRES
ACADEMIC ADVISOR
J. ROBERTO MARTINEZ
ENGINEERING EDGE CENTER
INTERIM DEAN / EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY PROFESSOR IN EDUCATION RESEARCH / ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER ENGINEERING PROFESSOR
DR. PATRICIA NAVA
INTERIM DEAN
ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
ASSOCIATE DEAN
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
ADVISOR ADVISOR
DATA ANALYST
ELIZABETH BARRERA
RESEARCH COORDINATOR
LUISA ARVIZU
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR RESEARCH AND GRADUATE STUDIES
PAULINA ALVARADO
ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR GRADUATE STUDIES AND RESEARCH
DR. ERIC MACDONALD
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
COORDINATOR ANALYST
GABBY GANDARA
ADVISOR
ADVISOR
ADVISOR
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ADVISOR
2022 BRIEFING BOOK
NARAHAY BUENDIA
ASSISTANT
MANAGER
BUSINESS CENTER SPECIALIST
BLANCA LOZANO
BUSINESS CENTER SPECIALIST
EDUARDO ARREOLA
BUSINESS CENTER SPECIALIST
SANDRA FRANCO AMPARAN
BUSINESS CENTER MANAGER
SPECIALIST
SPECIALIST
SUPERVISOR
SUPPLY SUPERVISOR
FRANK FERNANDEZ
ASSISTANT TO THE DEAN
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
AARON CERVANTES
DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING INFRASTRUCTURE
TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION MANAGER
JOSE HERNANDEZ
INTERIM DEAN / EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY PROFESSOR IN EDUCATION RESEARCH / ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER ENGINEERING PROFESSOR
DR. PATRICIA NAVA
RALPH LOYA
COLLEGE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
MARINA RIVERA
CAO
ALEJANDRINA MORTON
ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATIONS
WEBMASTER WEBMASTER
ALVARO MARTINEZ
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING INTERIM DEAN
DIRECTOR
SPECIALIST
DIRECTOR MANAGER
13 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING NETWORK MANAGER
DAVID MUNOZ
MANAGER
// BRANDING MANAGER
ANAÏS ACOSTA
MANAGER
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING LOCATIONS
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AEROSPACE AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERIN ABOUT US
The Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering (AME) department is a highly active department in the university: with a current undergraduate enrollment of 998 students, 70 graduate students and 56 Ph.D. students. At present, the department offers the following degrees: B.S. Aerospace Engineering, B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. The department also offers a certificate in 3D Engineering and Manufacturing. The department’s primary mission is to deliver a high- impact, high-quality educational experience for students seeking to enter the mechanical engineering and aerospace profession. Currently, the AME department awards over 220 BSE degrees annually, which, by current ASEE data, would make the department a top 25 generator of mechanical engineering undergraduate degrees. The department has 21 tenured-track faculty, five clinical professors and one lecturer. The department operates with over 8M annual research expenditures, which makes it one of the top research departments in the university and the top in research expenditures per faculty.
DEPARTMENT GOALS • Additional research areas – Currently, the department has research strengths in aerospace, propulsion additive manufacturing, and related materials development. The department expects to continue this success and increase its national reputation in these areas as well as expand aggressively into the areas of hypersonics, small satellite systems, and autonomous vehicles, both aerial and terrestrial as well as advanced design methodologies for these systems that include the application of data and sensor fusion, machine learning and AI technologies. • The department will propose a M.S. degree in Aerospace Engineering in the fall semester – The AME department is a significant supplier of aerospace and defense workforce of the country. Over 85% of our students are U.S. citizens and we place approximately 30-40% of our 200+ graduates in the aerospace/ defense sector. The AME department wishes to expand this impact nationally with respect to student
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15 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
NG impact as well as aerospace and defense workforce impact. The department expects that with the addition of the B.S. and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering as well as with the increased recruitment in the greater El Paso area as well as other economically underserved communities in the southwest and west the AME department can increase enrollment to 2500 within the next five years.
STAFF
The department is supported by the following staff members:
ANGEL LERMA
COORDINATOR II/LAB RESEARCH
CARMEN MEDELLIN
PROGRAM COORDINATOR / MANAGER
MARIA PLACENCIA
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES COORDINATOR
ILIANA SOLIS
PROGRAM ADVISORR
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ENROLLMENT TRENDS FOR THE LAST 12 YEARS FOR BS, MS, & PH.
•
Note: This figure doesn't consider students that participate in interdisciplinary MS or Ph.D. programs such as the Computational Science program nor the Environmental Science & Engineering Ph.D. program.
DEGREES AWARDED FOR AEROSPACE AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT FY11-21
*Note: Interdisciplinary Master’s degrees in Computational Science are distributed to AME contingent upon their research advisor as of FY 2019 **Note: Interdisciplinary Ph.D. degrees (Computational Science and Environmental Science & Engineering) are distributed to AME contingent upon their research advisor as of FY 2019
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RESEARCH EXPENDITURES FY 2011 THROUGH FY 2021
DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS AND POINTS OF PRIDE •
1 of 4 Aerospace programs in Texas
•
Top producer of research expenditures in the College of Engineering/University-The department operated with over 9M annual research expenditures, which makes the top research departments in the university and the top in research expenditures per faculty.
CENTERS AND ACTIVE RESEARCH LABS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEPARTMENT Two major research centers operate within the department: •CENTER FOR SPACE EXPLORATION TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH (CSETR) – cSETR was stablished under the direction of Dr. Ahsan Choudhuri at The University of Texas at El Paso to facilitate research and education in propulsion and energy. The center conducts research using computational modeling of heat flow, fluid flow, and structural analysis to create test hardware and experimen-tal facilities in Space Propulsion, Small Satellite Design and Combustion in the Energy Sector. The vision of the NASA MIRO Center for Space Exploration and Technology Research is to establish a minority university Center of Excellence in Advanced Propulsion research through strategic partnerships and to educate a diverse future aerospace workforce. •W.M. KECK CENTER FOR 3D INNOVATION – The Keck Center is a unique multidisciplinary research facility focused on the use and development of Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies with the primary focus areas in AM Technology Development, Engineered and Structured Materials, and Advanced AM Applications. Their vision is for AM technology to revive the economy through a transformation in the way products are designed and manufactured, taking advantage of distributed manufacturing and 3D multi-functional designs enabled by AM. The Keck Center strives to lead the AM transformation through multi-disciplinary activities that include education, 2022 BRIEFING BOOK
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∑
AEROSPACE AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
2021
268*DEGR *CERTIFIED
UG = MS = PH.D. =
AT A GLANCE
4 PROGRAMS
STUDENT ENRO
2 BACHELORS 1 MASTERS 1 DOCTORAL
TO UG MS PH
*FOR
RESEARCH INDICATORS DATA FROM 01.01.2021 - 12.31.2021
72
36
SUBMITTED GRANT PROPOSALS FROM THE DEPARTMENT, THAT ARE CURRENTLY PENDING FUNDING DECISIONS, TOTAL
$28,973,749
21
TENURED/TENUR
$ 8.6 MILLION
PROPOSALS AWARDS // SUBMITTED RECEIVED 19 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENTAL ANNUAL RESEARCH EXPENDITURES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2021
REES AWARDED DATA FOR AY 2020-2021
222 33 13
OLLMENT
OTAL ENROLLMENT* G = 998 S = 70 H.D. = 56
R THE FALL 2021 SEMESTER
RE-TRACK FACULTY
1124 AEROSPACE AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
CENTERS AND ACTIVE RESEARCH LABS 2022 BRIEFING BOOK
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NASA MIRO CENTER FOR SPACE EXPLORATION AND TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH (CSETR)
INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS • Lockheed Martin Corporation • United Launched Alliance • Blue Origin • Valley Tech Systems • Air Liquide
cSETR was stablished under the direction of Dr. Ahsan Choudhuri at The University of Texas at El Paso to facilitate research and education in propulsion and energy. The center conducts research using computational modeling of heat flow, fluid flow, and structural analysis to create test hardware and experimen-tal facilities in Space Propulsion, Small Satellite Design and Combustion in the Energy Sector. The vision of the NASA MIRO Center for Space Exploration and Technology Research is to establish a minority university Center of Excellence in Advanced Propulsion research through strategic partnerships and to educate a diverse future aerospace workforce.
CURRENT RESEARCH FOCUS AREAS
OPPORTUNITIES
•Fundamental combustion of Oxygen/Methane: These propellants may be manufactured at Moon or Mars landing sites, enhancing exploration because propellant for return flights is available. •Combustion processes to enable cleaner burning with less pollution: This effort involves high-pressure combustion using oxygen and coal to generate less carbon dioxide and also recovery of carbon dioxide to prevent discharge into the atmosphere. •Small Satellite: Develop processes for mission design, satellite manufacture and propulsion system configurations that use additive manufacturing to enable lightweight small satellites to be designed by students and flown on launch vehicles as auxiliary payloads. •Unmanned Aerial Systems: cSETR focuses on a wide range of leading-edge UAS research.
•Establish classroom contact time before, during, and after school models. •Establish out of school time NASA Mission Focused STEM Programs. •Conduct NASA-themed outreach events activities to geared family participation.
and
•Conduct outreach activities with a focus on the use of spe-cialized technology. •Develop an intense collaboration with After School Network, Information Learning Providers, and NASA Prime Contractors for scalability and sustainability.
Ahsan Choudhuri, Ph.D.
DIRECTOR ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT FOR STRATEGIC INITIATIVES | PROFESSOR, ME EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of Oklahoma (‘00); M.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Oklahoma (‘97); B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (‘93) CSETR@UTEP.EDU
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21 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
(915)-747-8252
ENGINEERING, ROOM M-305
HTTP://VOLT.UTEP.EDU/CSETR/
INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS •NASA Johnsons Space CenterOrbital Debris Program Office •NASA Kennedy Space CenterColumbia Research and Preservation Office •NASA White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) •International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety •Jacobs Engineering, Boeing, Lockheed Martin •Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) •Johns Hopkins University- Applied Physics Laboratory
KECK CENTER FOR 3D INNOVATION
The Keck Center is a unique multidisciplinary research facility focused on the use and development of Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies with the primary focus areas in AM Technology Development, Engineered and Structured Materials, and Advanced AM Applications. Their vision is for AM technology to revive the economy through a transformation in the way products are designed and manufactured, taking advantage of distributed manufacturing and 3D multi-functional designs enabled by AM. The Keck Center strives to lead the AM transformation through multidisciplinary activities that include education, research, outreach, technology development and commercialization, and industrial partnerships.
CURRENT RESEARCH FOCUS AREAS
OPPORTUNITIES
•Develop strong multi-disciplinary national and international collaborations with other universities, government agencies, and industrial partners as well as strengthen and expand collaborations within UTEP.
•Hybrid AM •Large Area AM •Polymer-based AM •AM-enabled Materials Science
•Develop broad expertise and expand horizons by engegins new faculty in Center activities.
•Ceramic-based AM •Metal-based AM
•Mentor and engage K-12 students, teachers, and the public in AM. •Serve the needs of inventors, entrepreneurs, and industry through education and access to expertise and worldclass AM facilities. •Expand expertise in 3D design, fabrication, and testing; AM materials (ceramics, metals, polymers, and composites)
Ryan B. Wicker, Ph.D., P.E. DIRECTOR & FOUNDER | PROFESSOR, ME EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University (‘95); M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University (‘91); B.S., Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin (‘87)
WMKECKCENTER@UTEP.EDU
(915)-747-5992
ENGINEERING BUILDING ROOM 108
HTTP://KECK.UTEP.EDU/
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23 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
AEROSPACE AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
FACULTY RESEARCH PROFILES 2022 BRIEFING BOOK
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Barry Benedict, Ph.D. PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2003 BABENEDICT@UTEP.EDU
915.747.5604
ENGINEERING BUILDING - A-109 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/BABENEDICT HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=BABENEDICT
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Benedict has about twenty years of academic leadership experience, and he has been on faculties at both public and private institutions. His experiences have led to expertise, teaching, and research in topics such as strategic planning, quality management principles, organizational behavior, innovation, frugal innovation, interdisciplinary efforts, life cycle assessment, sustainability, scenario planning, policy analysis, diffusion of innovation, and energy systems. He also created the Center for Inland Desalinations Systems at UTEP. He is currently extending these tools into areas of direct potable reuse, asset management in water and wastewater treatment plants, energy efficiency and conservation, and penetration of renewables into the market. He also has extensive research experience in contaminant transport (in surface and ground waters, as well as in the atmosphere.) He has recently been part of a team developing an extensive online climate education resource and community (www.camelclimatechange.org). He has served as an expert witness in several cases involving hydrologic events such as hurricanes, storms, and environmental impacts. He has been a consultant to the United Nations Development Program in India.
KEY WORDS Sustainability, diffusion of innovation, energy, life cycle assessment, scenario planning.
Arturo Bronson, Ph.D. PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 1983 ABRONSON@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6931
ENGINEERING BUILDING - A-246
HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=ABRONSON
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Professor Arturo Bronson has focused his teaching and research on the effect of chemi-cal interactions on and near interfaces for high temperature materials and corrosion of materials. Investigations have centered in the area of ceramic composites and metals by linking micro-structure developed during processing or synthesis with performance. Current research topics include the processing and oxidation of ceramic composites at temperatures greater than 2500 K, high temperature oxidation (800-1300 K) of metals and aqueous corrosion of metals embed-ded in soils.
KEY WORDS
Chemical Interactions, High Temperature Materials, Ceramics, Materials Processing
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25 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Jack F. Chessa, Ph.D. PROFESSOR & CHAIR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2003 JFCHESSA@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6900
ENGINEERING BUILDING - 124
HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=JFCHESSA
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Professor Chessa’s research interests are in the area of computational solid mechanics (CSM) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Primarily, he is interested in the development and implementation of advanced numerical methods towards mechanics problems that are seen as difficult in the context of the currently available methods. The majority of his work has been in the area of finite element methods and the development of extended finite element methods (X-FEM). He has developed methods that model multiphase flows, fluid structure interaction and solidification problems without remeshing while retaining high fidelity at the moving interfaces. Also, he is interested in the use of enriched and multiscale methods as well as coupling these methods to molecular dynamics models to aid in the design of advanced materials such as ultrahigh temperature ceramic composites, nano-phase composites and nanostructures.
KEY WORDS n/a
Ahsan R. Choudhuri, Ph.D. PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2001 AHSAN@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6906
ENGINEERING BUILDING - 126
HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/AHSAN HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=AHSAN
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Ahsan Choudhuri directs the UTEP NASA Center for Space Exploration and Technology Research. Professor Choudhuri’s teaching and research interests are in the area of combustion, propulsion, and high temperature materials synthesis. Dr. Choudhuri’s current and previous research efforts includes non-toxic propulsion systems (NASA), fuel flexible gas turbine combustors (Department of Energy), ox-fuel combustors (Department of Energy), materials for advanced turbines (Department of Energy), next generation solid propellants (Missile Defense Agency), turbopump technology for advanced liquid propellant rocket engines (Missile Defense Agency, NASA), advance divert and attitude control systems for missile interceptors (Space and Missile defense command and Missile Defense Agency), and microgravity combustion and materials science (NASA).
KEY WORDS Propulsion and Aerospace systems, energy engineering.
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Louis Everett, Ph.D. PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2001 LEVERETT@UTEP.EDU
915.747.7987
ENGINEERING BUILDING - A115
HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/LEVERETT HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=LEVERETT
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Louis J. Everett, the MacGuire Distinguished Professor of Mechanical Engineering, has funded research experience in automation, machine design, robotics, and sensor/actuator design. Having worked in residence at NASA JSC, NASA JPL and with his technical support of a shuttle flight, Dr. Everett is familiar with the design, construction and flight of space hardware and the strict safety requirements for manned spaceflight. Working in residence at IBM, Bell Laboratories and Texas Instruments Dr. Everett also has expertise in industry needs. Most recently, Dr. Everett has served the National Science Foundation as a Program Officer gaining a key inside look at the Foundation and the inner workings of funding decisions. Currently Dr. Everett works with small local entrepreneurial companies and consults regularly on technical problems involving machine control.
KEY WORDS Robotics, automation, machine design, control, embedded controllers, PLC.
Yirong Lin, Ph.D. PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2011 YLIN3@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6015
ENGINEERING BUILDING - E111 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/YLIN3 HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=YLIN3
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Yirong Lin is currently an Associate Professor in Department of Mechanical Engineering The University of Texas at El Paso. Dr. Lin’s research interests fall in design, fabrication, and characterization of advanced multifunctional material systems for embedded pressure sensing (Department of Energy), structural health monitoring (Department of Energy), wireless temperature sensing (Department of Energy vibration and energy harvesting and storage. His research encompasses micromechanics modeling, materials synthesis, structural characterization and device evaluation. Materials systems including metamateirals, piezoelectric, pyroelectric, graphene, nanocomposites, and carbon fiber composites are currently being investigated.
KEY WORDS Sensors, composites, additive manufacturing, smart materials, embedded sensing, energy harvesting and storage.
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27 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Eric MacDonald, Ph.D. PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2020 EMAC@UTEP.EDU
915.747.5913
ENGINEERING BUILDING - TBD
HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/EMAC HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=EMAC
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. MacDonald’s research interests include 3D printed electronics and multi-functional structures and ultra-low power chip design and electronics for harsh environments. Recent projects include 3D printing of a CubeSat which was launched into Low Earth Orbit in late 2013 and a replica of which is on display at the London Museum of Science, bio-medical devices and 3D sensor systems..
KEY WORDS 3D Printed Electronics, Additive Manufacturing, Low Power Electronics, Process Monitoring for Additive Manufacturing.
Evgeny Shafirovich, Ph.D. PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2010 ESHAFIROVICH2@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6465
ENGINEERING BUILDING - A-112
HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/ESHAFIROVICH2 HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=ESHAFIROVICH2
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Shafirovich’s primary research interests are focused on the combustion of energetic materials and combustion synthesis of advanced materials for energy and aerospace applications. His recent and current research projects, sponsored by DoD, DOE, NASA, and industry, include several topics such as green monopropellants, gas generators, combustion synthesis of high-temperature materials, and combustion-based methods for construction and power generation in space.
KEY WORDS Combustion of energetic and gas-generating materials, combustion synthesis of advanced materials, utilization of space resources.
2022 BRIEFING BOOK
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Chintalapalle Ramana, Ph.D. PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2009 RVCHINTALAPALLE@UTEP.EDU
915.747.8690
ENGINEERING BUILDING, ROOM 113
HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/RVCHINTALAPALLE HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=RVCHINTALAPALLE
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Ramana’s extensive contributions are towards a deeper understanding of the multifunctional materials’ physical/ chemical/electronic behavior, manufacturing and associated mechanics at the reduced (micro/nano) dimensionality. Materials/device fabrication, characterization and performance evaluation plays a significant role in his research. His research also focuses on the thin-films/surfaces/interfaces growth and plasma-based advanced manufacturing of nextgeneration advanced materials, which will have direct applications in power generation system, batteries, fuel cells, and photovoltaics. He has been involved with various research projects related to nanomaterials, ceramic coatings, and surface/interface engineering of advanced materials. He has successfully managed several research grants and projects. Ongoing research related to nanomaterials, ceramic coatings, surface engineering, hydrogen turbines, and sensors for coal-gasification is funded by the Department of Energy (DOE), National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), National Science Foundation (NSF), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and several industries.
KEY WORDS Advanced materials and systems for energy utilization, nanomaterials - synthesis & applications, surface and interface engineering, high-temperature ceramics.
Ryan Wicker, Ph.D. PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 1997 RWICKER@UTEP.EDU
915.747.7099
ENGINEERING BUILDING - E108
HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/RWICKER HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=RWICKER
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Wicker’s KEY WORDS include additive manufacturing processes, applications and materials. Additive Manufacturing (AM -- more popularly known as 3D Printing) fabricates a 3D structure with complex geometries directly from a file defined by computer-aided design. The Keck Center focuses on research to enhance these technologies to include the ability to print multi-functional structures with electronics, sensors, antennas, fluidics, and thermal management to name just a few. Fundamental and applied research is required specifically in AM processes, materials and applications.
KEY WORDS Additive manufacturing processes, materials applications.
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29 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Amelia Greig, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2019 ADGREIG@UTEP.EDU
915.747. 8378
ENGINEERING BUILDING, ROOM E230 H HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/ADGREIG HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=ADGREIG
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Currently, Dr. Greig is developing plasma electrothermal and electrospray thrusters for small spacecraft, with a focus on satellite integration considerations and effects of the thruster plume on other satellite sub-systems. Studies on thruster materials, geometry, and low temperature plasma behavior help to improve thruster performance. Investigations into a plasma-based, atmosphere breathing electric propulsion system for Mars and Titan are also showing promise. The small satellite program in cSETR is focused on-orbit manufacturing, robotics, and propulsion system technology demonstrations. The first UTEP satellite OF-2 containing a 3D printer for an on-orbit manufacturing demonstration was deployed into orbit in January 2020, with communications established the same day. Future satellite activities include demonstrations of new communications technology, studies of the Earth radiation environment, and a 3-axis robotic arm. Originally from a small town in a rural community in Tasmania, Australia, Dr. Greig is especially passionate about public outreach and encouraging students, especially underrepresented groups, to pursue careers in the technical sciences.
KEY WORDS
New space, small satellites, electric propulsion, low temperature plasma, satellite integration and testing, space environments.
Vinod Kumar, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2008 VKUMAR@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6075
ENGINEERING BUILDING - A-219 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/VKUMAR HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=VKUMAR
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Kumar’s research goal is to develop and integrate cutting-edge computational tools for complex engineering and science challenges by leveraging Exascale/High Performance Computing (HPC), machine learning and artificial intelligence, data analytics/bigdata concepts, Uncertainty Quantification (UQ), and leading-edge computational capabilities. His research group has focused on real-life and fundamental thermal-fluid applications coupled with crosscutting domains such as structure dynamics, solid mechanics, biomedical engineering, hypersonic. The group uses Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Fluid-Structure Interactions (FSI) with HPC algorithms on massively parallel supercomputers. Research activities include multiple interdisciplinary projects including developing flow conductance model porous core at pore level for CO2 sequestration, studying effects nanoparticles/coatings on thermal energy storage systems in Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) system, and FSI analysis Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT), CFD-Discrete Element Modeling (CFD-DEM)/Multiphase Simulations, laser propagation characterization for Air Force Remote Sensing/Directed Energy applications, exascale computing, biomass gasification, long-term weather forecast, turbulence modeling, and FSI analysis of flexible membranes. urnal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering, and International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology.
KEY WORDS CFD, FSI, DEM, directed energy, air force, army.
2022 BRIEFING BOOK
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Francisco Medina, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2018 RMEDINA@UTEP.EDU
915.747.8342
ENGINEERING BUILDING - A103
HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/FRMEDINA HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=FRMEDINA
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Medina is a world-renowned expert in the area of Additive Manufacturing (AM) and electron beam powder bed fusion technology; also known as Electron Beam Melting (EBM). He has over eighteen years of experience in AM and has educated over one thousand scientists and engineers in the areas of meals AM technology, processes, and advanced applications. He has published and contributed to over 120 peer-reviewed journal and conference proceedings. Additionally, he has been awarded nine additive manufacturing patents, with several other patents pending. Throughout his career, his research interests has centered around additive manufacturing, with a heavy emphasis on the acceleration and advancement of the manufacturing readiness of metal AM technology.
KEY WORDS Additive manufacturing, material development and characterization, powder bed fusion, electron beam melting, nickel base super alloys, titanium alloys.
John Bird, Ph.D. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2021 JJBIRD@UTEP.EDU
915.747.8406
ENGINEERING BLDG., ROOM A-115
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Dr. Bird’s research expertise includes planning, estimation, and decision-making for autonomous vehicles, with a focus on systems which must learn online while performing a mission. He studies coupling perception with control, allowing vehicles to obtain carefully targeted observations which improve their performance and reliability by adapting to uncertainty in themselves or their environment. Dr. Bird is also interested in applications of this technology, especially to autonomous scientific platforms, to improving the safety of aircraft flying in challenging weather, and to field testing autonomous vehicles. Dr. Bird has been instrumental in the development and field testing of both vehicles and autonomy algorithms for a range of systems including severe weather research aircraft, long range drones, and proof of concept aircraft for the Dragonfly mission to Titan.
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31 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Alejandra Castellanos, Ph.D. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2019 CASTELLANOSA@UTEP.EDU
915.747.7824
ENGINEERING BUILDING - A-116
HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/CASTELLANOSA HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=CASTELLANOSA
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Alejandra Castellanos’ research area is on composite materials, additive manufacturing (AM) and materials under extreme conditions. She studies their failure mechanisms, damage mitigation techniques, and nondestructive testing. Dr. Castellanos is interested in materials for Hypersonic Flight Vehicles, specifically coatings that prevent or minimize environmental degradation and on service damage. Dr. Castellanos is also interested in the development of a novel NDE (Nondestructive Evaluation) technique to identify the failure mechanisms during service on composite materials, specifically for composite overwrapped pressure vessel. Another research interest is the development of damage mitigation techniques for composite materials by using nanotechnology and additive manufacturing (AM).
KEY WORDS Composite materials sandwich, composites damage metamaterials, additive manufacturing, manufacturing.
David Espalin, Ph.D. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2018 DESPALIN@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6078
ENGINEERING BUILDING - A-115 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/DESPALIN HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=DESPALIN
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Dr. David Espalin is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Mechanical Engineering within The University of Texas at El Paso. He also serves as the Director of Research at the W.M. Keck Center for 3D Innovation – a multi-disciplinary center focused on the advancement and adoption of additive manufacturing (or more commonly known as 3D Printing) through activities in education, research, outreach, technology development and commercialization, and industrial partnerships. His current research is in the area of hybrid additive manufacturing, large area additive manufacturing, 3D electronics fabrication, and design software development. Through the development of custom machines at UTEP, Dr. Espalin has enabled multi-technology manufacturing that allows not only depositing thermoplastic materials, but also the use of wire embedding, machining, foil application, and robotic component placement to achieve the fabrication of multifunctional devices. This type of fabrication has also been extended to metals 3D printing. These combined manufacturing capabilities provide a unique research space where design software, materials and processes, and robotics influence the final fabricated product. As an educator, Dr. Espalin is interested in research related to increasing the participation of minorities and disadvantaged students in engineering. Dr. Espalin has published over 20 refereed manuscripts in technical journals and filed over 10 patents. His work has been published, for example, in Journal of Mechanisms and Robotics, IEEE Sensors, Rapid Prototyping Journal, Journal of Manufacturing Science and Engineering, and International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology.
KEY WORDS
Additive manufacturing, 3D printing, hybrid manufacturing, 3D electronics, large area additive manufacturing, design software. 2022 BRIEFING BOOK
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Angel Flores, Ph.D. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2020 AS TENURE-TRACK FACULTY AFLORESABAD@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6902
ENGINEERING BUILDING - E331
HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/AFLORESABAD HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=AFLORESABAD
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Angel Flores-Abad is currently an assistant professor in Department of Mechanical Engineering The University of Texas at El Paso and is a Researcher at the UTEP’s Aerospace Center known as cSETR. Dr. Flores-Abad background and research experience are in the area of autonomous systems for space and aerial applications. His current work is in the field of intelligent navigation of aerial systems in complex environments powered by artificial intelligence and in the development of small satellites with robotic capabilities to assist in on-orbit service, assembly and manufacturing in space. His research has been sponsored by the Department of Energy and NASA. He is a member of the AIAA Space Automation and Robotics Technical Committee, and has published papers in the main Aerospace Engineering Journals.
KEY WORDS Robotics, Autonomous Systems Guidance, Navigation and Control.
Md Mahamudur Rahman, Ph.D. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2018 MRAHMAN15@UTEP.EDU
915.747.8305
ENGINEERING BUILDING - A-118 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/MRAHMAN15 HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=MRAHMAN15
RESEARCH STATEMENT During his doctoral studies, he has worked in the area of boiling and condensation heat transfer enhancement techniques through nano to macro-scale surface engineering. He has also worked in the area of advanced dry cooling systems with the goal of eliminating the need for water altogether in large-scale thermal systems. Dr. Rahman has received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) in 2008 and Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) in 2011. His research interests are surface engineering and advanced diagnostics of interfacial phenomena, fluid dynamics, and heat transfer; scalable manufacturing and reliability of structured coatings for two-phase systems; thermal management schemes to support space life for efficient power and size utilization; and efficient thermal transport and system design for multi-scale energy applications.
KEY WORDS Surface engineering and interfacial phenomena, phase change heat transfer, nuclear energy, systems cryogenic cooling, multi-scale energy Systems.
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33 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Joel Quintana, Ph.D. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2021 JQUINTANA@UTEP.EDU
915.747. 5472
ENGINEERING BLDG., ROOM M-305E
HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/JQUINTANA HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=JQUINTANA
Methaq S. Abed, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF PRACTICE JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2018 MSABED@UTEP.EDU
915.747. 6435
ENGINEERING BLDG., ROOM A-104 HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=MSABED
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Abed is the Director of the Undergraduate Program and Associate Professor of Practice in the Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas at El Paso. She has expertise in structural engineering in both industry and academia. Her research interest focused on the finite element modeling of infrastructure, finite element modeling of aerospace structures, structural materials and mechanics, fatigue and creep, non-linear structural analysis, and structural dynamics
KEY WORDS Finite Element modeling of infrastructure, Finite Element modeling of aerospace structures, Structural materials and mechanics, Fatigue and Creep, Non-linear structural Analysis, Structural dynamics
2022 BRIEFING BOOK
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Omar Cedillos Barraza, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF PRACTICE JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2016 OCEDILLOSB@UTEP.EDU
915.747.5863
ENGINEERING BUILDING - A-114 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/OCEDILLOSB HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=OCEDILLOSB
RESEARCH STATEMENT Omar Cedillos is an Assistant Professor of Practice in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UTEP. He obtained his BS in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering from Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey in 1997, his MS in Materials Science from Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez in 2010 and his PhD in Materials from Imperial College London in 2015. His research is focused in advanced processing and characterization of ceramics for extreme environments applications. This includes ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTCs), high-entropy ceramics and MAX phases. His interests also includes microstructure-property relationships, measurement of mechanical properties, measurement of thermal properties at high temperatures and measurement of melting points at very high temperatures (>4000 K) using laser heating techniques. Process development using spark plasma sintering (SPS), hot-pressing (HP) and pressureless sintering (PS) techniques.
KEY WORDS Ceramics, Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics (UHTCs), Advanced Characterization, Laser Melting, Sintering, MicrostructureProperty relationships.
Hossein Mallahzadeh, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF PRACTICE JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2019 HMALLAHZADE@UTEP.EDU
915.747.5341
ENGINEERING BLDG., ROOM E-329 HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=HMALLAHZADE
RESEARCH STATEMENT Hossein Mallahzadeh is an Associate Professor of Practice in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UTEP. He obtained his BS in Civil Engineering from Azad university in 2007, his MS in Maritime and Civil Engineering from University of Liverpool in 2010 and his PhD in Offshore Engineering from University of Liverpool in 2015. His research is focused in risk assessment and management of offshore oil and gas platforms. This includes analysis, design, spectral dynamic fatigue analysis, developing the Hazard Identification, performing quantitative risk assessment and modelling of Reliability, Availability and Maintainability for platforms . His interests also include in Numerical Analysis, Mathematical modelling, Structural Dynamics, Statistics and MATLAB to simulate engineering problems especially in offshore fields and calculations mathematically and resolve them.
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35 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Miguel Cedeno, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF INSTRUCTION JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2021 MACEDENOMOR@UTEP.EDU
915.747.7976
ENGINEERING BLDG., ROOM E-330 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/MACEDENOMOR HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=MACEDENOMOR
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Cedeno is a CFD/FEA researcher and is professional Certified in 3D software such as SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Revit, 3DsMax. Currently, he’s conducting research on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning applied to Aerospace Engineering.He has collaborated with the National University of Colombia in research using Artificial Intelligence applied to Enhanced Oil Recovery with Nanoparticles.Currently, he is involved in the development of rockets.
KEY WORDS CFD, FEA, Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning.
Arifur R. Khan, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF INSTRUCTION JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2016 ARKHAN@UTEP.EDU
915.747. 5484
ENGINEERING BUILDING, ROOM A317 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/ARKHAN HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=ARKHAN
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Khan is an Associate Professor of Practice at The University of Texas at El Paso. He obtained his BS and MS degree in Applied Chemistry & Chemical Engineering from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Ph.D. in Electrical Electronic and Computer Engineering from the School of Engineering, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Japan. Dr. Khan is working on the building of small spacecraft testing laboratory (Spacecraft Design and Engineering Facility) with the teaching of graduate and undergraduate students. His classroom teaching focus is on hands-on learning. Dr. Khan is a senior member of both the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronomic (AIAA) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. He is also a regular reviewer of many scientific research journals, such as IEEE Transactions on Plasma Science, Journal of Applied Physics, American Institute of Physics, etc.
KEY WORDS Additive material for space application, Space sensor development, Space Environment interaction, Material-Energy interaction, Charge transportation through space materials, High-voltage effect in space
2022 BRIEFING BOOK
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CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT ABOUT US
The Department of Civil Engineering at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) strives to graduate highly qualified engineers, maintain nationally recognized research, and provide quality professional and community service to the Paso del Norte bi-national region and the world. 14 tenured/tenure-track faculty and four non-tenure-track faculty are committed to preparing the 573 undergraduate, 139 master’s, and 10 Ph.D. students enrolled in civil engineering programs for careers in structural engineering, environmental engineering (with an emphasis on water-related research), geotechnical engineering, transportation systems, and infrastructure and construction management.
DEPARTMENT GOALS •To grow an internationally recognized funded research program •To increase the academic success of UG students •To establish a recruitment plan to sustain growth of the graduate programs •To educate students who are holistic professionals and socially conscious •To achieve national recognition for producing Hispanic civil engineering faculty •To create a collegial work environment that promotes, supports and recognizes continuous faculty and staff development
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37 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
STAFF The department is supported by the following staff:
HANS BOENISCH
BLANCA CARRASCO
FACILITIES/NETWORK MANAGER
PROGRAM MANAGER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS & STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
SASHA MINJAREZ
CONCHA RUIZ
WRITER
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
2022 BRIEFING BOOK
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ENROLLMENT TRENDS FOR THE LAST 12 YEARS FOR BS, MS, & PH.
•
Note: This figure doesn't consider students that participate in interdisciplinary MS or Ph.D. programs such as the Computational Science program nor the Environmental Science & Engineering Ph.D. program.
DEGREES AWARDED FOR CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT FY11-21
*Note: Interdisciplinary Master’s degrees in Computational Science are distributed to CE contingent upon their research advisor as of FY 2019 **Note: Interdisciplinary Ph.D. degrees (Computational Science and Environmental Science & Engineering) are distributed to CE contingent upon their research advisor as of FY 2019
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39 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
RESEARCH EXPENDITURES FY 2011 THROUGH FY 2021
DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS AND POINTS OF PRIDE • Our CIDS team was selected as one of the top five finalist teams in the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s More Water Less Concentrate high-recovery desalination competition this June (https://www.morewaterlessconcentrate.org/). • The first cohort of three students in our Dual Masters Program in Smart Cities will be graduating this Spring. • This past April, CTIS Doctoral Research Assistant, Benjamin Arras, won 1st place in the Poster Competition at the 2022 New Mexico Transportation and Construction Conference. • Dr. Kelvin Cheu Received the College of Engineering Outstanding Researcher Award • Spring 2022: Construction Engineering and Management undergraduate student, Nanette Giron has been selected to participate in the inaugural National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Student Training in Applied Research (STAR) internship program. • Civil Engineering graduate student Lauren Brown earned the John Walton Fellowship at UT Austin this summer. • Fall 2021: Hector Cruz, a doctoral student received the prestigious 2021-22 Dwight David Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship (DDETF), awarded to exceptional students pursuing degrees in transportation-related disciplines. • Fall 2021: Kamalen Santos Diaz received the prestigious 2021Transportation Research Board Minority Student Fellowship. • Spring 2022: Dr. Raheem received the UTEP Academy of Distinguished Teachers’ Outstanding Teacher Award. • Spring 2022: UTEP Online construction management program has been recognized as one of the top programs in the nation by various national platforms:
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https://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/degrees/construction-management-programs/(#6) https://www.intelligent.com/best-online-construction-management-degree-programs/ (#25) https://www.universities.com/find/texas/best/construction-management-degrees (#3) https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/business-management-marketing-sales/construction-management/ rankings/top-ranked/southwest/texas/ • Civil Engineering alumnus Gilbert Trejo was named the 2022 El Paso Engineer of the Year by the Texas Society of Professional Engineers. • Civil Engineering alumnus Daniel Carrera was named the Texas State Young Engineer of the Year by the Texas Society of Professional Engineers. • This year the Department celebrates the 75th anniversary of the approval of the Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering program by the Board of Regents of the University of Texas System.
CENTERS AND ACTIVE RESEARCH LABS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEPARTMENT Two UTEP research centers are affiliated with the department. These centers include: • CENTER FOR TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEMS (CTIS) - Serves as a source for preparing new professionals for the 21st century transportation workplace through research in complex transportation systems. www.ctis.utep.edu/ • CENTER FOR INLAND DESALINATION (CIDS) - Mentors and empower students to develop elegant and sustainable water treatment solutions through research and global service-learning projects. www.utep. edu/engineering/cids/ The department is also a partner in six multidisciplinary, multi-institution research centers: • ASPIRE (ADVANCING SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH POWERED INFRASTRUCTURE FOR ROADWAY ELECTRIFICATION). ASPIRE is funded by NSF with the vision to achieve a sustainable future for transportation through widespread electrification of roadway vehicles. ASPIRE strives to develop charging solutions that provide power to all classes of vehicles both while parked and in motion. Achieving this vision requires entirely new lines of thinking on how city, highway, and electrical grid infrastructure are planned, how new innovative infrastructure is integrated, how vehicles and operators interact with those systems, and how to integrate objectively private sector partners and public resources. www.aspire.usu. edu • NANOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING RESEARCH CENTER FOR NANOTECHNOLOGY ENABLED WATER TREATMENT (NEWT) FUNDED BY THE NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION NSF. NEWT uses nanotechnology to develop water treatment systems. The goal is to protect human lives and support sustainable economic development. https://newtcenter.org/ • USDOT CENTER FOR ADVANCED INFRASTRUCTURE AND TRANSPORTATION (CAIT) - CAIT helps keep U.S. infrastructure in a state of good repair and promotes safe, economically efficient, and environmentally sound ways to keep our country moving. www.cait.rutgers.edu/ • USDOT SOUTHERN PLAINS TRANSPORTATION CENTER (SPTC) - SPTC is a diverse and inclusive regionally based, nationally recognized research, education, and outreach center dedicated to solving pressing transportation and freight infrastructure problems and producing highly trained transportation professionals. . www.sptc.org/ • USDOT CENTER FOR CONNECTED CITIES FOR SMART MOBILITY TOWARDS ACCESSIBLE & RESILIENT TRANSPORTATION (C2SMART) –C2SMART uses cities as living laboratories to study challenging transportation problems and find solutions from the unprecedented recent advances in communication
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41 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
and smart technologies. www.c2smart.engineering.nyu.edu/ • USDOT CENTER FOR TRANSPORTATION, ENVIRONMENT & COMMUNITY HEALTH (CTECH) pursues research and innovation to support sustainable mobility of people and goods while preserving the environment and improving community health. www.ctech.cee.cornell.edu/ • USDOT CENTER FOR ADVANCING RESEARCH IN TRANSPORTATION EMISSIONS, ENERGY, AND HEALTH (CARTEEH) focuses on the impact of transportation emissions on human health. www.carteeh.org
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155*DEGRE
CIVIL ENGINEERING
2021
*CERTIFIED DAT
UG = 8 MS = 70 PH.D. = 4 INTERDIS
AT A GLANCE
7 PROGRAMS
STUDENT ENROL
2 BACHELORS 4 MASTERS* 1 DOCTORAL
TOTA UG = MS = PH.D
*1 FULLY ONLINE MS
*FOR TH
RESEARCH INDICATORS DATA FROM 01.01.2021- 12.31.2021
49
26
SUBMITTED GRANT PROPOSALS FROM THE DEPARTMENT, THAT ARE CURRENTLY PENDING FUNDING DECISIONS, TOTAL
$ 8,812,820
14
TENURED/TENURE-
$2.8 MILLION
PROPOSALS AWARDS // SUBMITTED RECEIVED
43 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENTAL ANNUAL RESEARCH EXPENDITURES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2021
EES AWARDED
ATA FOR AY 2020-2021
80 0 4 SCIPLINARY PH.D.: 1
LLMENT
AL ENROLLMENT* 573 = 139 D. = 10
HE FALL 2021 SEMESTER
-TRACK FACULTY
722 CIVIL ENGINEERING
CENTERS AND ACTIVE RESEARCH LABS 2022 BRIEFING BOOK
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INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS •Texas Dept. of Transportation (TxDOT) •Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) •U.S. Dept. of Transportation (USDOT) •National Road Research Alliance •US Army Corps of Engineers •El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization •National Road Research Alliance (NRRA) •Applied Research Associates •Applied Pavement Technology •Fugro •Among many others
CENTER FOR TRANSPORTATION INFRASTRUCTURE SYSTEMS
The Center for Infrastructure Systems (CTIS) Serves as the regional and national source for preparing new professionals for the 21st century transportation workplace through cutting-edge and competitive research in complex transportation systems. CTIS sustains innovative research in core areas: a) Transportation Materials/Design, b) Infrastructure Evaluation and Management, c) Planning, Operation and Logistics. Our diverse faculty and staff collaborate nationally and internationally to engage in multidisciplinary opportunities for both students and faculty. The main goal of the CTIS is to address the needs for basic and applied research with relation to the transportation infrastructure and lifeline.
CURRENT RESEARCH FOCUS AREA •Improvement and Implementation of Intelligent Compaction •Development of Specialized Pavement Analysis Tools •Implementation of Pavement Structural Evaluation Methods •Characterization of Pavement Properties •Development of Balance Asphalt Mix Design
OPPORTUNITES •Engage in innovative research that creates synergy •Develop new collaborations with initiates in new research fronts such as Resilience and Disaster Recovery. •Collaborate nationally and internationally to engage in multidisciplinary opportunities for both students and faculty. •Serve as a member of the Transportation Leadership Council, a student-led council, which: •
Promotes collaboration of multidisciplinary transportation professionals and UTEP students by fostering the development of leadership, teamwork, networking, and research skills through the activities conducted by the chapter
•
Delivers educational outreach to the local K-12 community
•Model Transportation Asset Management Practices
IMAD ABDALLAH, PH.D.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, UTEP , M.S. in Civil Engineering, UTEP , B.S. in Civil Engineering, UTEP.
NAZARIAN@UTEP.EDU
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45 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
915. 747.6911
METALLURGY M105
HTTP://CTIS.UTEP.EDU
INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS •El Paso Water •NEWT Industry Members: •Magna Imperio Systems (MIS) •Carollo Engineers •Garver •Sandia National Labs •Industrial Water Services
CENTER FOR INLAND DESALINATION SYSTEMS The Center for Inland Desalination Systems (CIDS) is a national leader in desalination research, especially pilot testing high-recovery systems. CIDS and the Center for Environmental Resource Management (CERM) are collaboratively moving forward with a “One Water” vision and mission, taking a holistic approach to sustainable and resilient water management and treatment, especially for arid and semi-arid regions. We have a strong multi-decade collaboration with El Paso Water, which has been a pioneer in water conservation, potable reuse, and brackish desalination. We are currently engaged in the Nanotechnology-Enabled Water Treatment (NEWT) NSF Engineering Research Center and the Sustainable Water U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) research center.
CURRENT RESEARCH FOCUS AREAS
OPPORTUNITES
•High-recovery Inland Brackish Groundwater Desalination: Advancing desalination technology development, especially by pilot testing at El Paso Water’s Kay Bailey Hutchison (KBH) Desalination Plant and the Brackish Groundwater National Desalination Research Facility (BGNDRF) in Alamogordo, NM.
•Build upon our relationships with existing academic and industrial collaborators through pilot testing in El Paso and Alamogordo. •Develop new collaborations with universities in California, Arizona, and Texas through the UTEP One Water Initiative.
•Direct Potable Reuse of Municipal Wastewater: Advancing the recycling of municipal sewage for drinking water, especially by pilot testing at El Paso Water’s Hickerson Wastewater Treatment Plant (HWTP). (*review abbreviation)
•Develop formal partnerships with international water institutions such as The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the IHE Institute for Water Education in Delft, Netherlands.
•Mineral and Nutrient Recovery from Waste Streams: Recovering valuable minerals, metals, or nutrients to move towards a circular desalination economy.
•Engage engineering students through servicelearning projects to design treatment systems for small communities in the Paso del Norte region.
•Solar Power Integration: Improving the sustainability and resilience of desalination by integrating renewable energy.
•Engage the K-12 community through educational outreach activities.
W. Shane Walker, Ph.D., P.E.
DIRECTOR | ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OTHER POSITIONS HELD: Argosy Visiting Assistant Professor, Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: B.S. in Civil Engineering, Texas Tech (’04), M.S. in Environmental & Water Resources Engineering, University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) (’06), Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, UT Austin (’10) WSWALKER2@UTEP.EDU
915. 747.8729
ENGINEERING BUILDING 226
WWW.UTEP.EDU/ENGINEERING/CIDS/
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INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS Over 45 partners from the following industries: • Automobile Manufactures • Power Generators • Engine Manufactures • National Laboratories • Departments of Transportation
ASPIRE (Advancing Sustainability through Powered Infrastructure for Roadway Electrification.ASPIRE is funded by the NSF with the vision to achieve a sustainable future for transportation through widespread electrification of roadway vehicles. ASPIRE strives to develop charging solutions that provide power to all classes of vehicles both while parked and in motion. Achieving this vision requires entirely new lines of thinking on how city, highway, and electrical grid infrastructure are planned, how new innovative infrastructure is integrated, how vehicles and operators interact with those systems, and how to integrate objectively private sector partners and public resources.
CURRENT RESEARCH FOCUS AREA •Incorporating charging elements within transportation the infrastructure system. •Improving electric vehicles’ charging process. •Co-optimizing electric and transportation infrastructure networks. •Addressing environmental aspects of electrified transportation infrastructure systems. •Incorporating engineering workforce development and culture of inclusion in every aspect of ASPIRE operation.
OPPORTUNITES •Engage in innovative cutting-edge convergent research. •Participate in collaborative research with ASPIRE partner universities, national labs and innovation, and industry partners. •Take advantage of numerous exchange and internship programs. •Get involved in social and environmental justice. •Get involved in educating the next generation of engineers through educational outreach to the local k-12
Soheil Nazarian, Ph.D., P.E., D.GE DIRECTOR | PROFESSOR, CE
OTHER POSITIONS HELD: Professor, Civil Engineering, Graduate Coordinator, Civil Engineering Macintosh Murchison Endowed Chaired Professor EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Ph.D.., Civil Engineering, UT Austin, 1984 M.S., Civil Engineering, Tufts University, 1981 M.S., Civil Engineering, University of Tehran, 1979 NAZARIAN@UTEP.EDU
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47 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
915. 747.6911
METALLURGY M105
WWW.ASPIRE.USU.EDU
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CIVIL ENGINEERING
FACULTY PROFILES 2022 BRIEFING BOOK
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Cesar J. Carrasco, Ph.D. PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2001 CCARRAS@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6919
ENGINEERING BUILDING, A225-A HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/CCARRAS HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=CCARRAS
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Cesar Carrasco is a professor for the Department of Civil Engineering, with experience in material science and engineering mechanics. He has been actively involved in the management of numerous projects dealing with the modeling of micrometeoroid and orbital debris impacts on spacecrafts, the development of finite element linear and non-linear modeling tools, material constitutive modeling, and structural reliability, as well as nondestructive testing and evaluation of structures. Dr. Carrasco has been the PI and Co-PI on research and development grants/contracts from NSF, the Applied Physics Laboratory, Southwest Research Institute, NASA, the Boeing Company, Lockheed Martin, the Missile Defense Agency, Raytheon Company, the Federal Highway Administration and the New York Department of Transportation.
KEY WORDS Civil Engineering, structural engineering, finite element modeling, structural dynamics, health assessment, aerospace structures.
Kelvin Long Cheu, Ph.D. PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2006 RCHEU@UTEP.EDU
915.747.5717
ENGINEERING BUILDING, A208 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/RCHEU HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=RCHEU
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Dr. Ruey (Kelvin) Cheu earned his Ph.D. degree in Transportation Systems Engineering at the University of California at Irvine in 1994. He is well-known for his research on the applications of artificial intelligence in transportation and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). His latest research passions are smart cities and transportation-community health. He has led projects funded by the Texas Department of Transportation, El Paso Metropolitan Planning Organization, U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Department of Homeland Security, and other agencies, with total external research funding of more than $5 million (as the PI). Arising from these research projects, he has published more than 79 papers in international peer-reviewed journals. His publications have been cited more than 4,400 times, with an h-index of 35. Google Scholar consistently ranks him among the top 20 most highly cited scholar in Transportation Engineering. At UTEP, he is a professor with the Department of Civil Engineering, heads the smart city community and directs the dual master’s degree program. His current research topics are related to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) inspection, university parking, autonomous vehicles, and mobility of the seniors.
KEY WORDS
Transportation engineering, intelligent transportation systems, transportation security, transportation-health, smart cities
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cross-border transportation,
Carlos M. Ferregut, Ph.D. PROFESSOR & CHAIR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 1990 FERREGUT@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6921
ENGINEERING BUILDING, A119 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/FERREGUT HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=FERREGUT
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Ferregut’s expertise lies in the fields of engineering risk analysis, reliability-based design, and stochastic modeling. He also has had extended experience in the nondestructive evaluation of engineering systems. Key aspects of his research include the development of dedicated probabilistic models, the study of the effects of statistical and model uncertainties, and the application of both classical (statistical) reliability theory, as well as structural (model-based) reliability analysis. The practical applications of his research are mostly related to civil and aerospace engineering systems, marked by a need to manage, assess, and/or minimize risks. To date, particular emphasis has been given to buildings, pavements, bridges, foundations, aircraft structures and aerospace structures, gas pipelines, ship structures, and stochastic modeling of environmental risks, environmental problems, and probabilistic treatment of the robustness and durability of engineering systems.
KEY WORDS Engineering risk analysis, reliability analysis, stochastic modeling, nondestructive evaluation, global engineering education.
Wen-Whai Li, Ph.D., P.E., Q.E.P. PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 1997 JWEIDNER@UTEP.EDU
915.747.8755
ENGINEERING BUILDING, A211 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/WLI HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=WLI
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Wen-Whai Li is a professor of civil engineering at UTEP. His research interests include air quality monitoring and modeling, environmental exposure and health risk assessment, accident analysis, physical simulation of the atmospheric environment, and Superfund site remedial investigation and feasibility study. He has served as the major thesis advisor for and graduated seven Ph.D. and over 25 M.S *(alumni?). He has completed more than 30 research projects as PI or co-PI. He has also published 38 journal articles, more than 110 conference proceedings and abstracts, and numerous technical reports. Prior to joining UTEP, he worked as a Group Leader/Senior Science Advisor at ENVIRON International Corporation (1988 - 1996), where he was involved in emissions and air quality modeling at industrial and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) sites, human health risk assessment, accidental releases, and environmental litigation projects.
KEY WORDS Air Toxics, environmental exposure and health risk assessment, air pollution monitoring and modeling, traffic-related air quality assessment, emission modeling.
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Alex S. Mayer, Ph.D. PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2020 AMAYER2@UTEP.EDU
915.747.8699
ENGINEERING BUILDING, A216 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/AMAYER2 HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=AMAYER2
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Dr. Alex Mayer is Professor of Civil Engineering at The University of Texas at El Paso. Dr. Mayer’s teaching and research focuses on finding solutions to water resources problems through modeling of watersheds and groundwater aquifers, coupled with human decision-making models. His research has taken place in the Rio Grande basin, Caribbean, Great Lakes, and Sonora and Veracruz, Mexico. He has directed $11 million in externally-funded research and published more than 100 refereed papers and book chapters. He enjoys participating in and inspiring interdisciplinary research and teaching activities. He has directed several undergraduate, graduate, and secondary school curriculum enhancement projects.
KEY WORDS
Water resources systems, natural resources management, watershed hydrology, land use and climate change.
Soheil Nazarian, P.E., D.GE PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 1988 NAZARIAN@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6911
ENGINEERING BUILDING, A207 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/NAZARIAN HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=NAZARIAN
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Dr. Nazarian has more than 30 years of experience in the areas of materials and nondestructive testing as related to geotechnical and transportation infrastructure.
KEY WORDS
Geotechnical engineering, transportation, infrastructure, nondestructive testing, civil engineering materials
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Vivek Tandon, Ph.D., P.E. PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 1999 VIVEK@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6924
ENGINEERING BUILDING, A221 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/VIVEK HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=VIVEK
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Dr. Tandon’s research centers on the sustenance of community requires resilient infrastructure that enhances productivity,minimizes disruptions under stressed conditions, extends the life of existing infrastructure, and minimizes the frequency of maintenance. His main expertise lies in the development and evaluation of innovative, sustainable materials for highway infrastructure that generate minimal carbon footprint, including sustainable modification of existing materials like asphalt, aggregate, asphalt concrete, soils, and PCC, and the development of new materials like geopolymer. He also has expertise in the evaluation of the impact of extreme climate events on transportation infrastructure (like flooding), the use of computational science for evaluating complex infrastructure materials, and the use of sustainable development approaches for smart cities. He has received major funding through the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), as well as sources like the Federal Highway Administration, National Cooperative Highway Research Program, and US Department of Transportation. Dr. Tandon has successfully collaborated with faculty within the department, outside the department, and from other universities to promote sustainable development.
KEY WORDS
Innovative civil infrastructure materials design, testing and evaluation, resilient and sustainable, infrastructure development, computational modeling of infrastructure systems, sustainable disposal of waste civil infrastructure.
Shane S. Walker, Ph.D., P.E. PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2010 WSWALKER2@UTEP.EDU
915.747.8729
ENGINEERING BUILDING, A215 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/WSWALKER2 HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=WSWALKER2
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Walker’s research focuses on water and wastewater treatment technologies, especially membrane separations (e.g., reverse osmosis and electrodialysis) for high-recovery inland brackish desalination. His research interests include increasing water recovery, decreasing energy consumption, and recovering minerals/products from waste streams. Dr. Walker is also passionate about low-cost water treatment solutions for developing countries/communities.
KEY WORDS Civil engineering, environmental engineering, water treatment, drinking water, wastewater, inland brackish desalination
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IMAD ABDALLAH, PH.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2015 EMADN@UTEP.EDU
915.747.8907
METALLURGY BLDG., ROOM M-105
HTTPS:/EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/EMADN HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=EMADN
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Dr. Abdallah is the Executive Director of the Center for Transportation Research Systems (CTIS) responsible for oversight and management of the center’s $3 million budget. He is also a research associate professor in civil engineering, with over 25 years of work experience. He has been instrumental in research efforts on many projects dealing with data modeling and analysis, especially in correlation analysis and modeling data uncertainty. He has experience related to analysis, design and management of pavement structures, and pavement material characterization. As lead researcher on over two dozen research projects, his efforts have contributed to developing pavement performance models based on traditional and artificial intelligence, establishing algorithms that focused on uncertainty analysis for estimating the impact of construction quality on the life-cycle performance of pavements, collecting and analyzing Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) data including seismic and deflection data, combining it into integration algorithms that back-calculate layer properties from Air-Coupled Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), Portable Seismic Pavement Analyzer (PSPA), SPA and Falling Weight Defelctometer (FWD). He also has experience in developing expert systems related to pavements that ccombinenumerical and engineering analyses with heuristic information to guide and recommend the best alternatives. Most recently he has managed the software development team at CTIS on several transportation projects to provide online tools that assist engineering in analysis, design, and evaluation.
KEY WORDS
Pavement Material Characterization, pavement management and evaluation, artificial intelligence modeling, data fusion modeling, expert systems development
Adeeba A. Raheem, Ph.D., A.M. ASCE, ENV SP ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2018 AS TENURE-TRACK FACULTY AARAHEEM@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6348
ENGINEERING BUILDING, A213 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/AARAHEEM HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=AARAHEEM
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Dr. Raheem joined the Department of Civil Engineering at UTEP in 2014. She received her Ph.D. in Construction Management from the University of Florida (UF). She holds multiple master’s degrees in Building Construction, Environmental Engineering and Civil Engineering from UF. Her research interests include construction safety and sustainable construction, with emphasis on utilizing Building Information Modeling (BIM) and energy simulation tools and techniques. She has worked on various research studies focused on improving the environmental performance of commercial and residential buildings. For the past few years, she has been working on optimizing the performance of various components of commercial building facades in hot and humid climates. Dr. Raheem has published her research work in a variety of peer-reviewed journals, including Safety Science, Building Simulation, and Building Appraisal. She has also presented at various national and international conferences.
KEY WORDS
Energy efficient buildings, sustainable construction, construction safety, building information technology
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Reza Salehi-Ashtiani, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2012 RSALEHIASHTIANI@UTEP.EDU
915.747.5404
ENGINEERING BUILDING, A217 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/RSALEHIASHTIANI HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=RSALEHIASHTIANI
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Ashtiani conducts research in the area of computational mechanics, with an emphasis on geomaterials. His main area of expertise is constitutive modeling of civil engineering materials, with particular relevance to the design and analysis of infrastructure systems. Specifically, the focus of his research is modeling and analysis of multi-layer systems such as airfield runways and pavements. Dr. Ashtiani managed and/or participated in several cutting-edge research projects sponsored by the US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), US Department of Transportation (USDOT), International Center for Aggregate Research (ICAR), and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), to name a few. In addition to national organizations, he has collaborated with several private companies in the area of civil engineering. He is also closely involved with professional student organizations at UTEP. Currently, he serves as the faculty advisor for the concrete canoe competition of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and as faculty mentor for the Transportation Research Board (TRB) at UTEP.
KEY WORDS Constitutive modeling of civil engineering materials, computational mechanics, analysis and design of multi-layer systems (such as highway pavements and airfield runways)
Ivonne Santiago, P.E. (Tx, NM, PR), Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2012 ISANTIAGO@UTEP.EDU
915.747.8478
ENGINEERING BLDG., ROOM A-218
HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/ISANTIAGO HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=ISANTIAGO
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Santiago’s research focuses on the development of innovative technologies to treat surface, ground, and reclaimed water. Her emphasis is on technologies that are efficient and yet sustainable and resilient, such as the use of zeolites and agricultural waste.
KEY WORDS Water quality, contaminant removal using natural absorbents, contaminant transport, hydrology, outcomes assessment
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Ruimin Ke, Ph.D. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2021 RKE@UTEP.EDU
915.747.8301
ENGINEERING BUILDING, A205 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/RKE HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=RKE
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Dr. Ke earned his civil engineering doctoral and master’s degrees in Intelligent Transportation Systems from the University of Washington in 2020 and 2016. He received a B.E. degree in Automation at Tsinghua University in 2014. Dr. Ke’s research expertise is rooted in transportation systems and smart cities with a focus on machine learning, video image processing, and the Internet of Things Applications. Dr. Ke is an active author of journal publications, conference proceedings, and technical reports, as well as an active collaborator on research projects, mentorship, and professional leadership. To name a few, he served as a publication co-chair for the 7th Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) International Smart Cities Conference in 2021; He is a member of the Transportation Research Board (TRB) standing committee on Statewide/National Transportation Data and Information Systems (AED10), and a young member of the ASCE T&DI Infrastructure Systems Committee. Also, Dr. Ke is the winner of the Chinese Overseas Transportation Association (COTA) Best Dissertation Award 2020-2021.
KEY WORDS
Intelligent transportation systems, intelligent vehicles, road infrastructure, artificial intelligence, internet of things, smart cities
Jeffrey Weidner, Ph.D. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2016 JWEIDNER@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6913
ENGINEERING BUILDING, A222 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/JWEIDNER HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=JWEIDNER
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Weidner is focused on the complex and interconnected systems of infrastructure, society, and the economy. His background is in instrumentation, field testing, and monitoring of bridges through the application of structural identification. He is particularly interested in addressing systemic problems for populations of structures through the application of technology and novel approaches to performance assessment, analysis, and management. Through risk-based, quantitative prioritization and resilience-driven practices, Dr. Weidner aims to prepare infrastructure owners locally and nationally for extreme event hazards by reducing vulnerability and exposure to failure. He is also focused on understanding and quantifying the effects of model selection on engineering practices through the application of multiple model approaches and probabilistic solutions to traditional, single-model problems.
KEY WORDS Performance assessment of structural systems, structural identification, structural health monitoring, bridge testing, smart cities, infrastructure, Resilience
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Raed E Aldouri, Ph.D. PROFESSOR OF PRACTICE JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2010 RAEDA@UTEP.EDU
915.747.8019
ENGINEERING BLDG., ROOM A-219 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/RAEDA HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=RAEDA
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Raed Aldouri is the Director of the Regional Geospatial Center. His primary expertise is in Geographic Information System (GIS), remote sensing, and Geophysics. He has been involved in statewide projects like mapping the Texas electric grid, the critical infrastructure mapping of the public water supply system in Texas, and asset management projects for the City of El Paso storm drains and fiber optics. Dr. Aldouri is interested in research related to GIS application and remote sensingin intelligence and national security, engineering, geophysics, environmental science, homeland security, and health. Dr. Aldouri has been a PI and co-PI of many research projects funded by the Department of Defense (DOD), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the City of El Paso, Horizon City, TxDOT, and the Federal Highway Administration (FHA).
KEY WORDS GIS, Remote Sensing, geophysics, gravity, magnetic, surveying.
AUSTIN MARSHALL, J.D. PROFESSOR OF PRACTICE JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2008 ASMARSHALL@UTEP.EDU
915.747.5765
ENGINEERING BUILDING, A214 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/ NODE/24772 HTTPS://HB2504. UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=ASMARSHALL
RESEARCH STATEMENT Professor Marshall’s expertise includes: Construction Safety - Specialized construction training, worker fall protection technology, work zone hazard protection technology, Energy System Technology and home energy reduction systems, commercial building energy reduction, battery systems, heating and cooling system efficiency technology, and appliance efficiency technology. His expertise extends to waste management technology to include municipal waste compression systems, sanitary waste elimination, and complete waste reuse/recycling systems. He is also an expert in construction claims, including arbitration, mediation, negotiation management, and expert testimony.
KEY WORDS Construction Management, construction claims, expert witness testimony, scheduling, geotechnical engineering, construction safety
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JOANNE M. MOYER, PH.D. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF INSTRUCTION JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2020 JMMOYER@UTEP.EDU
915.747.7456
ENGINEERING BUILDING, A212
HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=JMMOYER
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Joanne Moyer is an Assistant Professor of Instruction within the Department of Civil Engineering. Dr Moyer’s research interest includes urban development/planning and energy conservation utilizing geographic information systems (GIS). Dr Moyers’ teaching style combines her previous industry experience within a consultant firm and the theoretical principles of engineering to assist students in understanding application of their studies within an engineering work environment. Her goal is to help students be prepared and equipped for a smooth transition into the engineering field. Dr. Moyer continues to expand her knowledge in higher education pedagogy through workshops, seminars, and courses.
KEY WORDS Structural Engineering, Geographic Information System (GIS), Construction Management
HENRY VAN, PH.D. VISITING PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2021 HVAN2@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6966
ENGINEERING BLDG., ROOM A-202
HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=HVAN2
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Henry Van is a visiting professor in the Department of Civil Engineering, with experience in global environmental, and health and safety compliance management in oil, gas, power, and manufacturing companies. He has extensive experience in soil and groundwater remediation in the U.S. and Latin America developing new and innovative cost-effective techniques. He is experienced in construction management managing multimillion dollar construction projects. Dr. Van also worked for the U.S. Agency for International Development in Peace Engineering projects in Asia and Latin America. He developed a water recycling system for the U.S. Marine Corps to be used in combat tactical zones.
KEY WORDS Environment, health and safety compliance, construction management, soil and groundwater remediation, water/wastewater treatment
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H T T P : // C E . U T E P. E D U /
COMPUTER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT ABOUT US
The Computer Science program was first developed in 1977 by the Business, Mathematics and Electrical Engineering departments as an interdisciplinary program. In 1982, the Computer Science Department was established. The undergraduate program has been accredited by the Computer Science Accreditation Commission since October 1, 1988. The Computer Science Department contributes to UTEP’s history of excellence by providing programs of the highest quality through a participatory approach to education, research, and service to the community. The department has broad expertise in the following research areas: data analytics, development of theory for practical applications, secure cyber systems, software engineering, intelligent and interactive systems, computer vision and machine learning, and robust autonomic systems. Many of the department’s faculty serve on national advisory boards, editorial boards for prestigious journals, and program committees for national and international conferences. Two of our current faculty are past or present National Science Foundation CAREER awardees, NSF’s most prestigious award for early career faculty. In education, faculty members contribute to national models for STEM learning. The mission of the Department of Computer Science is to serve our binational region, the nation, and the world by providing access to excellence through innovative educational programs, pioneering research programs, potential commercialization of technologies developed at UTEP, and active local and global partnerships. DEPARTMENT GOALS •Student Success: maintain effective and rigorous educational programs that provide inclusive learning environments, with a particular focus on increasing the number of females in CS. •Research and Creative Works: elevate the research profile by addressing socially relevant technical challenges; increasing impact through translational research; and creating opportunities for entrepreneurial career paths. •Awards & Recognitions: increase faculty award applications and awards granted to faculty; promote the visibility of the department profile and alumni success stories locally, regionally, and nationally;
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and recognize faculty whose research accomplishments and activities provide students with a competitive edge. •Community Engagement: establish local and global partnerships and collaborations to improve quality of life of community members; engage the local community to raise the general level of computing skills across K-12; and promote the department’s educational and research assets within the community. •Service: contribute to the department, college, and university through meaningful committee work and activities; and actively participate in professional service activities. •Faculty Development: support a culture in which faculty advance and share their pedagogical and professional skills and technical knowledge; foster an inclusive, collaborative environment where faculty work with each other to capitalize on effective practices, expertise and perspectives.
STAFF
ALEJANDRA ACEVEDO
MANAGER IN SYSTEMS AND TECH SUPPORT
CHARLES MORRIS
TECHNICAL SUPERVISOR
MALY FONG
PROGRAM COORDINATOR FOR ADVISING
DIANA RODARTE DE LA VEGA
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM COORDINATOR
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ENROLLMENT TRENDS There has been a boom in enrollments at the undergraduate level in CS majors that is reflective of enrollment trends across the nation. There is also a dramatic upward trend in the number of minors in CS due to the ubiquity of computer science across all fields. The undergraduate program has created concentrations in software engineering, secure cyber systems, and data analytics. CS students are being offered positions in organizations such as Exxon, USAA, Lockheed Martin, Google, Northrup Grumman, Microsoft, as well as at national labs. The Master of Science in Software Engineering (MSSwE) has seen a steady growth in enrollment since it was established in 2015. The program has a focus on secure cyber systems, an area of high demand in many sectors across the country. It is important to note the high number of enrollment of citizens in this program. The students graduating from this program are receiving highly competitive positions at places such as Google, Microsoft, National Security Agency, Army Research Lab, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab, and Naval Research Centers. In 2020 the Computer Science Department established the Master’s of Science in Data and Information Sciences program. Utilizing The Fast Track program, which allows students to take graduate courses that count toward their Bachelor’s degree, the department has seen an increase of students entering the Ph.D. program, as well as the Master’s programs in CS.
ENROLLMENT TRENDS FOR THE LAST 12 YEARS FOR BS, MS, & PH.
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Note: This figure doesn't consider students that participate in interdisciplinary MS or Ph.D. programs such as the Computational Science program nor the Environmental Science & Engineering Ph.D. program.
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DEGREES AWARDED FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT FY11-21
*Note: Interdisciplinary Master’s degrees in Computational Science are distributed to CS contingent upon their research advisor as of FY 2019 **Note: Interdisciplinary Ph.D. degrees (Computational Science and Environmental Science & Engineering) are distributed to CScontingent upon their research advisor as of FY 2019
RESEARCH EXPENDITURES FY 2011 THROUGH FY 2021
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COMPUTER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS AND POINTS OF PRIDE •
Professor Nigel Ward was one of three lead authors (and 28 total authors) of “Spoken language interaction with robots: Recommendations for future research”, an article summarizing the discussion of a NSF-sponsored Roadmapping workshop. This article appeared in the January 2022 issue of Computer Speech and Language, one of the two top journals in the field. Its 31 recommendations are expected to be highly impactful, and have already been cited 11 times by academic researchers and it was featured in an army.mil press release https://www.army.mil/article/242440.
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Major General Kimberly Crider a joint appointment at the CS and ECE departments to support students’ development and community outreach
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The CS department has secured a renewal of the DHS/NSF CyberCorps® grant for an additional $4M over five years to support over 30 UTEP students on the highly lucrative Scholarship for Service Program.
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The CS Department has secured a $5M NSF Scholarship for STEM grant to support 84 undergraduate CS students in completing their undergraduate degree and engage in research and professional development activities in the areas of cyber security and data science.
CENTERS AND ACTIVE RESEARCH LABS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEPARTMENT RESEARCH LABS
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APPLIED INTELLIGENCE RESEARCH LAB - The research conducted in AIRL focuses on the development of applied deep learning technologies to solve problems in the domains of computer vision, natural language processing, human-interaction modeling, and content generation. Current research focuses include automatic music generation, multimodal conversation modeling, and weight initialization.
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APPLIEDSOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT AND DATA INTEGRATION LAB (ASDDI) - The goal of this lab is to utilize industry standard software development techniques to improve functionality and reliability of systems. Through the integration of data, software systems can be dynamically produced and maintained for continuous development. This lab aims to focus on fundamental research techniques to integrate data and software system development.
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CYBER RAPID INNOVATION GROUP (CyberRIG) - The CyberRIG focuses on practical autonomous cybersecurity advancement and tackles issues using a 3- pronged approach. Cybersecurity events involve the recreation of known incidents and issues to establish a ground truth - these are developed in the forms of workshops and hackathons that are then hosted for partners, the community, and other students. Research helps to advance the state of the art by identifying and building real solutions to real problems. Finally, the group transitions research into technology in the form of tools that can aid defenders.
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DEBLASIO LAB - Our group studies how to improve science by automating and optimizing the tools used by domain scientists. We do this by making input specific parameter value choices which help to reduce false information introduced by using less than ideal (or default) parameter choice. We also study hashing and sketching methods for sequence analysis, and applications of machine learning to other engineering domains.
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DISCOVERY ANALYTICS LABORATORY (DAL)- The goal of the Discovery Analytics Lab is to pursue advanced data mining, machine learning, and predictive modeling research to solve real-life dataintensive problems. The lab collaborates with researchers from the government sector, industry, and academia in designing domain-specific data analytic solutions. Some of the current projects cover modeling of evolving natural languages, automatic hypotheses generation, prediction of crop harvest using evolving hyperspectral imagery data of agricultural lands, and video mining.
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EDGE COMPUTING LAB - The goal of the Edge Computing Lab is to explore architectural and algorithmic challenges to distributing data and computation across a range of computing systems from edge devices to intermediate (i.e., “fog”) nodes to cloud computing systems. A further goal is to
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apply the research findings to enable IoT applications such as air quality monitoring and pedestrian safety. •
- iLINK – LINKING KNOWLEDGE ACROSS DISCIPLINES - Address societally-relevant problems that require the integration is data, models, and knowledge from different discipline’s and/or organization’s perspectives.
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INFORMATION RETRIEVAL, INTEGRATION, AND ANALYTICS (IRIA) - We work in the broad areas of data science, specially information retrieval and integration, data mining, prediction, and recommendation. We use data science concepts to address computational challenges in application areas of cybersecurity, health informatics, and gaming.
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INTELLIGENT AGENTS AND STRATEGIC REASONING LABORATORY (IASRL) - The Intelligent Agents and Strategic Reasoning Lab is engaged in research on how computers can help us to reason about complex, multi-agent environments to make better strategic decisions. We develop new techniques and algorithms that draw on many areas of artificial intelligence, including computational game theory, agentbased simulation, optimization, and machine learning. We are also involved in many exciting real-world applications of artificial intelligent and learning to areas like cyber security, patrolling and scheduling, and strategies for trading in energy markets.
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INTERACTIVE SYSTEMS GROUP (ISG) - Our goal is improving human-human and human- machine communication. We do both fundamental and applied research, using diverse methods including data- collection, model building using machine learning, qualitative analysis, and human-subjects experimentation.
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PSYBER SECURITY LAB (PSYBERSEC) - The goal of Psyber Security Lab is to engage in interdisciplinary research broadly focused on cybersecurity using Machine Learning, Game-Theory, Human Experiments, and Cognitive modeling. The current research projects at PyberSec Lab include two major themes: Cyber Defense focusing on cyber deception, recommendation systems such as intrusion detection systems and information sharing dilemma among cyber defenders, and Cyber Education focusing on the development of educational games for K-12 students, development of training for users to prevent them from various attacks such as Phishing and Spear Phishing.
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RESPONSIBLE, INFORMATIVE, AND SECURE COMPUTING LAB (RISC) - The goal of RISC is to improve the reliability, security, and fairness of traditional as well as modern data-driven software systems. Currently, the lab focuses on projects at the intersection of software engineering, machine learning, and cybersecurity such as (1) the application of ML for software testing and debugging; (2) reliable, accountable, and fair machine learning; (3) program analysis for software reliability and security; (4) probabilistic programming and statistical methods for robustness and fairness.
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THEORETICAL RESEARCH AND APPLICATIONS IN COMPUTER SCIENCE (TRACS)- The focus of TRACS is on development of theory for useful applications. Areas of interest include data (and image) processing and decision making under uncertainty, constraints, and possible adversity, in particular in relation to online systems and cyber infrastructure. Current applications include the following: environmental research, geosciences, biomedical applications, security, and privacy, among others. Special KEY WORDS include computer security, constraints, decision making, and interval uncertainty.
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VISION AND LEARNING LAB (VLL)- The goal of VLL is to exploit the potential of ML to offer solutions to practical problems for which manual solutions are too difficult to develop. VLL has produced results that span a wide area of domains, including Astronomy (galaxy classification, analysis of interacting galaxies), Geology (volcanic eruption prediction, analysis of seismic waves), Neuroscience (image matching and registration), Solar Physics (x-ray and magnetometer data analyses), and Psychology (emotion recognition), among others.
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ROBUST SYSTEMS AND PERCEPTION GROUPS - The Robust Systems group has two surprisingly related foci. A recent focus has been the development of wearable devices that augment human hearing. Research to support this focus has included examination of human acoustic perception and extension of our traditional focus on energy efficient, secure, and performant networked computation. Five patents
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and a tech spinoff have resulted from this work. •
TRUSTWORTHY CYBER SYSTEM (TRUSCYBER) - The mission of the TRUstworthy CYBER system (TRUCYBER) lab is to carry out transformative research on the security aspects of cyber infrastructure and design/develop decentralized trustworthy systems by addressing the underlying fundamental security challenges. Being a strong believer of cross-disciplinary research, members of TRUCYBER lab focus on distributed and decentralized design methodologies, such as blockchain, to enable trust and provenance in the next generation cyber systems. We exploit concepts form distributed systems, network theory, mechanism design, human society inspired evolutionary models, and behavioral dynamics to design secure yet robust solutions that are fundamental to IoT and cyber physical systems.
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SOFTWARE SPECIFICATION AND VERIFICATION LABORATORY (SSVL) - The goal of SSVL is to advance the practice of developing correct and reliable computer programs. We advocate formal methods -- mathematically- based techniques for the specification, development, and verification of computer programs. Our research includes, but is not limited to, specification languages, verification techniques, and support tools. We are also interested in applying conventional software engineering principles, techniques/methods to mobile applications development.
CENTERS •
ARMY HIGH PERFORMANCE COMPUTING RESEARCH CENTER (AHPCRC) - The research conducted in this lab addresses some of the Army’s most difficult scientific and engineering challenges using high performance and power-and energy -efficient computing, emerging technologies, algorithm development, simulation and analytical modeling. Current research aims to: (1) reduce the energy footprint of important battlefield applications, while producing timely output that facilitates decision making; (2) guide the design and operation of private computing Cloudlets that will serve mission critical operations; and (3) develop the services (application solutions) that will be provided by these Cloudlets via migration of applications to emerging technologies embedded in portable devices carried by Warfighters and fielded mobile computing platforms.
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CYBER-SHARE CENTER OF EXCELLENCE - The mission of Cyber-ShARE Center of Research Excellence in Science and Technology is to advance education and research through cyber infrastructures that support information exchange and integration, as well as collaborative interdisciplinary research. The Center’s cyber infrastructure (CI) efforts are focused on the following: 1) CI, computational science, and technology-enabled science research that link methods across multiple fields to support scientific data acquisition, integration, and analysis; and 2) CI, dissemination and training that focus on making CI products and tools accessible a usable.
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ARL CENTER FOR CYBER ANALYSIS AND ASSESSMENT- Focused on the development of a collaborative portal to allow research in cyber forensics, the advancement of fundamental theory, models and algorithms that benefit the regional cybersecurity community. Research focus on techniques for efficiently identifying cross-domain vulnerabilities, potential impacts and remediation strategies in systems and networks, and the development of Innovative tools, technology and concepts for the automated identification of complex, memory resident vulnerabilities.
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H T T P S : // W W W. U T E P. E D U / C S /
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∑
177*DEGRE
COMPUTER SCIENCE
2021
*CERTIFIED DA
UG = 130 MS = 40 INTERDISC PH.D. = 3 INTERDISC
AT A GLANCE
5 PROGRAMS
STUDENT ENROL
1 BACHELORS 3 MASTERS 1 DOCTORAL
TOT UG = MS PH.D *FOR
RESEARCH INDICATORS DATA FROM 01.01.2021 - 12.31.2021
37
13
SUBMITTED GRANT PROPOSALS FROM THE DEPARTMENT, THAT ARE CURRENTLY PENDING FUNDING DECISIONS, TOTAL
$ 11,823,260
19
TENURED/TENURE
$ 4.4 MILLION
PROPOSALS AWARDS // SUBMITTED RECEIVED
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DEPARTMENTAL ANNUAL RESEARCH EXPENDITURES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2020
EES AWARDED
ATA FOR AY 2020-2021
0 0 CIPLINARY MS: 3
CIPLINARY PH.D.: 1
LLMENT
TAL ENROLLMENT* = 1093 = 79 D. = 39 THE FALL 2021 SEMESTER
E-TRACK FACULTY
1211 COMPUTER SCIENCE
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INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS • Army Research Lab • FBI • Sandia National Lab • University of Texas at San Antonio • New Mexico State University
CENTER FOR CYBER ANALYSIS & ASSESSMENT (CCAA) A collaborative effort between the Army Research Lab (ARL) and UTEP, CCAA focuses on leveraging analyst’s viewpoint when tackling cybersecurity research problems. In an increasingly networked world, the necessity to strengthen cybersecurity is self-evident. The frequency of cyber-attacks on individuals, businesses, and government is on the rise at an overwhelming pace. This upsurge of threats emphasizes the need for collaboration among analysts, testers, and evaluators to develop innovative defense strategies. The goal of the CCAA is to expand the current state of the art related to analysis and assessment research to include security evaluation, forensics, intrusion identification, protection and detection.
CURRENT RESEARCH FOCUS AREA
OPPORTUNITES
•Scenario Execution Data Analysis: Analyze cybersecurity assessment strategies and conduct deep and complete cybersecurity assessment analysis.
•State of the art techniques for efficiently identifying cross-domain cyber vulnerabilities and their potential impacts and remediation strategies in systems and networks.
•Network Layer Analysis: Conduct risk assessment and analyze impacts of potential attacks on the network layer and datalink layer of the network stack.
•Innovative tools, technology, and concepts for the automated identification of complex, memory resident cyber vulnerabilities.
•Traffic-Based Model Generation (TBMG): Generate and analyze software protocol prototypes in the form of network simulator-3 (ns-3) and Scapy protocol modules.
•Portable data collection infrastructure, notional scenarios for analyst-centric training and analysis, and environment with cross-domain academics, professionals and students.
•Cybersecurity Training Through Workshops and Competitions: Support delivery of cybersecurity workshops for in-house training, employee development, and model development.
•An accessible hybrid platform that uses hardware, emulation and simulation for hosting small- to large-scale cybersecurity scenarios used to collect analyst-centric datasets to enable collaborative, cross-domain empiricalbased research •Exclusive technical hand-on workshops, exercises, and competitions for students and professionals in the area of cybersecurity.
Salamah Salamah, Ph.D.
DIRECTOR | ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR & CHAIR, CS OTHER POSITIONS HELD: Associate Professor in Software Engineering and Computer Science, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: P.hD., Computer Science, The University of Texas at El Paso (‘07); B.S., Computer Science, The University of Texas at El Paso (‘01) ISALAMAH@UTEP.EDU
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915. 747.66671
PROSPECT HALL, ROOM 234
CS.UTEP.EDU/ISALAMAH/CYWAR.PHP
INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS
NSF CYBER-SHARE CENTER OF EXCELLENCE
• Ameriflux • Digital Globe • Geothermal Development Company • iCREDITS, New Mexico State University Smart Grid Center • National Ecological Observatory Network • Nuna Technology • Polar Geospatial Center • Smithsonian Latino Center • USDA Jornada Long-Term Ecological Network • U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior
The Cyber-ShARE Center of Excellence was established in 2007 with a mission is to advance and integrate cyber-enhanced, collaborative, and interdisciplinary education and research through technologies that support the acquisition, exchange, analysis, and integration of data, information, and knowledge to solve complex problems. As a national leader in the study of collaborative science and engineering, the Center has developed and applied models of team-based, interdisciplinary efforts that leverage the strengths and expertise of participating members. Cyber-ShARE’s research has focused on the ability to document data collection and product development in ways that enable sharing and reuse of scientific results. The center also conducts research in understanding ecosystem processes and the modeling of Earth’s structure using cyberinfrastructure.
CURRENT RESEARCH FOCUS AREAS
OPPORTUNITES
•Knowledge representation, negotiation, integration, visualization, and analysis.
•Build upon our relationships with existing academic and interdisciplinary teams and develop tools that enhance discovery by integrating semantic-based approaches.
•Constraint uncertainty management; data quality assurance control. •Seismology; models of Earth structures through model fusion, joint inversion optimization, and data integration and exchange. •Environmental multi-scale remote sensing; ecosystem structure and function over multiple spatiotemporal scales; biophysical controls of land-atmosphere carbon, water, and energy exchange in extreme desert and arctic environments.
•Consult with Computer Science experts on approaches to formalize and automate reasoning on scientific data. •Consult with Geological and Environmental Sciences experts on model fusion and characterization of environmental phenomena and processes. •Reserve the Visualization Laboratory and request support to visualize and analyze your data sets. •Plan middle-school outreach activities using the Sol y Agua game and curriculum that integrates computational thinking and water sustainability concepts in the Borderland.
Ann Q. Gates, Ph.D.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | SENIOR VICE PROVOST FOR FACULTY AFFAIRS | PROFESSOR, CS OTHER POSITIONS HELD: Associate Vice President of Research, University of Texas at El Paso (4 years) EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Ph.D., Computer Science, New Mexico State University (‘94); M.S., Computer Science, The University of Texas at El Paso (‘90); B.S., Mathematics/Biology, The University of Texas at El Paso (‘70)
AGATES@UTEP.EDU
(915)-747-5992
CLASSROOM BUILDING, ROOM 401
HTTP://CYBERSHARE.UTEP.EDU
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INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS • Google • HP Enterprise • Leidos • Lockheed Martin Corporation • Lyft • Microsoft • Northrup Grumman • Prudential
COMPUTING ALLIANCE OF HISPANIC-SERVING INSTITUTIONS (CAHSI) With National Science Foundation (NSF) Broadening Participation in Computing funding, CAHSI was established in 2006 to address the low representation of Hispanics in computing in both higher education and the workforce. In 2018, CAHSI received funding from the NSF, one of only five in the inaugural year to be designated as a National INCLUDES (Inclusion across the Nation of Communities of Learners of Underrepresented Discovers in Engineering and Science) alliance. CAHSI’s strategic actions to accelerate change are driven by a collective impact approach that engages administrators, faculty and professional staff, and entities from the public and private sectors. Because of its evidence-based impact, CAHSI was nationally recognized by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics as a Bright Spot in Hispanic Education and by Excelencia in Education through its Growing What Works database.
CURRENT RESEARCH FOCUS AREAS
OPPORTUNITES
•Organizational behavior in HSIs that advance Hispanic computing success
•Join the CAHSI network with a commitment to recruit and accelerate the advancement of Hispanics who are prepared to thrive in the computing workforce.
•Effective academic support structures that engage Hispanic students, including pedagogical approaches, curricula, and co-curricular activities •Effective, culturally-relevant strategies to address financial challenges and social support of Hispanic students, including advising, mentoring, and other social interactions •Capacity building informed by data collection, analysis, and interpretation for quality improvement •Organization of networks and collaborations that accelerate advances toward a diverse, innovative, and well-prepared computing workforces.
•Adopt CAHSI signature practices centered on the recruitment, retention, and advancement of Hispanics in computing. •Collaborate on research and education efforts centered on cybersecurity, data analytics, machine learning, organizational change, and improvement science. •Network with other Hispanic professionals through CAHSI’s network supported by the expertise and communities of practice portals. •Engage students in and support professional development activities that contribute to their success in computing; sponsor student scholarships and internship
Ann Q. Gates, Ph.D.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | SENIOR VICE PROVOST FOR FACULTY AFFAIRS | PROFESSOR, CS OTHER POSITIONS HELD: Associate Vice President of Research, University of Texas at El Paso (4 years) EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Ph.D., Computer Science, New Mexico State University (‘94); M.S., Computer Science, The University of Texas at El Paso (‘90); B.S., Mathematics/Biology, The University of Texas at El Paso (‘70)
AGATES@UTEP.EDU
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(915)-747-5992
CLASSROOM BUILDING, ROOM 401
HTTPS://CAHSI.UTEP.EDU
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Martine C. Ceberio, Ph.D. PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2004 MCEBERIO@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6950
CHEMISTRY AND COMPUTER SCIENCE BUILDING - 3.0406 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/MCEBERIO HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=MCEBERIO
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Ceberio’s research interests are primarily in numerical constraint solving and global optimization, and include interval arithmetic, soft constraints, multi-criteria decision making, and their applications in areas such as network security, biomedical engineering, and software engineering. She is very passionate about broadening the participation of women in Computer Science. She coordinates projects to introduce high-school girls to computing, coordinates the El Paso-Las Cruces annual NCWIT Aspirations in Computing competition, and also founded and advises the ACM-W chapter at UTEP.
KEY WORDS Continuous constraint solving, global optimization, interval computations, multi-criteria decision making.
OLAC FUENTES, PH.D. PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2005 OFUENTES@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6956
CHEMISTRY AND COMPUTER SCIENCE BUILDING - 3.0412 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/OFUENTES HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=OFUENTES
RESEARCH STATEMENT Professor Fuentes’ main research area is machine learning in science, in particular, the development of systems that can help scientists extract knowledge and insight from the large amounts of scientific data currently available. His is particularly interested in issues such as the use of unlabeled data, active learning, intelligent optimization feature selection and creation, noise-insensitive and noise-aware algorithms, and the use of prior knowledge. He has worked in applications in astronomy, optics, geology and biology. Dr. Fuentes received a B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering from the Instituto Tecnológico de Chihuahua, in Chihuahua, Mexico, in 1989, an M.S. degree in Computer Science from the University of Texas at El Paso, in 1991, and a Ph.D. degree in Computer Science from the University of Rochester, in 1997. From 1998 to 2005 he was a Professor in the Computer Science Department at the Instituto National de Astrofisica, Optica y Electronica. Dr. Fuentes was a co-organizer of the First Iberoamerican Workshop on Machine Learning for Scientific Data Analysis, held in conjunction with IBERAMIA 2004, in Puebla, November 22, 2004
KEY WORDS Machine learning, computer vision, natural language processing, artificial intelligence.
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Ann C. Gates, Ph.D. PROFESSOR, SENIOR VICE PROVOST FOR FACULTY AFFAIRS JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 1995 AGATES@UTEP.EDU
915.747.7689
CHEMISTRY AND COMPUTER SCIENCE BUILDING - 3.1002 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/AGATES HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/ HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=AGATES
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Dr. Gates directs the NSF-funded Cyber-ShARE Center of Excellence. Cyber-ShARE’s mission is to advance education and research through cyberinfrastructures that support information exchange and integration, as well as collaborative interdisciplinary research. As national leaders in the study of collaborative science and engineering, the Center has developed and applied models of team-based, cooperative learning, interdisciplinary teamwork, and knowledge integration and management. Dr. Gates also conducts research in software engineering. Her research focuses on development of technologies for monitoring software correctness and data quality. Specifically, the focus is on extending and defining software engineering methods and developing usable technology to support development of complex systems that are of high consequence, i.e., failure of the system will result in loss of life, equipment, security, or financial losses. Using properties to monitor systems can assist in detecting conflicts and errors during software execution or data acquisition. Dr. Gates also leads the Computing Alliance of Hispanic-Serving Institutions (CAHSI) that focuses on the recruitment, retention, and advancement of Hispanics in computing. She is recognized for her work on the Affinity Research Group Model, a set of practices that support the creation and maintenance of dynamic and inclusive research groups in which students learn and apply the knowledge and skills required for research and cooperative work.
KEY WORDS
Software engineering, verification and validation requirements, engineering cyberinfrastructure, workflows, computing Education.
Vladik Y. Kreinovich, Ph.D. PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNI VERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 1990 VLADIK@UTEP.EDU
915.747.0951
CHEMISTRY AND COMPUTER SCIENCE BUILDING - 3.0404 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/VLADIK HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=VLADIK
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Dr. Kreinovich’s main area of expertise is dealing with uncertainty and imprecision. There are two main aspects to uncertainty and imprecision. The first aspect is that data comes from measurements, and measurements are never absolutely accurate. It is important to analyze how this uncertainty affects our predictions, and how to make decisions under such uncertainty. Traditional statistical techniques assume that we know the probabilities of different measurement inaccuracies, but in many cases, we only know the upper bound on the measurement error. For example, if the measured value is 1 V and we know that the measurement error does not exceed 0.1 V, then the only information that we have about the actual voltage is that it is somewhere in the interval [0.1, 1.1]. Different values from these intervals may lead to different results of data processing. It is desirable to find the range of possible values. Interval computations also help when we know bounds on probabilities. The second aspect is that experts often describe their knowledge not in terms of precise rules, but by using imprecise words from natural language. It is then necessary to describe this knowledge in precise computer-understandable terms in order to process this knowledge. This area of research is extremely important to interdisciplinary research, where we need to combine different research areas with different levels of rigor. The main goal of all our algorithms is to process data, and the objectives are set up by the corresponding specialists. In processing such data, Dr. Kreinovich has collaborated with specialists in radio astronomy, geoscience, environmental science, and other areas of biology.
KEY WORDS
Uncertainty interval computations, decision making under uncertainty, use of symmetries.
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Nigel Ward, Ph.D. PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2002 NIGEL@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6827
CHEMISTRY AND COMPUTER SCIENCE BUILDING - 3.0408 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/NIGEL HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=NIGEL
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Ward’s research areas are at the intersection of spoken language and human-computer interaction. Current topics include the subtle non-lexical and prosodic signals that enable inference of a dialog partner’s needs, intentions, and feelings at the sub-second level; techniques for modeling these phenomena; and applications of the models for more accurate speech recognition, for better audio search, for more responsive dialog systems, and for more efficient codecs. These projects apply multiple methods --- linguistic, statistical, systems-building, and experimental --- towards the goal of providing excellent user experiences.
KEY WORDS Spoken dialog systems, prosody, turn-taking information-retrieval, cross-cultural communication.
Yoonsik Cheon, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2003 YCHEON@UTEP.EDU
915.747.8028
CHEMISTRY AND COMPUTER SCIENCE BUILDING - 3.0606 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/YCHEON HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=YCHEON
RESEARCH STATEMENT Professor Cheon’s main research area is formal aspects of software development: requirement, design, programming, testing, verification and validation. Modern software development requires the design and analysis of a number of different artifacts. Formal techniques and methods allow the mathematically precise formulation of these artifacts. His main research goal is to enable a wider use of formal techniques and methods. This involves developing theories and techniques usable by software developers and programmers with minimal mathematical background. He calls his research field “operational formal methods”---formal methods that are practical and applicable to daily software development and programming work. These include, but are not limited to, specification languages, verification and validation techniques, programming languages, programming methodologies, and support tools. Dr. Cheon participated and worked in the design and implementation of several formal specification languages and their support tools, including Larch/C++, Larch/Smalltalk, Java Modeling Language (JML), and CleanJava.Dr. Cheon earned his BS from Korea University, and his masters and doctoral degrees from Iowa State University. He spent eight years on the research staff of the Computer and Software Technology Laboratory at the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), Taejon, South Korea.
KEY WORDS Formal specification, verification and validation, software testing programming, languages programming techniques, software development tools.
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Eric A. Freudenthal, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2004 EFREUDENTHAL@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6954
CHEMISTRY AND COMPUTER SCIENCE BUILDING - 3.0424 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/EFREUDENTHAL HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=EFREUDENTHAL
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Dr. Freudenthal has developed techniques for implementing secure and self-organizing systems, coordinating parallel and distributed computations, and recognizing objects in radar imagery. His current research examines robust and autonomic approaches for resource management in delay-intolerant devices such as smartphones, and the balancing of energy consumption with performance in high performance parallel systems. Dr. Freudenthal also leads iMPaCT-STEM, an effort that develops programming activities integrated within mathematics and physics courses. iMPaCT-STEM activities are intended to both introduce students to programming and to strengthen students’ conceptual understandings of these courses’ primary learning outcomes
KEY WORDS
Autonomic systems, operating systems, memory management, STEM-ed, CSE, computer security.
Mahmud Shahriar Hossain, Ph.D ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2013 MHOSSAIN@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6340
CHEMISTRY AND COMPUTER SCIENCE BUILDING - 3.0504 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/MHOSSAIN HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=MHOSSAIN
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Dr. Hossain’s interests are in data mining and machine learning, with a focus on big data, artificial intelligence, text analytics, transfer learning, computational biology, visual analytics, and distributed and parallel computing. Along with the development of theoretical algorithmic frameworks, Dr. Hossain is interested in building prototypes to solve data mining problems in different disciplines. His experience in big data analytics and algorithmic frameworks spans application areas in biomedical science, biology, intelligence analysis, social network analysis, mechanical engineering, sustainability, and software engineering. While advanced technology plays a major role in gathering as much data possible to construct richer databases for analysis in modern scientific, business and government sectors, the collected data itself becomes overwhelming for the domain expert due to the massive amount of information space to process. In addition to enormous data, heterogeneity hinders the expert’s ability to discover useful information from the data sources. Dr. Hossain, in his research, focuses on automated algorithmic frameworks to aide experts analyze heterogeneous and multimodal data. One of his recent projects involve analysis of gene databases, millions of full research articles collected from multiple sources, and cancer ontologies to extend and explain existing cancer signaling pathways.
KEY WORDS
Data mining (big data), machine learning, information retrieval.
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Chris D. Kiekintveld, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2010 CDKIEKINTVELD@UTEP.EDU
915.747.5564
CHEMISTRY AND COMPUTER SCIENCE BUILDING - 3.0418 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/CDKIEKINTVELD HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=CDKIEKINTVELD
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Dr. Kiekintveld’s research is driven by the vision of intelligent computer systems that harness the power of modern computing and big data for decision making in complex domains. These computer systems may function as autonomous agents, or act in cooperation with humans as holistic decision support systems. Intelligent agents are already used for trading in financial markets, to drive vehicles, to aid physicians, to monitor computer networks for security breaches, and for many other important real-world problems. He works to build the next generation of intelligent agents that are more scalable, adaptive, and robust, and to explore new applications of intelligent agents that will have significant impact on society.Dr. Kiekintveld’s basic research is primarily in the area of intelligent systems, with interdisciplinary connections to economics and operations research. He is particularly interested in decision making and analysis for large, complex problems with uncertainty. This has led to numerous contributions in computational game theory, optimization, agent-based simulation, machine learning, mechanism design, and related areas. He is also interested in various applications of intelligent agents, including security, markets, trading agents, energy, and transportation. Much of his recent work focuses on security, including applications of game theory in both infrastructure protection and computer network security. He has also made contributions in the area of trading agents and market design, including supply chain management and more recent work on energy markets.
KEY WORDS
Intelligent agents, multi-agent systems, security, game theory, decision making under uncertainty, algorithms.
Luc Longpré, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 1995 LONGPRE@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6804
CHEMISTRY AND COMPUTER SCIENCE BUILDING - 3.0420 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/LONGPRE HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=LONGPRE
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Longpre’s research includes the recasting the study of information theory in a resource bounded framework, and in general, any application of information theory to computer science. He is also trying to link the existence of secure cryptographic systems to structural complexity. Modeling and guaranteeing privacy is another area of interest. He has long served as an organizer of the IEEE Conference on Computational Complexity, and he is the Director of UTEP’s Center for Information Assurance.
KEY WORDS Information theory applications, computer security.
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Shirley Moore, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2020 SVMOORE@UTEP.EDU
915.747.5054
CHEMISTRY AND COMPUTER SCIENCE BUILDING -TBD HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=SVMOORE
RESEARCH STATEMENT Shirley Moore has 20 years of research experience in parallel scientific computing, which is her current main research interest.
KEY WORDS Parallel scientific computing.
Salamah Salamah, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR & CHAIR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2013 ISALAMAH@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6671
CHEMISTRY AND COMPUTER SCIENCE BUILDING - 3.0608 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/ISALAMAH
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Dr. Salamah spent five and a half years as an assistant and later associate professor in Computer Science and Software Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He joined UTEP in January 2013 to direct the Masters of Science in Software Engineering (MSSwE) program. His teaching and research interests include software engineering process, software quality assurance for safety-critical systems, and formal methods in software development. His research has been supported by NASA, the Software Engineering Institute (SEI), the National Science Foundation (NSF), Honeywell Corporation, and Lockheed Martin Corporation. Dr. Salamah also directs the NSF-Funded Scholarship For Service Program at UTEP. The program provides funds for students entering the MSSwE Secure Cyber-Systems track or Ph.D. in Computer Science with an emphasis in cyber-security.
KEY WORDS
Software engineering, cyber security, formal methods, software engineering process, software quality assurance, engineering education.
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Natalia Villanueva Rosales, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2012 NVILLANUEVAROSALES@UTEP.EDU
915.747.8643
CHEMISTRY AND COMPUTER SCIENCE BUILDING - 3.0508 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/NVILLANUEVAROSALES HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=NVILLANUEVAROSALES
RESEARCH STATEMENT The amount of scientific data has dramatically increased with the development of faster and cheaper technology. In 2020, 44 trillion gigabytes are expected to be found as digital data. The manual processing of scientific data is no longer scalable. Dr. Villanueva Rosales’ research aims to improve the automated discovery, integration, analysis and interpretation of scientific data by providing context or meaning to information using Semantic Web technologies. This context, encoded in ontologies, can be used by computers to identify data and models required to answer a specific research question. The impact of her work can be clearly appreciated when it is applied to interdisciplinary research, where a key challenge is the integration of data and reusability of models initially created for a different purpose. Two distinctive areas of her research include dataand ontology-based knowledge negotiation and the creation of trust models for interdisciplinary teams. Her work has been applied in the areas of pharmacogenomics, ecology and climate change.
KEY WORDS Semantic web, ontology engineering, question answering data-to-model integration, data integration, data exchange.
Diego Aguirre, Ph.D. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2019 DAGUIRRE6@UTEP.EDU
915.747.8643
CHEMISTRY AND COMPUTER SCIENCE BUILDING - 3.1022 HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=DAGUIRRE6
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Diego Aguirre is an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). His research interests lie in the areas of deep learning, computer vision, spoken language, and reinforcement learning. Dr. Aguirre has collaborated alongside companies like Lockheed Martin, NASA, IBM, Leidos, AI4ALL, and Google. Currently, Dr. Aguirre’s work focuses on the design, implementation, and evaluation of: Self-supervised learning approaches for modeling the complex dynamics in humanhuman interaction using both visual and speech information. Data-driven techniques for selecting initial weights of state-ofthe-art deep learning models that allow for improved training time, generalization, and overall performance after convergence. Generative models that leverage modern adversarial and self-supervised learning approaches to compose multi-track/multiinstrument music pieces automatically or in collaboration with humans. Modern pedagogical resources based on problem solving, deliberate practice, and reflection for effective computer science education for the 21st century demographic. Dr. Aguirre has led the development of modern computer science courses (in strong collaboration with Google engineers and CAHSI leadership) that have been adopted by more than 15 institutions across the United States. Dr. Aguirre is the faculty lead of the Applied Intelligence Research Lab and the Coding Interview Club at UTEP.
KEY WORDS Deep learning, computer vision, natural language processing, computer science education, and self-supervised learning
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Palvi Aggarwal, Ph.D. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2021 PAGGARWAL@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6399
CHEMISTRY AND COMPUTER SCIENCE BUILDING - 3.1014 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILESPAGGARWAL HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=PAGGARWAL
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Palvi Aggarwal is an Assistant Professor in the Computer Science department at the University of Texas, El Paso. Prior to that, she was a post-doctoral fellow at Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh. She earned her Ph.D. in cybersecurity from the Indian Institute of Technology, Mandi, India, and a master’s in Information Security from Thapar University, India.Dr. Aggarwal’s research focuses on cybersecurity, human-machine teaming, human factors, cognitive modeling, and decision-making. She is interested in adversarial decision-making and developing cognitive models of hackers, defenders, and end-users.
KEY WORDS Cybersecurity, Human-Machine Teaming, Human Factors, Cognitive Modeling, Decision Making, Computer Science.
Monika Akbar, Ph.D. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNI VERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2017 MAKBAR@UTEP.EDU
915.747.5883
CHEMISTRY AND COMPUTER SCIENCE BUILDING - 3.0422 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/MAKBAR HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=MAKBAR
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Dr. Monika Akbar is a computer scientist, Research Assistant Professor, and Assistant Director at Cyber-Share. Her research interests include data modeling and representation, digital libraries, online communities, data mining, and CS education. Over the years, she has worked on digital library innovations to assist computing educators. Incorporating online communities into digital libraries and engaging users in participating in those communities were two of the foci of her Ph.D. Her current research looks at developing a robust theoretical framework for data and information management systems that supports data analytics. She is an active member of associations that work on broadening participation and increasing the number of female students in Computing.
KEY WORDS
Data and information management, data analytics, information security, smart transportation, computer science education.
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Omar B. Badreddin, Ph.D. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2016 OBBADREDDIN@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6911
CHEMISTRY AND COMPUTER SCIENCE BUILDING - 3.0610 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/OBBADREDDIN HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=OBBADREDDIN
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Badreddin is an Assistant Professor at the Computer Science department. His main research areas include Cyber-Physical Systems Design and Testing, Model-Driven Engineering, and Model-Driven Systems Engineering. His collaborators include the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, and IBM. he works extensively with local organizations and has a number of actively funded collaborative projects with companies in the region. Dr. Badreddin has active collaborations with a few hospitals in North America, where his work is applied to explore techniques for compliance and clinical pathway management.
KEY WORDS UML, SysML, cyber-physical systems, software engineering informatics, data analytics.
Daniel DeBlasio, Ph.D., P.E. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2019 DFDEBLASIO@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6110
CHEMISTRY AND COMPUTER SCIENCE BUILDING - 3.1008 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/DFDEBLASIO HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=DFDEBLASIO
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. DeBlasio comes to UTEP with a background in computational biology and machine learning, specifically in the areas of algorithm configuration, high-throughput genomics, and string hashing schemes. Prior to UTEP, he was at Carnegie Mellon University, where he was a Lane Fellow in the School of Computer Science for the last three years. The fellow’s program is known for supporting scientists who are dedicated to a career at the interface of computational and biological sciences. Dr. DeBlasio earned a doctoral degree in computer science from the University of Arizona. His research focuses on reducing false predictions made by analysis software, by optimizing algorithm parameters. He recently published, Parameter Advising for Multiple Sequence Alignment, a book in the Springer Computational Biology series. He is member of the International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB), and recently completed serving on the ISCB Board of Directors. His term on the board brought upon numerous speaking engagements, empowering tomorrow’s leaders in computational science. He was most recently invited to the Toyota Technical Institute in Chicago to discuss automated algorithm design.
KEY WORDS Computational biology, computer science bioinformatics, machine learning algorithm, configuration parameter selection.
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Saeid Tizpaz Niari, Ph.D. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2020 303-995-9515
SAEID@UTEP.EDU CHEMISTRY AND COMPUTER SCIENCE BUILDING - 3.1006 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/SAEID HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=SAEID
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Niari’s research is to automate the process of finding and localizing bugs and vulnerabilities in large-scale software and machine learning systems. In particular, he is interested in analyzing differential issues where the differences in systems’ behaviors lead to information leaks, denial-of-service issues, and adversarial-example attacks. His findings help discover multiple performance bugs in popular ML libraries such as scikit-learn and timing side-channel vulnerabilities in critical Java libraries such as OpenJDK and Apache.
KEY WORDS Cybersecurity, Machine Learning, Software Engineering, Performance, Privacy, Fairness.
Deepak Tosh, Ph.D. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2017 DKTOSH@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6410
CHEMISTRY AND COMPUTER SCIENCE BUILDING - 3.1010 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/DKTOSH HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=DKTOSH
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Dr. Tosh is an assistant professor in Computer Science at the University of Texas at El Paso. His research interests include Blockchain technology, cybersecurity, data provenance mechanisms, security of Internet of Battlefield Things (IoBT) environments, distributed system security, cyber-threat information sharing, cyber-insurance, cyber-risk assessment, game theory and mechanism design, and nature-inspired optimization techniques. He has been actively working with researchers from Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), Rome, NY and Army Research Lab (ARL), Adelphi, MD on the cybersecurity and blockchain research. Although the traditional centralized computing paradigm works well at present, the trust, privacy, and security issues are the main bottlenecks, which were overlooked. With a growing connectedness in our communities and increasing standards of cyber-crimes, security challenges are the must things to be addressed. With these motivations, Dr. Tosh has aligned his research focus in designing secure, decentralized, and scalable solutions for both civilian application (e.g. Internet of Things, Cloud and Edge computing platforms) and military/battlefield environments.
KEY WORDS
Cyber Security and Privacy, blockchain technology, network and distributed system security, secure information sharing, battlefield networks and decurity, game theory and mechanism design.
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Oscar Adrian Campos Mondragon, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF PRACTICE JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2014 OAMONDRAGON@UTEP.EDU
915.747.8015
CHEMISTRY AND COMPUTER SCIENCE BUILDING -3.1020 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/OAMONDRAGON HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=OAMONDRAGON
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Dr. Mondragon is the director of the Master of Science in Software Engineering. Dr. Mondragon defined the strategy, developed five courses, and was program director of the new Online MS in Systems Engineering from Fall 2014 to Fall 2019. He has published conference papers and journals on formal requirements’ specification, requirements verification, property specification patterns, requirements modeling, process improvement, SEI AIM method, TSP for services, Service levels, and CMMI and INCOSE Handbook mappings. and smart cities Dr. Mondragon’s research interest is on verification & validation, requirements engineering, process improvements in small settings, adapting TSP for software engineering and service systems, assessing processes in medical devise organizations, and smart cities.Dr. Mondragon has been working as a Senior Consultant, guiding companies in their implementations of quality models such as CMMI, PSP, TSP, AIM, and MDDAP. Dr. Mondragon is a certified Intro to CMMI instructor, PSP Professional, TSP coach, CMMI-MDDAP ATM, and INCOSE ASEP. Dr. Mondragon facilitates process improvement projects and develops skills in project management, project monitoring, risk management, requirements engineering, configuration management, measurement and analysis, process quality assurance, verification and validation, process definition and performance, and quantitative project management. He coaches selfmanagement teams, develops team-building skills, develops defect removal skills for individuals and teams, carry gap analysis, and prepares engineering process groups. He was a core committee member for the IEEE CSDP certification and is IEEE senior member.
KEY WORDS
Process Improvement, Quality Assurance, Verification and Validation, Formal Methods, Process Performance Models Requirements Engineering.
Kuldeep Singh, Ph.D. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF INSTRUCTION JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2022 KSINGH2@UTEP.EDU PROSPECT HALL 121 HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=KSINGH2
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915.747.6648
Bhanukiran Gurijala, Ph.D. VISITING PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2022 303-995-5827
BGURIJALA@UTEP.EDU PROSPECT HALL 106C
HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/NODE/50773 HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=BGURIJALA
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Dr. Bhanukiran Gurijala obtained his undergraduate degree in Computer Science and Engineering from R.V.C.E, Bangalore, India in 2005. He then worked as a Senior Software Engineer for about one and half years in India. He moved to USA for his Master’s degree with merit scholarship and received M.S in Software Engineering from University of Houston-Clear Lake, Houston, Texas in 2008. During his Master’s and after graduation he worked in the software industry in multiple roles, shouldering various responsibilities for around two years. Dr. Gurijala moved to El Paso to pursue Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, Texas. In 2016, Dr. Gurijala received his Ph.D. and was later awarded Outstanding Graduate Student in Computer Science. He worked in the industry and helped manage cyber-security efforts in a product-based company from 2016. He moved back to academia and has been educator since 2017. Dr. Gurijala was elevated to the grade of IEEE senior member in 2021. His primary areas of research interests are in Cyber-security and Software Engineering. He has a good combination of experience in academia and industry. He has over five years of industry experience and over five years of experience in academia. He has participated and acquired Effective Teaching Practices (ETP) Credential from Association of College and University Educators (ACUE) endorsed by American Council on Education (ACE) in 2021. He is also involved in dissemination of knowledge and enhancing awareness of public through media interviews and articles in his area of expertise, cyber-security. Additionally, Dr. Gurijala has leadership experience in industry and academia. He is involved as a faculty mentor, advisor, member of the advisory boards and steering committees.
KEY WORDS
Cyber-security, Software Engineering, Web and Mobile Application Security, Verification and Validation, Formal Methods, Modeling, Quality Assurance
Daniel Mejia, Ph.D. VISITING ASSISTANT PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2020 DMMEJIA2@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6387
CHEMISTRY AND COMPUTER SCIENCE BUILDING -CCSB 3.1018 HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=DMMEJIA2
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Daniel Mejia is currently a visiting assistant professor in the department of Computer Science at The University of Texas at El Paso. Dr. Mejia earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science at UTEP in 2019. He is currently the assistant director of graduate programs and one of the principal investigators for the S-STEM grant funded by the NSF. Dr. Mejia teaches several courses in the Department of Computer Science including Introduction to Computer Science, Data Structures, Advanced ObjectOriented Programming, Applied Software Development, and Junior Professional Orientation. His research interests are in Applied Agile Software Development, Interdisciplinary data-driven software development, Smart Cities, Computer Science Education, and Semantic Web. His current emphasis is interdisciplinary research relating to data-driven education practices in Agile Software development.
KEY WORDS Applied Agile Software Development, Interdisciplinary data-driven software development, Smart Cities, Computer Science Education, Semantic Web
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ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER ENGINEERING DE ABOUT US
The University of Texas at El Paso began offering Bachelor of Science in Engineering with a track in Electrical Engineering in 1945 and graduated its first class in 1948. The program will celebrate its 75th Anniversary during the 2022-23 academic year. The vision of the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) is to provide academic programs of the highest quality and produce electrical and computer engineers who can address the grand challenges of the 21st century. ECE faculty act upon the special mandate to make a quality engineering education available to the residents of El Paso and the surrounding region. In doing so, we are committed to providing undergraduate and graduate students with the skills, knowledge and attitudes that will allow them to be successful professional, and preparing them for life-long learning to become ethical and intellectual leaders. ECE faculty are equally committed to maintaining a vital, state ofthe art research enterprise with significant undergraduate and graduate student participation to contribute to solve the challenges confronted by the region and the planet. The ECE Department celebrates diversity and stands against any kind of discrimination. As professionals in our field and members of our community: (i) we treat people fairly and judge them solely on the content of their character, (ii) we will stand together with those who would otherwise be marginalized; and (iii) we value our differences, celebrate our diversity, and foster an inclusive culture. The ECE Department offers a bachelor’s of science in electrical engineering, a master of science in electrical engineering, a master of science in computer engineering, and a Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering. Starting in Fall 2022, the ECE Department will offer a bachelor of science in computer engineering. In fall 2021, the ECE Department was home to 513 undergraduates, 57 master and 26 Ph.D. students. Currently, the ECE Department has 13 Tenured/Tenure-Track and 4 non-Tenure-Track faculty members: 5 professors, 5 associate professors, 3 assistant professors, 1 assistant professor of instruction, 1 associate professor of practice, and 2 professors of practice.
DEPARTMENT GOALS In the next 3 years, the ECE Department aims to: • Celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the UTEP BSEE program in academic year 2022-23. • Enhance the department’s academic support ecosystem to promote and support student success
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EPARTMENT • • • • • • • • •
Improve departmental infrastructure and operations to better support academic, research and service activities Implement practices that support diversity, equity and inclusion across department operations, teaching, research and service. Develop a faculty community of learners to improve teaching, mentoring, and research in support of student and faculty success Develop and implement initiatives that support faculty productivity and increase research expenditures Establish teaching laboratories in electric power and energy systems, and in cyber physical systems to provide opportunities to our students in these important areas mplement and achieve accreditation of a new bachelor program in Computer Engineering Increase enrollment and strengthen the quality of graduate programs and develop certificates to support the professional development of electrical and computer engineers in the Region Establish and active outreach program to pre-college students in El Paso Strengthen outreach efforts to local, regional and national industry partners
PRISCILLA CARRASCO PROGRAM COORDINATOR
PATRICIA MENDOZA
COORDINATOR II-LABORATORY AND RESEARCH
NITO GUMATAOTAO
COORDINATOR II-LABORATORY AND RESEARCH
VENEZIA NAVARRO PROGRAM ADVISOR
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ENROLLMENT TRENDS FOR THE LAST 12 YEARS FOR BS, MS, & PH.
•
Note: This figure doesn't consider students that participate in interdisciplinary MS or Ph.D. programs such as the Computational Science program nor the Environmental Science & Engineering Ph.D. program.
DEGREES AWARDED FOR ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT FY11-21
*Note: Interdisciplinary Master’s degrees in Computational Science are distributed to ECE contingent upon their research advisor as of FY 2019 **Note: Interdisciplinary Ph.D. degrees (Computational Science and Environmental Science & Engineering) are distributed to ECE contingent upon their research advisor as of FY 2019.
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RESEARCH EXPENDITURES FY 2011 THROUGH FY 2021
ECE DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS AND POINTS OF PRIDE CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING AT UTEP! BY THE NUMBERS •
Among top 50 producers of Electrical Engineers in the Nation according to ASEE
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Among top 5 producers of Electrical Engineers in the state of Texas according to ASEE
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EE is one of the highest earning bachelor’s degrees at UTEP
NEW OFFERINGS • BS in Computer Engineering approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in July 2022. Expected to start in Fall 2022 •
Minor in Robotics and Autonomous Systems starting in Fall 2022
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Minor in Computer Engineering started in Fall 2021
RECENT STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS • UTEP student chapter of the IEEE Robotics and Automation Society (IEEE-RAS) obtained 1st place in the 2022 IEEE R5 aquatic robot competition. • Ms. Annatoma Arif, doctoral student in ECE, received the 2021 NIST Uncertainty Analysis Student Award for her paper entitled “Inkjet Printed 3D Metal Electrodes on Shape Memory Polymer towards Improved Electrochemical Bio-Sensing Performance.” The award was presented at the 64th Electronic Materials Conference (EMC 2022) held at The Ohio State University from June 29th - July 1st, 2022. • Mr. Arturo Perez, Master Student in EE, is the recipient of 3rd Prize IEEE Power & Energy Society General Meeting PESGM2021 at Undergraduate Student Poster Contest. This is highly competitive international conference recognition to Arturo Perez’s work on Machine Learning Applications for Photovoltaic Power Forecasting. •
Mr. Jesus Marquez, and Ms. Bertha Chavez received the prestigious GEM Fellowships in 2022.
• Ms. Jesus Morales was named a recipient of the nationally competitive Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers Power and Energy Society (IEEE PES) scholarship in 2021
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RECENT FACULTY ACCOMPLISHMENTS • Dr. Benjamin C. Flores, Forrest O. and Henrietta Lewis Professor of Electrical Engineering, gave a keynote speech at the 2022 National LSAMP PI and PD meeting in Indianapolis, IN., where he introduced an institutional model for the sustainability and institutionalization of support systems for historically underrepresented minority students. • Dr. Raymond Rumpf, Schellenger Professor in Electrical Research, published the book, “Electromagnetic & Photonic Simulation for the Beginner: Finite-Difference Frequency-Domain in MATLAB” Artech House, 2022. • Dr. Virgilio Gonzalez, Professor of Practice, leads ECE active participation in robotics initiatives for pre-college students in El Paso, This year two high schools from El Paso got 2nd place in the state championship. • Dr. Jesus Gutierrez, Assistant Professor of Instruction, collaborated with local artist Laura Turon to design and create an art piece called “Unity” using EMPossible Center own spatial variance algorithm. The sculpture stands in Memory Drive and Country Club circle and will be unveiled later in 2022. • UTEP team led by Dr. Yuanrui Sang and Dr. Para Mandal were awarded hosting the 56th North American Power Symposium (NAPS) at UTEP in 2024. • Dr. Miguel Velez-Reyes was recognized as a Community Champion among the scientific community for his multitudinous contributions as a longtime member of SPIE, The International Society for Optics and Photonics. RESEARCH • ECE faculty are innovators in additive manufacturing (3D printing) from nano to macro scales creating novel electrical, electronic and electromagnetic devices and systems. • ECE Cyber Physical systems research contributing to resilient and secure power grid, and communication systems and networks. • ECE Sensor and Signal Analytics research contributing to novel information extraction algorithms to address problems in biomedical, environmental, defense and security, and space domain awareness applications. • ECE Electronics and Devices faculty recently awarded a $5M grant for establish the Consortia for Electronics in Extreme Environments (E3C). • A new market study titled “Discover Global 3D Printed Electronics Market Upcoming Trends, Growth Drivers and Challenges” lists the ECE EM Lab (Now EMPossible Center) as a key player in the global 3D printed electronics market. • ECE houses the UT System Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) Center dedicated to developing and scaling up high impact practices that enhance the education of STEM undergraduate and graduate students across Texas.
CENTERS AND ACTIVE RESEARCH LABS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEPARTMENT
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COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS LABORATORY - Dr. Michael McGarry, Director. Our objective is to advance the automation of network management using data analytics including machine learning. For network fault localization our technique uses network flow data and a suite of unsupervised learning algorithms (i.e., clustering and outlier detection). We are currently studying the performance of our fault localization technique and strategies to improve it.
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CYBER PHYSICAL SYSTEMS PRIVACY AND SECURITY ENHANCED COMPUTING LABORATORY – Dr. Sai Mounika Errapotu, Director. CyPSEC Lab investigates on security and privacy issues that arise from the integration of real-time embedded applications, system software, and human interactions with physical systems such as power grids, vehicular networks, communication and networking systems, and IoT. CyPSEC lab trains the next-generation cybersecurity workforce by involving students in both fundamental and applied research projects, to develop solutions that are secure by design and have feasible practical implementations.
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FIBER-OPTICS AND APPLIED COMMUNICATIONS LABORATORY – Dr. Virgilio Gonzalez, Director. Develop solutions to problems in diverse areas by the application of communication technologies (Wireless networks, Optical communications, sensor networks, robotics, and engineering education). We have a communications testbed for 4G/5G systems, software defined radio applications, and networking simulations.
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DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSING LABORATORY – Dr. Sergio Cabrera, Director. Digital signal processing (DSP) and digital image processing (DIP) are applicable everywhere. Research interests include state-
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of-the-art theory and methods, including sparse representations and deep learning for DSIP, and applications in biomedical signal processing (EEG, ECG), medical imaging (MR and CT), and radar imaging. •
RADAR LABORATORY – Dr. Benjamin Flores, PI. Established in 1994, the Radar Lab is dedicated to preparing the next generation of radar experts by providing a multi-disciplinary research environment in which undergraduate and graduate engineers and scientists to excel at learning, developing and applying state of the art tools for modern radar system analysis and design, antenna array design and implementation, and non-linear system (chaotic) analysis and electronic implementation.
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SENSOR AND SIGNAL ANALYTICS LABORATORY (SENSAL) – Dr. Miguel Velez-Reyes, Director. Established in 2014, the goals of SenSAL are to: (i) Develop novel information extraction methods using remote or minimally intrusive sensing and imaging systems; (ii) Provide a multi-disciplinary environment for training and research to undergraduate and graduate students in state of the art tools and technologies in remote sensing and signal processing; and (iii) Conduct research and develop technology to solve relevant societal problems in: earth system sciences, defense and security, and space domain awareness. Our research is highly interdisciplinary and engages students at all levels, post-doctoral researchers, and faculty from different departments of the Colleges of Engineering and Sciences. State of the spectrometers and hyper/multispectral imagers support field and laboratory work in support of development of controlled experiments and data sets with reference data for algorithm testing and validation.
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CONVERGENT MICROSYSTEMS LABORATORY – Dr. Robert C. Roberts, Director. The Convergent Microsystems Laboratory at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is a 1000 ft2 reconfigurable microsystems fabrication, test, and characterization facility. Design tools include Solidworks, AutoCAD, ANSYS, MATLAB, and HFSS. Fabrication equipment includes a Microfab Jetlab 4 research Inkjet Deposition System, 3-axis milling machine, a 5ft chemical hood, fused deposition modeled polymer 3D printer, and hotplate, vacuum chamber, and vacuum oven for polymer micromolding. The lab houses an Xact Metal XM-200C SLS metal 3D printer. Wafer probing is available on a Micromanipulator 150mm manual probe station with Mitutoyo trinocular optics to 2000x, with an 532nm New Wave Research EZLAZE laser trimming system. Additional test equipment includes a 4ft by 8ft optical table, Stanford Research PS365 High Voltage Power Supply, Pragmatic 110A Amplifier, Agilent E4407B Spectrum Analyzer, Keithley 2000 Digital Multimeter, Keithley 2450 Source Meter, Lucas Labs 4 point probe, oscilloscope, function generator, and numerous DC power supplies. A 16 channel computer controlled solenoid manifold with a National Instruments DAQ is connected to a 12 ft2 soft robotic test arena. An 8ft by 20ft net provides testing of flying robotic systems. The integrated mechanical, electrical, and chemical processing capability allows for rapid iteration of robotic and cyber-physical systems.
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NANO-MATERIAL INTEGRATION LABORATORY (NANOMIL) – Dr. David Zubia, Director. NanoMIL supports a 5,800 square-foot Nanofabrication Facility with class 100 and 1000 cleanroom bays and ~20 major pieces of processing and characterization equipment. The $4.5 million Nanofabrication facility is located in a pavilion on the grounds of the Engineering and Science Complex. The NanoFab provides photolithographic, thin-film deposition, material etching, silicon oxidation, and dopant diffusion capabilities. Characterization capabilities include high-performance electron and optical imaging, high-resolution x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and imaging, photoluminescence spectroscopy and imaging, optical transmission/reflection, and electronic semiconductor parametric characterization. The facility provides the UTEP community with a powerful semiconductor and micro-systems research and teaching capability.
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POWER AND RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS LABORATORY – Dr. Paras Mandal, Director. The mission of the Power & Renewable Energy Systems (PRES) Research Laboratory at the UTEP is to study intelligent system applications in electric power and renewable energy systems. This includes power and energy systems analysis, modeling, forecasting, optimization, planning and operation. PRES lab also focuses on electricity market design that enable a reliable and efficient power system with increasing penetrations of variable energy resources in smart grid environment.
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THE POWERFUL LAB - Dr. Yuanrui Sang, Director. Established in 2019, the goals of the Powerful Lab is to: (i) reduce the environmental impact of power and energy systems; (ii) enhance the integration of electric vehicles and renewable energy resources into the electricity market; and (iii) improve the resilience and reliability of the power and energy systems. Our research involves collaborators
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from different disciplines, such as civil and environmental engineering, computer engineering, and finance, and have established collaborations with a number of different research centers and industry partners, such as Advancing Sustainability through Powered Infrastructure for Roadway Electrification (ASPIRE) NSF-funded research center, Center for Advancing Research in Transportation Emissions, Energy, and Health (CARTEEH), El Paso Electric Company, and Ford Motor Company.
ECE RELATED CENTERS
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EMPOSSIBLE CENTER – Dr. Raymond Rumpf, Director. The EMPossible Center is a hub of bold innovation and a place for students and faculty to find support. It is a science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics and design (STEAMD) center for disruptive technologies in electromagnetics, photonics, and digital manufacturing. Multiple disciplines come together to work in a sandbox of innovation. The mission of the EMPossible Center is to create new paradigms in electrical engineering and material sciences and advance the process of innovation itself. This is being accomplished by creating multidisciplinary spaces that overcome technical, social, and cultural obstacles that impede innovation. The Center EMPowers its Innovators to boldly pursue ambitious and risky ideas. It has a collaborative atmosphere that eliminates traditional academic hierarchy and nurtures open conversation. The Center’s commitment to fellowship and mentorship is conveyed through its inverted organization, where students and staff are placed at the top, supported by their mentors and coaches below them.
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UT SYSTEM LOUIS STOKES ALLIANCE FOR MINORITY PARTICIPATION (LSAMP) CENTEr. Benjamin C. Flores, PI and Director. Established in 1992, the UT System LSAMP Center is dedicated to developing and scaling up high impact practices that enhance the education of STEM undergraduate and graduate students across Texas. The Center hosts multiple programs such as the LSAMP Summer Research Academy, LSAMP Summer Research Academy Abroad, and the UTEP Bridge to the Doctorate. The Center also conducts research on the STEM degree pathways of underrepresented minorities, including the impact of undergraduate research and professional development on graduation rates, social mobility, and enrollment in graduate programs. The Center collaborates with two NSF Louis Stokes Regional Centers of Excellence, which are dedicated to promoting inclusive mentoring in STEM and International Research, respectively. The Center also collaborates with the NSF INCLUDES Aspire Aliance to promote career paths for graduate students from underrepresented groups.
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CENTER FOR EARTH SYSTEMS SCIENCES AND REMOTE SENSING TECHNOLOGIES (CESSRST) – Dr. Miguel Velez-Reyes, UTEP Campus Director. CESSRST a Cooperative Science Center (CSC) established in 2016 funded by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. This is a university consortium led by City College of New York in Collaboration with The University of Texas at El Paso, Sand Diego State University, Hampton University, University of Maryland Baltimore County, and The University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez. The mission of the Center is to educate, train and graduate a new generation of diverse and competent cadre of students, and to create a diverse and skilled workforce in NOAA mission-aligned STEM and social science disciplines through participation in state-of-the-art research.
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CONSORTIUM FOR RESEARCH AND EDUCATION IN POWER AND ENERGY SYSTEMS (CREPES) – Dr. Paras Mandal, UTEP-Campus Director. CREPES for Sustainable STEM Workforce is funded by Department of Energy (DOE) - National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) under Minority Serving Institution Partnership Program (MSIPP). Overall scope of the Consortium is to prepare a sustainable pipeline of highly trained ECE students from Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to enter into National Security Enterprise (NSE) workforce. CREPES is envisioned for excelling in STEM field by carrying out transformative and applicable research with practical experience and training in the area of Electrical Engineering, with emphasis on Electric Power and Energy Systems Engineering, Nuclear Engineering, and related Cyber and Information Security issues. This is a collaborative effort among three MSIs: Florida International University (FIU), The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), and Alabama A&M University (AAMU), and two NNSA National Labs (SNL and LLNL).
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ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER ENGINEERING
2021
124*DEG
4 PROGRAMS
STUDENT ENRO
*CERTIFI
UG = MS = PH.D.
AT A GLANCE
1 BACHELORS 2 MASTERS 1 DOCTORAL
TO UG MS PH
*FOR
RESEARCH INDICATORS DATA FROM 01.01.2021 - 12.31.2021
47
12
SUBMITTED GRANT PROPOSALS FROM THE DEPARTMENT, THAT ARE CURRENTLY PENDING FUNDING DECISIONS, TOTAL
$ 2,402,750
14
TENURED/TENUR
$ 2.4 MILLION
PROPOSALS AWARDS // SUBMITTED RECEIVED 97 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENTAL ANNUAL RESEARCH EXPENDITURES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2021
GREES AWARDED
IED DATA FOR AY 2020-2021
105 16 .= 3
OLLMENT
OTAL ENROLLMENT* G = 513 S = 57 H.D. = 26
R THE FALL 2021 SEMESTER
RE-TRACK FACULTY
596 ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER ENGINEERING
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ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER ENGINEERING
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Benjamin Flores, Ph.D. PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 1990 BFLORES@UTEP.EDU
915.747.69561
ENGINEERING BUILDING - A-336
HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/BFLORES HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=BFLORES
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Dr. Flores is an expert in retention strategies for non-traditional undergraduate and graduate students in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). From 1999 to 2007 he was the PI and Project Director of the Model Institutions for Excellence Initiative, an institutional effort that aimed at increasing the number of Hispanics who pursued and earned STEM degrees. From 2010 to 2015, he was the PI of the UTEP PUENTES Program, a US Department of Education funded project dedicated to promoting post baccalaureate opportunities for Hispanics. Since 2005, he has been the PI and Director of the UT System Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation and the UT System Bridge to the Doctorate Program. Through his work on student retention and success, Dr. Flores has gained international recognition as an expert in the effectiveness and impact of strategies for access to higher education. He was the recipient of the Texas STAR award from the Texas Higher Education Coordinator Board (2005), ABET’s President Diversity Award (2006) and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentorship (2010). Over the course of his career, Dr. Flores has managed a STEM education research and training portfolio worth more than $32 million.
KEY WORDS
Radar signal processing, chaotic signals and systems, STEM student retention and success, mentoring, graduate student professional development, higher education administration.
Patricia Nava, Ph.D. PROFESSOR & INTERIM DEAN JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 1996 PNAVA@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6917
ENGINEERING BUILDING A-148
HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/PNAVA HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=PNAVA
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Dr. Nava has technical expertise in theoretical and applied aspects of Digital Design, Computer Architecture, and Artificial Intelligence: specifically, Deep Learning Networks, their analogies to biological systems, and their design, simulation, and implementation via digital devices, such as programmable hardware. She is also an expert on effective teaching and learning, student success strategies, and outreach and retention of women in engineering. From 1999 to 2003, she was the PI on a NASA FAR Award that focused on Intelligent and Hybrid Systems. From 2003 to 2014, Dr. Nava served as PI on multiple grants from NSF-CISE, focusing on High Performance Computing. Dr. Nava has also served as PI or Senior Personnel on projects focusing on women in engineering: HP/Anita Borg Institute (2002-2003), NSF ADVANCE (2003-2006), Educate Texas (2015-2018), and others. Most recently, Dr. Nava currently serves as PI on a grant from NSF focused on supporting students in engineering Fast-Track programs, which are designed to allow completion of a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in engineering within a five-year time frame. While at UTEP, she has been PI or Co-PI on successful grants totaling over $16.9M from a variety of agencies, and has mentored more than 40 graduate students in research to successful completion of their Masters and/or Ph.D. degrees. Dr. Nava has garnered over 20 awards for her accomplishments in teaching, including the UT Chancellor’s Council Award, and the UT Regents’ Award.
KEY WORDS
Deep learning, machine learning, artificial intelligence, computer architecture, digital design, programmable hardware, STEM student success, higher education administration, engineering leadership.
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Raymond Rumpf, Ph.D. PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2010 RCRUMPF@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6958
ENGINEERING BUILDING -A337 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/RCRUMPF HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=RCRUMPF
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Dr. Raymond C. Rumpf’s research is focused on developing revolutionary technologies in electromagnetics and circuits that are enabled by 3D printing. Since joining UTEP in Fall 2010, his team has already developed an array of significant breakthroughs. These include spatially variant anisotropic metamaterials to improve electromagnetic compatibility between components placed in close proximity, spatially variant self-collimating photonic crystals to control the flow of waves in optical integrated circuits, and the world’s highest power microwave frequency selective surface which also broke records for bandwidth and field-of-view. Dr. Rumpf brings nearly 15 years of industry experience to UTEP making him exceptional at building teams and leading diverse research projects. He offers UTEP an extraordinarily comprehensive knowledge of electromagnetics, photonics, and numerical modeling of devices. His research team is the best in the world at developing all-dielectric structures, but he is active in many areas including metamaterials, photonic crystals, antennas, frequency selective surfaces, nanophotonics, devices for extreme environments, and computational electromagnetics.
KEY WORDS
3D printing, electromagnetics, optics, photonics, nanophotonics, photonic crystals.
Miguel Velez-Reyes, Ph.D. PROFESSOR & CHAIR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 1990 MVELEZREYES@UTEP.EDU
915.747.5534
ENGINEERING BUILDING - A-329
HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/MVELEZREYES HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=MVELEZREYES
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Velez-Reyes research interests are in integrating physical, statistical, and machine-learning approaches to develop methodologies for information extraction from dynamic systems using minimally or non-intrusive sensing. Dr. Velez-Reyes work has focused in recent times in remote sensing methodologies using hyperspectral remote sensing in earth sciences, national defense and security. He has also been involved in modeling, identification and control of electric energy processing systems. He has expertise in analysis and design of control systems. The approach to develop his research program has been guided by the principle of “diverse problems, similar solutions,” which has helped him to understand and exploit the commonalities (physical and mathematical, computational and algorithmic) that underlie diverse problems in information extraction from non/minimally intrusive sensing and explore this knowledge synergy in the solution of existing and novel problems across different fields. This approach has stimulated significant cross-disciplinary dialog that have led to collaboration with researchers in multiple disciplines across science and engineering.
KEY WORDS Data science, signal processing and machine learning, remote sensing hyperspectral imaging, cyber-physical systems, electric power and energy systems.
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David Zubia, Ph.D. PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2001 DZUBIA@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6970
ENGINEERING BUILDING -A335
HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/DZUBIA HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=DZUBIA
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Zubia’s research interests are studying the nanoscale aspects of electronic materials and developing nanotechnology to create novel electronic materials and devices. This includes theoretical and experimental studies of crystal growth, semiconductor material processing and electronic device development. Technological interests include the development of materials and devices for energy, information processing, and memory.
KEY WORDS Electrical engineering, semiconductors, electronic materials, electronic devices, nanotechnology, nanoelectronics.
Sergio Cabrera, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 1992 SERGIOC@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6968
ENGINEERING BUILDING -A306
HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/SERGIOC HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=SERGIOC
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Cabrera’s research interests include image and volumetric data compression; signal processing applied to biomedical instrumentation and sensor networks; theory and methods of sparse signal representations, compressive sensing, and superresolution; 3-D joint depth-color image processing, and image processing applied to dust storm detection from satellite imagery.
KEY WORDS Digital signal processing, image processing, image compression, compressive sensing, volumetric data compression, 3D image processing.
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Paras Mandal, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2011 PMANDAL@UTEP.EDU
915.747.8653
ENGINEERING BUILDING -A339
HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/PMANDAL HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=PMANDAL
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Dr. Paras Mandal is currently an Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) and the Director of Power & Renewable Energy Systems (PRES) Laboratory within the ECE Department at UTEP. His research interests include electric power systems operations and markets, renewable energy integration and forecasting, machine learning applications to power grid, and smart grid. He has authored more than 100 scientific articles and proven technical, academic and leadership skill with various awards and honors. He is a recipient of best papers award by IEEE and Young Engineer award from IEEJ. He participates and assumes leadership roles in multiple professional groups within the IEEE Power and Energy Society (PES). He is a Senior Member of IEEE, Vice-Chair of IEEE PEEC award subcommittee, Secretary of IEEE New Product Development (NPD) Committee – Selection & Quality Control Subcommittee, and Member of various IEEE working groups and subcommittees. Dr. Mandal is a regular reviewer of journals and conferences and, serves as an Editorial Board of the journals and a session chair and panelist in IEEE PES conferences.
KEY WORDS
Power system market, operations & optimization, electric energy resources, forecasting and machine, learning/data analytics, distributed and renewable, power generation, smart grid and micro grid, cyber physical systems.
Michael McGarry, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2019 MPMCGARRY@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6955
ENGINEERING BUILDING - A-340
HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/MPMCGARRY HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=MPMCGARRY
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. McGarry’s area of research interest is communication networks, specifically in mechanisms that permit access networks to operate more efficiently. The access network is the portion of a telecommunications network that interconnects subscribers’ private networks to service provider’s public networks that connect to the Internet. Dr. McGarry’s research has led to several mechanisms that allow these networks to operate more efficiently with respect to the utilization of transmission channels, as well as energy consumption. His recent interest are in cloud computing and network measurement. His published works have received over 1600 citations according to Google Scholar (h-Index is 14, Erdos number is 2). One of his articles, was the recipient of the 2009 IEEE Communications Society Best Tutorial Paper award. He is the director of UTEP’s Communication Networks Laboratory (NetLab). His first Ph.D. student, Dr. Rami Haddad is tenure-track faculty at Georgia Southern University. His second Ph.D. student, Dr. Salvador Melendez is a researcher with the US Army Research Laboratory. His third Ph.D. student, Christopher Mendoza, is currently working on detecting network faults using network traffic data and unsupervised machine learning algorithms.
KEY WORDS Communication networks, internet, IPTV, VoIP, video networking, Medium Access Control (MAC).
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John Moya, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: JMOYA@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6972
ENGINEERING BUILDING - A305
HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=JMOYA
KEY WORDS Power Computer Vision
Ricardo von Borries, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2004 RVONBORRIES@UTEP.EDU
915.747.7959
ENGINEERING BUILDING -A313 HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=RVONBORRIES
RESEARCH STATEMENT Digital signal processing with emphasis on wavelet transforms, Fourier transform, time-frequency analysis, compressive sensing, tomographic imaging, overcomplete signal expansions, and parameter estimation. Processing of one-dimensional or multidimensional signals, collected with dense sensor arrays and processed with computationally intensive algorithms running on computer clusters. The main applications of the research include tomography and source localization in biomedical and radar imaging. Other interests include digital and analog hardware architecture and design to create dedicated instrumentation that complements the infrastructure needed for the research.
KEY WORDS Analog and digital signal processing; wavelet transform; Fourier transform; time-frequency analysis; power spectral analysis; sampling; overcomplete signal expansion; compressive sensing; parameter estimation; tomographic imaging; Matlab; Mathematica; Linux
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Sai Mounika Errapotu, Ph.D. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2019 SERRAPOTU@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6964
ENGINEERING BUILDING - A-309
HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=SERRAPOTU
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Dr. Errapotu’s research background is in computer security and applied cryptography, trust modeling and metrics, differentially private data analysis, and security & privacy preserving protocol design for cognitive radio networks and cyber-physical systems. Inspite of having rapid advances in technologies, many of the traditional ways of securing IT and networks just don’t easily apply to the newer generation distributed networks. It is critical to carefully handle sensitive information-both confidential and untrusted; confidential information must not be inappropriately released, and the use of untrusted information must not corrupt trusted computation and the utility. Dr. Errapotu has aligned her research focus to design tools for systems that handle sensitive information, by considering application-specific requirements and efficiently enforcing those requirements. She has been working on information security and privacy issues in wireless networks, cloud and fog computing, smart grids, distributed optimization, big data analytics, and Internet of Things (IOT) that provide scalability and practical implementation guarantees.
KEY WORDS
Cyber-infrastructure, Cybersecurity and Privacy Smart grid security and optimization, Differentially private data analysis, Trust modeling, Security and privacy metrics, Network economics, Big data analytics, internet of things.
Robert C. Roberts, Ph.D. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2019 RCROBERTS@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6959
ENGINEERING BUILDING -A310
HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=RCROBERTS
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Roberts research interests focus on the design, fabrication, and integration of novel sensors and sensor systems. Particular interest is in the areas of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and through the use of additive manufacturing for the fabrication of precision sensors, actuators, and electro-mechanical systems. Application areas include medicine, robotics, and energy.
KEY WORDS Sensors, additive Manufacturing, 3D Printing, microelectromechanical systems, microsystems, robotics.
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Yuanrui Sang, Ph.D. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2019 YSANG@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6632
ENGINEERING BUILDING - A-334
HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=YSANG
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Sang’s research focuses on artificial intelligence and machine learning for data analytics in power system operations and planning, including the analysis of power system economics, reliability, and resilience. Her other research interests include the application of high-performance computing in power systems research, applications of blockchain in electricity markets, and risk analysis for power systems with high penetration of renewable energy. Her previous research experience includes the application of power flow control technologies in power systems, preventive operation of power systems during hurricanes, and marine energy.
KEY WORDS Flexible power transmission systems, power system economics, power system reliability and resilience, power system optimization, renewable energy for protecting the healthy environment, health care management.
Virgilio Gonzalez, Ph.D. PROFESSOR OF PRACTICE JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2003 VGONZALEZ3@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6622
ENGINEERING BLDG., ROOM A-333 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/VGONZALEZ3 HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=VGONZALEZ3
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Dr. Virgilio Gonzalez is the Associate Chair in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at UTEP. He has received several awards for his work on engineering education and outreach activities attracting students into STEM areas. His research areas are in Communications Networks, Fiber Optics, Wireless Sensors, Cyber-physical Systems, and Engineering Education. He obtained a B.S. in Electronics and Communications Engineering, an M.S in Manufacturing Systems Engineering, and a Ph.D. degree in Computer Engineering. Dr. Gonzalez worked for more than 10 years in the development and application of telecommunication technologies in the IT, and Telecommunications industrial sectors before entering academia. At UTEP, he has been a promoter of technology for student learning, such as interactive mobile computer classrooms, and remote virtual laboratories. He is one of the founders of the UTEP outreach robotic program which includes workshops and competitions for students from elementary to high school. Other research areas focus on applied communication technologies such as 4G/5G Wireless Systems, Fiber Optic Sensors, and Robotics. He has multiple collaborations with several agencies to fund his research efforts.
KEY WORDS
Engineering Education, Communications Networks, Fiber Optics, Wireless Sensors, Cyber-physical Systems
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Rodrigo Romero, Ph.D, PROFESSOR OF PRACTICE JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2016 RAROMERO2@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6622
ENGINEERING BLDG., ROOM A-327
HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=RAROMERO2
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Perform research on high-performance embedded processing, EEG signal processing, and bioengineering. Secured funding from Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co., Lockheed Martin RMS, White Sands Missile Range D&AC, and regional sponsors to support capstone project purchase of equipment and materials plus support for faculty and graduate students. Instructor of courses including embedded system design, embedded system security, operating systems, digital design, computer networks, capstone projects, game programming, software engineering, parallel programming, visualization, GPU programming, and programming with assembly language, C, C#, Fortran, Java, MPI, OpenMP, and CUDA. Participated in a number of NSF proposal review panels.
KEY WORDS
HPC, mobile computing, biomedical engineering, visualizationimage processing
HECTOR ERIVES, PH.D., PE ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF PRACTICE JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2018 JJGUTIERREZ4@UTEP.EDU
915.747.8937
ENGINEERING BLDG., ROOM A-338
HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=HERIVESCON
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Hector Erives research interests are remote sensing, computer vision, machine learning control (intelligent control systems), biomedical imaging, and acoustic localization methodologies. He has more than twelve years of academic experience, and over ten years of industry experience as a staff scientist, lead instrumentation engineer, and senior software engineer in cradle-to-grave image acquisition, data processing, and delivery of remote sensing products. He has been a consultant for the USDA as an instructor on the processing of remote sensed imagery, and development of an automated image registration method. He has been a collaborator with New Mexico Tech on a NSF funded project to develop an acoustic-based technique for locating lightning events in central New Mexico and Southern Colorado. Dr. Erives is a professional engineer in the State of Texas and New Mexico.
KEY WORDS Remote Sensing, Embedded and Machine Learning Control Systems, Biomedical Imaging, Intelligent Systems, Acoustic Localization, Engineering Education
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Jesus Gutierrez, Ph.D. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF INSTRUCTION JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2021 JJGUTIERREZ4@UTEP.EDU
915.747.8937
ENGINEERING BLDG., ROOM A-338 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/JJGUTIERREZ4 HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=JJGUTIERREZ4
RESEARCH STATEMENT Jesus J. Gutierrez Vega, Ph.D. works currently as an Assistant Professor of Instruction in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Texas at El Paso. Dr. Gutierrez Vega is in charge of teaching a wide range of courses including electric circuits, electronics, signals and systems, electromagnetic theory, and antenna engineering, among others. Dr. Gutierrez Vega’s research interests include electromagnetics, photonics, computational science, and engineering education. He is passionate about teaching and mentoring students. He continually does outreach activities and collaborates with artists to create exhibitions that mix art with science. His hobbies include hiking, reading, building and programming robots, and playing videogames
KEY WORDS Electromagnetics, Photonics, Computational Electromagnetics, Engineering Education
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ENGINEERING EDUCATION AND LEADERSHI ABOUT US
Launched in 2015 with a mission to innovate engineering education, the Engineering Education and Leadership (EEL) department is the newest department in the College of Engineering. The EEL department seeks to redefine engineering education research and practice while graduating engineers with diverse technical knowledge and professional skills. Our growing number of tenure/ tenure-track faculty are committed to preparing its 123 undergraduate and five masters students for unique careers within or outside of the engineering profession. Soon, and in partnership with the interdisciplinary computational science program, EEL will launch a concentration in engineering education for the Ph.D. in computational science. The BS in Engineering Innovation and Leadership (E-Lead) is the first degree of its kind in the nation. This unique program represents a paradigm shift in engineering education. E-Lead goes well beyond being a program, an initiative, or a cluster of classes added to a degree plan. By collaborating with key entities such as Olin College, West Point, and other key educational institutions, the curriculum designed for E-Lead transforms the classroom experience of engineering students. E-Lead moves beyond content and focuses on project application and the integration of the students’ skills and knowledge in real-world scenarios. This revolutionary degree seeks to educate the whole engineer, preparing them for diverse careers through its novel interdisciplinary integration of skills and knowledge in the context of leadership and innovation. Offered exclusively at The University of Texas at El Paso, E-Lead is taking today’s great minds and nurturing them to become the brilliant, innovative leaders of tomorrow. EEL is also home to the Master of Science in Engineering (MS-E) degree, a customizable 33-hour, nonthesis multidisciplinary program that enables students to tailor their engineering coursework to align with their interests. This degree gives students a chance to focus on socio-technical challenges and topics at the intersection of multiple disciplines, issues that would traditionally be difficult to study given historical disciplinary silos. Students combine a primary concentration in an engineering field with a secondary concentration in another field, either in or outside engineering. Possible secondary concentrations are numerous, including education, business administration, computer science, information technology, and fields in the sciences, the liberal arts, and the health sciences. Alternately,
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111 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
IP the degree offers students a growing number of pre-defined interdisciplinary tracks, including engineering education and smart cities.
STAFF
CARMEN PAOLA CASAS PROGRAM COORDINATOR
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ENROLLMENT TRENDS FOR THE LAST 12 YEARS FOR BS, MS, & PH.
Note: This figure doesn't consider students that participate in interdisciplinary MS or Ph.D. programs such as the
•
Computational Science program nor the Environmental Science & Engineering Ph.D. program. •
Note: The Master’s in Engineering program was considered part of the Dean’s Office until the department of Engineering Education and Leadership was put into place in 2015. From Fall 2015 forward (beginning of FY 2016), the MS in Engineering degrees awarded were kept in ELEAD historical records.
DEGREES AWARDED FOR E-LEAD DEPARTMENT FY11-21
*Note: Interdisciplinary Master’s degrees in Computational Science are distributed to E-lead contingent upon their research advisor as of FY 2019 **Note: Interdisciplinary Ph.D. degrees (Computational Science and Environmental Science & Engineering) are distributed to E-lead contingent upon their research advisor as of FY 2019.
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113 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
RESEARCH EXPENDITURES FY 2011 THROUGH FY 2021
E-LEAD DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS AND POINTS OF PRIDE • Dr. Kendall’s book: NDSL Sourcebook on Student Leadership Development in Engineeringhttps://onlinelibrary. wiley.com/journal/23733357
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114
ENGINEERING EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP
2021
10* DE
2 PROGRAMS
STUDENT ENRO
*CERTI
UG = MS =
AT A GLANCE
1 BACHELORS 1 MASTERS
TOT UG MS
*FOR
RESEARCH INDICATORS DATA FROM 01.01.2021 - 12.31.2021
7
3
SUBMITTED GRANT PROPOSALS FROM THE DEPARTMENT, THAT ARE CURRENTLY PENDING FUNDING DECISIONS, TOTAL
$6,115,782
PROPOSALS AWARDS // SUBMITTED RECEIVED 115 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
4
TENURED/TENUR
$ 1.1 MILLION DEPARTMENTAL ANNUAL RESEARCH EXPENDITURES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2021
GREES AWARDED
IFIED DATA FOR AY 2020-2021
= 9 = 1
OLLMENT
TAL ENROLLMENT* = 112 S= 9
R THE FALL 2021 SEMESTER
RE-TRACK FACULTY
121 ENGINEERING EDUCATION AND LEADERSHIP
FACULTY RESEARCH PROFILES 2022 BRIEFING BOOK
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Peter Golding, Ph.D. PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 1987 PGOLDING@UTEP.EDU
915.747.8125
ENGINEERING BUILDING, ROOM E230 F HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=PGOLDING
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Peter Golding is Professor and Undergraduate Program Director in the Department of Engineering Education and Leadership. Dr. Golding previously served as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Engineering Education Research for the College of Engineering and currently serves as Director of CREaTE. He is active in engineering education research and sponsored projects. He won the UT Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award in 2012. He is active locally, regionally, and nationally in engineering education research. He is also active in service, having been elected to the ASEE Board of Directors, as the PIC V Chair, after serving as the Minorities in Engineering Division and Systems Engineering Division Chair.
KEY WORDS Engineering education, materials science, P-12 engineering education, diverse pathways into engineering, DEI
Roger Gonzalez, Ph.D. PROFESSOR & CHAIR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2012 RVGONZALEZ@UTEP.EDU
915.747.5905
ENGINEERING BLDG - E230 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/RVGONZALEZ HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=RVGONZALEZ
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Gonzalez’s research focus is on understanding the internal loading conditions of the human knee joint. He also conducts research on the development of ultra-low cost prosthetic devices for the developing world.
KEY WORDS Musculobiomechanics, computational biomechanics, development of low-cost prosthetic devices, engineering education.
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David G. Novick, Ph.D. PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 1999 NOVICK@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6031
ENGINEERING BLDG, ROOM E230 H HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/NOVICK HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=NOVICK
RESEARCH STATEMENT David Novick’s research focuses on interactive systems and, especially, building rapport in multimodal conversation. Current research projects include (1) making conversations with intelligent virtual agents more effective through modeling and implementing conversation control acts and (2) integrating entrepreneurship into engineering education. Dr. Novick’s research on multimodal conversation explores computational pragmatics, especially nonverbal behaviors associated with conversation. Dr. Novick and his students have developed intelligent virtual agents that converse with humans in highly engaging games or simulations, which provide a way to study what affects the development of rapport between humans and agents.
KEY WORDS Intelligent virtual agents, human-computer interaction, artificial intelligence, user experience, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Meagan Vaughan Kendall, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR & ACTING CHAIR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2014 MVAUGHAN@UTEP.EDU
915.747.7829
ENGINEERING BLDG - 230.A
HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/MVAUGHAN HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=MVAUGHAN
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Meagan R. Kendall is an Associate Professor in the Department of Engineering Education and Leadership. As an NSF Graduate Research Fellow, she received her M.S. and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, with a concentration in Biomechanics, from The University of Texas at Austin. An engineering education researcher, her work focuses on enhancing engineering students’ motivation, exploring engineering identity formation, developing integrated course sequences, and methods for involving students in curriculum development and teaching through Peer Designed Instruction. Dr. Kendall’s scholarship emphasizes the professional formation of engineers, specifically through the development and application of the Contextual Engineering Leadership Development framework. Bringing together her work in engineering leadership development, curriculum design, and collaborative design, she was recently awarded an NSF research grant focused on developing engineering instructional faculty as leaders of educational change at Hispanic-Serving Institutions.
KEY WORDS Engineering education, engineering leadership development, design methodology, collaborative design, student motivation.
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INDUSTRIAL, MANUFACTURING & SYSTEM ABOUT US
The Department of Industrial, Manufacturing, and Systems Engineering (IMSE) strives to graduate industrial, manufacturing, and systems engineers of the highest quality and to conduct state-of-the-art research from an end-to-end enterprise point of view. Industrial engineering is a unique engineering discipline that integrates the quantitative engineering approach with qualitative insights of human behavior. Industrial and Systems Engineering is vital to providing solutions to complex problems in wideranging fields including manufacturing, transportation, technology, healthcare, agriculture, aerospace, and supply chain management. The department’s research goes beyond the traditional industrial engineering discipline to solve pressing societal issues. The department is proud to provide students with the flexibility to pursue research across different fields. The IMSE Department offers a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial & Systems Engineering (ISE). Three MS programs in: Industrial Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, and Systems Engineering. The MS in Systems Engineering is also offered on-line. DEPARTMENT GOALS •To enhance the quality of undergraduate and graduate students through curriculum, student skills and faculty enhancement. •To increase faculty collaboration across COE departments, colleges and other institutions •To establish a state-of art laboratories to represent research expertise of IMSE faculty •To improve branding of the department •To submit the “ISE” Ph.D. Program proposal to THECB in 2023/2024
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119 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
MS ENGINEERING STAFF
RICARDO ROBLES BUSINESS MANAGER
RENE DOMINGUEZ
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
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ENROLLMENT TRENDS FOR THE LAST 12 YEARS FOR BS, MS, & PH.
•
Note: This figure doesn't consider students that participate in interdisciplinary MS or Ph.D. programs such as the Computational Science program nor the Environmental Science & Engineering Ph.D. program.
DEGREES AWARDED FOR IMSE DEPARTMENT FY11-21
*Note: Interdisciplinary Master’s degrees in Computational Science are distributed to IMSE contingent upon their research advisor as of FY 2019 **Note: Interdisciplinary Ph.D. degrees (Computational Science and Environmental Science & Engineering) are distributed to IMSE contingent upon their research advisor as of FY 2019.
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RESEARCH EXPENDITURES FY 2011 THROUGH FY 2021
IMSE DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS AND POINTS OF PRIDE ACADEMIC •
Approval of graduate certificate in Smart Manufacturing program
•
Department to offer graduate certificate in Systems Engineering
•
Department to lunch new academic concentration in Systems Modeling and Simulation for graduate students
•
In recent years, the Systems Engineering Online Graduate Program attract the great attentions
RESEARCH •
Drs. Tseng and Rahman established a strong collaboration with the University of Texas Medical Brach (UTMB) at Galveston for medical imaging research
•
Drs. Tseng and Rahman is going to establish a new research lab named Systems Innovation with Modeling and Simulation (SIMS) funded by U.S. Department of Education Modeling and Simulation Program (MSP)
•
The IMSE Dept. successfully completed the Artificial Intelligence based Digital Twin non-destructive quality inspection project (Phase-III) supported by Lockheed Martin
•
Dr. Lopes won the Research Award as a junior faculty member from COE in 2022
•
RIMES and TMAC enabled University Medical Center (UMC), El Paso Texas to implement two key workflow improvements to improve hospital throughput and improve Emergency Department (ED) throughput using LEAN strategies
SERVICE •
Ms. Maria Galaviz, B.S. Industrial Engineering, 2002 and a senior manager at Sandia National Laboratories has been awarded 2022 Gold Nugget Award by UTEP
•
Dr. Tseng has been awarded by the 2022 David Wells service award by the ASEE Manufacturing division
•
Dr. Luna has been awarded as the Best Junior Faculty Award by the ASEE Manufacturing division
•
Dr. Rahman has been selected as the secretary for the ASEE manufacturing division for the year of 2022-2023
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CENTERS AND ACTIVE RESEARCH LABS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEPARTMENT
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•
RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING SYSTEMS (RIMES) - RIMES was created in 1995 as the Institute for Manufacturing and Materials Management (IM3). We have recently renamed the Institute while maintaining its focus on Manufacturing and Materials Management. The institute has also evolved and taken the lead in focusing on the research of new knowledge of systems and its applications to Manufacturing and Engineering Systems. As part of The University of Texas at El Paso, the Institute is committed to education. Members of the staff teach classes, sponsor research at the University, and are encouraged to participate in seminars, conferences and lectures. The institute has a long history of collaboration with private industry. We are committed to continue and expand this synergy.
•
TEXAS MANUFACTURING ASSISTANCE CENTER (TMAC) - TMAC is the innovation partner that startups, early-stage, and established companies count on to work smart and grow smart. From offices statewide, subject matter expert consultants work with small and mid-sized companies to develop and improve their products, processes, technologies, and people. TMAC helps make manufacturing smarter, faster, and more efficient through supply chain optimization and process improvement that lowers costs, improves quality, and boosts productivity. TMAC assist with implementing technology to improve safety, quality, and efficiency at every level. TMAC focusses on cybersecurity, coaching, developing motivating and retaining the leaders and teams that can fuel long term success. TMAC experts are manufacturers hands-on partners, that create a plan for improvement and help create sustainable breakthrough solutions that transform performance for today and for every day ahead. TMAC works with companies from aerospace and defense, electronics and assembly, food and beverage, metal fabrication etc. with a mission to boost sales, optimize operations, and create and sustain jobs. The expected result is for manufacturing companies to achieve profitable growth that lasts.
•
INTELLIGENT SYSTEMS ENGINEERING LABORATORY (ISEL) - TThe Intelligent Systems Engineering Laboratory (ISEL) has been established through the Partners for the Advancement of Collaborative Engineering Education (PACE) program sponsored by GM, the National Science Foundation, and the U.S. Department of Education. The research focus of ISEL includes Applied Artificial Intelligence (AAI), Big Data Analytics, Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation (NDT/E) research, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality (AR/VR), Automated Quality Control, and 3D/4D printing. The lab is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies and equipment such as students’ workstations with high computational facilities, AR/VR devices, NDT equipment, robot arm mover, crawler robot, several 3D/4D printers, and modern simulation software. Currently, a large student group, including one post-doctoral fellow, three Ph.D. students, 5 master’s students, and other undergraduate students, are conducting several projects in the above-mentioned research area. The overarching goal of this laboratory is the educate and train the next-generation students with modern technologies in the field of industrial, manufacturing, and systems engineering and prepare them for the industries of the future.
•
SMART MANUFACTURING INNOVATION LABORATORY (SMIL) - The SMI laboratory is designed to promote the vision of a Smart Manufacturing research and workforce development program at UTEP to promote SM concepts in underserved SMMs and up-skilling an underrepresented (Hispanic) workforce by developing industry-relevant training materials and research laboratory practices. The SMI laboratory has been retrofitted with SM related technologies (digitization, automated data acquisition and analysis, remote operations monitoring and quality, universal programmable robot, remote IO link, machine vision system) and APIs (predictive algorithms, dashboard visualizations, mobile tools, equipment sensing, data extraction and storage) for facilitating SM research and development. The SMI laboratory will enable the development of industry specific use cases in the following areas: Process monitoring and control; Data Analytics and predictive modeling; Workforce training using AR/VR; Manufacturing dashboard using Data Visualization.
123 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
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133*DEGR
INDUSTRIAL, MANUFACTURING & SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
2021
*CERTIFIED
UG = MS = INTERDI
AT A GLANCE
4 PROGRAMS
STUDENT ENRO
1 BACHELORS 3 MASTERS*
TOT UG MS
*1 FULLY ONLINE MS
*FOR
RESEARCH INDICATORS DATA FROM 01.01.2021 - 12.31.2021
18
5
SUBMITTED GRANT PROPOSALS FROM THE DEPARTMENT, THAT ARE CURRENTLY PENDING FUNDING DECISIONS, TOTAL
$1,314,781
PROPOSALS AWARDS // SUBMITTED RECEIVED 125 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
6
TENURED/TENUR
$ 1 MILLION
DEPARTMENTAL ANNUAL RESEARCH EXPENDITURES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2021
REES AWARDED DATA FOR AY 2020-2021
79 53 ISCIPLINARY PH.D.= 1
OLLMENT
TAL ENROLLMENT* G = 182 S = 190
R THE FALL 2021 SEMESTER
RE-TRACK FACULTY
372
INDUSTRIAL, MANUFACTURING & SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
CENTERS AND ACTIVE RESEARCH LABS 2022 BRIEFING BOOK
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INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS
RESEARCH INSTITUTE FOR MANUFACTURING & ENGINEERING SYSTEMS (RIMES)
•Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Quality Mission Success Division •Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Systems Engineering Division •AT&T - Online Systems Engineering Program •White Sand Missile Range (WSMR)- Systems Engineering Division •Jacobs Engineering, Boeing •University Medical Center/Texas Tech Medical School
Research Institute for Manufacturing & Engineering Systems (RIMES) was established in 2009 with a focus on the research of new knowledge of systems and its applications to Manufacturing and Engineering domains. The mission of RIMES is to research and promote the use and deployment of current and future, emerging systems engineering methodologies, processes, and tools (MPT) in the design, development, manufacturing, implementation and life cycle management of end-to-end enterprise systems. It is anticipated that RIMES becomes the El Paso del Norte Center of expertise for the Manufacturing Extension Programs. CURRENT RESEARCH FOCUS AREAS
•Quality Service Center (QSC): Provides support and develop novel engineering tools to facilitate quality control and productivity improvement of emergent manufacturing processes. •Production Service Center (PSC): Facilitates innovation of advanced manufacturing for user-driven applications and development of new emerging technologies. •Systems Service Center (SSC): Provides systems engineering methodologies to improve complex systems, systems reliability analysis, risk and tradeoff analysis, among others. •Idea Incubator (i2) Division (IID): Enables and facilitates the generation of ideas and concepts for solutions and approaches to industry and government challenges.
OPPORTUNITES
• Develop new collaborations with health care industry (University Medical Center, Texas Tech Medical School, Del Sol Medical Group and Mayo Clinics) on Internet of Medical Things and Smart Medical Support Systems. •Develop new collaboration with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics (LMA) in the area of Cyber Quality Control through Image Data Analytics of Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) Using Artificial Intelligence (AI). •Establish international partnership in the area of Smart Additive Manufacturing (SAM) with universities in Japan, South Korea and Taiwan. •Establish new partnership with Foxconn for the creation of an Automation Academy and Industry 4.0. •Explore opportunities on educational outreach in the area of Additive Manufacturing and Digital Simulation to engage with the K-12 community.
Bill Tseng, Ph.D., CMfgE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PROFESSOR & CHAIR, IMSE
OTHER POSITIONS HELD: Western Kentucky University (4 years), CTCI Corp, Taipei, Taiwan (2 years) EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: B.S., Industrial Engineering, Tunghai University, Taiwan (‘87); MSIE-MfgE, UW-Madison (‘93); MSIE-OR/DS, UW-Madison(‘95) and Ph.D. in IE, University of Iowa (‘99).
BTSENG@UTEP.EDU
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915) 747-7990
ENGINEERING BUILDING 226
WWW.UTEP.EDU/ENGINEERING/RIMES
INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS
TEXAS MANUFACTURING ASSISTANCE CENTER (TMAC) PASO DEL NORTE (PDN)
•The Borderplex Alliance •U.S. Small Business Administration - El Paso Office •Workforce Solutions Borderplex •El Paso Community College •El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce •Medical Center of the Americas
TMAC PdN is a public-private partnership located at UTEP to serve a wide range of businesses including manufacturing, healthcare, and government. TMAC’s mission is to increase the global competitiveness of the Texas economy by working to grow and sustain the extended manufacturing enterprise. TMAC works with companies to help them advance and make operations more agile by using Lean, Quality, Supply Chain, and Workforce Development practices. TMAC PdN provides lean and efficient customized solutions that deliver a competitive edge, identify growth opportunities, and foster regional economic development. CURRENT RESEARCH FOCUS AREAS
•Improve Efficiency: Lean Engineering, Strategic Planning •Increase Sales: Quality Management Systems, New Product Development, Financial Management •Ensure Sustainability: Supply Chain Management, Energy and Resource Management, Financial Planning and Assessment •Workforce Development: Training Within Industry (TWI), Hoshin Kanri, Team Building
OPPORTUNITIES •Build upon our existing solutions portfolio to address the operational and workforce development challenges of the regional manufacturing industry. •Develop new collaborations with manufacturing related funding agencies to better support small and medium regional manufacturers. •Develop formal relationships with current industry partners to create an ecosystem that enables economic development through manufacturing related activities. •Explore new technologies and Industry trends to support and educate regional manufacturers to improve their operations. •Identify and engage in educational outreach opportunities to engage with the K-12 community to increase their interest in manufacturing.
Amit Joe Lopes, Ph.D.
REGIONAL DIRECTOR | ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, IMSE
OTHER POSITIONS HELD: Research Assistant Professor (2011-2018); Assistant Professor (Current) EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: Ph.D. Interdisciplinary Materials Science and Engineering, UTEP. M.S. Industrial Engineering, UTEP. B.S. Production Engineering, The University of Mumbai, India
AJLOPES@UTEP.EDU
915) 747-5958
ENGINEERING BUILDING 226
HTTP://TMAC.UTEP.EDU/
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INDUSTRIAL, MANUFACTURING & SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
FACULTY RESEARCH PROFILES 2022 BRIEFING BOOK
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130
Tzu-Liang (Bill) Tseng, Ph.D. PROFESSOR & CHAIR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2000 BTSENG@UTEP.EDU
915.747.7990
ENGINEERING BUILDING -A130 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/BTSENG HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=BTSENG
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Tseng’s KEY WORDS include: renewable energy and bio-medical engineering; internet-based manufacturing/ computer-based decision support systems; sustainability engineering; data mining; and knowledge management quality improvement technology.
KEY WORDS Renewable energy and bio-medical engineering, internet-based manufacturing/computer-based decision support systems, sustainability engineering, data mining and knowledge management, quality improvement technologyimage processing.
Luis Rene Contreras-Sapien, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2000 LRCONTRERAS@UTEP.EDU
915.747.7098
ENGINEERING BLDG., RM. A-239 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/SERGIOC HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=LRCONTRERAS
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Dr. Luis Rene Contreras is Associate Professor of Industrial Engineering at UTEP. Dr. Contreras has extensive experience in research and education in Ergonomics and Industrial engineering in the border region.
KEY WORDS
Human Factors/ Physical Ergonomics - workstation design, anthropometry of industrial workers, and design for older workers; Safety Engineering; facilities design.
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Eric D. Smith, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2008 ESMITH2@UTEP.EDU
915.747.5205
ENGINEERING BUILDING -A245 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/ESMITH2 HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=ESMITH2
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Smith’s work within the Systems Engineering Program and the IMSE Department is to ensure that teaching initiatives are directed toward increasingly networking with industries of practice in order to draw in industry knowledge and at the same time plug-in students to their personally discovered career paths and areas of contribution.
KEY WORDS Systems engineering, industrial engineering, tradeoff studies, cognitive biases.
Amit J. Lopes, Ph.D. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2018 AS TENURE-TRACK AJLOPES@UTEP.EDU
915.747.5958
ENGINEERING BUILDING - A-244 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/AJLOPES HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=AJLOPES
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Lopes’ research interests focus on Advanced and Next Generation Manufacturing Technologies. He has extensive background on additive manufacturing and its applications, with a focus on quality assurance. His research also includes Service Systems Engineering applications to additive manufacturing, healthcare, and energy systems. His current research involve application of smart manufacturing principles and augmented reality technology to improve operations validation and workforce training.
KEY WORDS Smart manufacturing, industry 4.0, additive manufacturing, service systems engineering, process engineering, lean manufacturing.
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Sergio Luna, Ph.D. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2020 SALUNAFONG@UTEP.EDU
915.747.8686
ENGINEERING BLDG., RM. A-242
HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/SALUNAFONG HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=SALUNAFONG
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Dr. Luna returns to his alma mater after completing a doctoral degree in Systems Engineering at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. His research interests focus on the intersection between data science, systems engineering, and strategic decision-making. While at Stevens, Dr. Luna was awarded the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Doctoral Fellowship and received the Outstanding Dissertation Award by the School of Systems and Enterprises. He is a former researcher from the Systems Engineering Research Center (SERC), a University-Affiliated Research Center of the U.S. Department of Defense, where he collaborated in the Helix – Developing Effective Systems Engineers and the Mission Engineering Competencies project. He earned his master’s in systems engineering and a bachelor’s in mechanical engineering from UTEP. During this time, he served as a research assistant at the UTEP Research Institute for Manufacturing and Engineering Systems and was a part of the development of enterprise-level architectural views of the University’s shuttle system that were in accordance with the Department of Defense Architecture Framework principles. He is a member of the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Prior to joining the faculty at UTEP, Dr. Luna spent his career as an e-commerce data scientist at a world leading consumer product goods organization. He is a coffee aficionado, enjoys traveling, and exploring diverse cultures.
KEY WORDS
Social Media Analytics, Model-Based Systems Engineering, Data Science, Agent-Based Modeling, Emergency Management Disaster Response, Systems Engineering.
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METALLURGICAL, MATERIALS AND BIOMED ABOUT US
The Metallurgical Engineering discipline is rooted in the foundation of the university since its establishment in 1913 and the B.S. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering offered at UTEP is the only accredited metallurgy program in the state of Texas, and one of only eight in the nation. The “Materials” was added to the degree after The University of Texas System Chancellor, Dr. Hans Mark, identified “materials” as a strategic thrust at UTEP in 1987. The B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering degree received accreditation in 1947 and was replaced with the B.S. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering program, which earned accreditation in 1995. In 2015, the Biomedical Engineering (BME) Master of Science and Ph.D. Programs were transferred from the College of Engineering to the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department. Thus, the department became the Metallurgical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering (MMBME) Department. The leadership includes the Chair of the Department, the MME Undergraduate Program Director, and the Director of the BME Program. Thus, the MMBME Department offers the following degrees and minors: • BS in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (MME) • MS in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (MME) • PhD in Materials Science and Engineering (MASE) • MS in Biomedical Engineering (BME) • PhD inBiomedical Engineering (BME) • Minor in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) • Minor in Biomedical Engineering (BME) The faculty is made up of 3 Professors, 4 Associate Professors, 3 Assistant Professors, 3 Professors of Practice (part-time) and 1 Professor of Instruction (part-time), with a total of 14 faculty. There is collaboration between the MME and BME faculty in both teaching, research and department administration.
DEPARTMENT GOALS THE MMBME DEPARTMENT HAS IDENTIFIED FOUR IMPACT AREAS: 1. Expand Research Activities, Partnerships and Opportunities within the department, college, UTEP and among strategic external partners to increase external funding and research opportunities.
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DICAL ENGINEERING 2. Recruitment, Branding and Marketing of BS MME Program to increase enrollment to 200 undergraduates. 3. Create a Model for UG Research Activities and Materials Education that encourages faculty participation includes computational modeling, data science and machine learning.
and
4. Establish a BS in Biomedical Engineering Program by Fall 2024
STAFF
MICHAEL LYUBCHENKO, PH.D. LAB MANAGER
CARMEN E. MARTINEZ
PROGRAM COORDINATOR/MANAGER FOR BME
ARELY RAMIREZ
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES COORDINATOR
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ENROLLMENT TRENDS FOR THE LAST 12 YEARS FOR BS, MS, & PH.
DEGREES AWARDED FOR MMBME DEPARTMENT FY11-21
The peak in enrollment in the BS MME Program was due in part to the participation in a dual degree program with Seokyeong University (South Korea) that began in 2012. Most students in the program graduated by Fall 2020. There was also a notable impact at the onset of COVID. The MMBME Department has been working on a recruitment plan for its BS MME Program since before the pandemic and it is one of its four goals/impact areas.
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RESEARCH EXPENDITURES FY 2011 THROUGH FY 2021
MMBME DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS AND POINTS OF PRIDE BS METALLURGICAL AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING (MME) • Three of the four Engineering Student Leadership Council chairs in the College of Engineering for 2022-23 are students in the B.S. MME Program and all four of them are female. • Cassandra Orozco is a recipient in the Department of Energy (DOE) Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) Program in Summer 2022. • A 2021-22 senior design team participated in the Texas Space Grant Consortium Design Challenge in 2021-22 and won 4th place. The student team (Cassandra Orozco, Hector Zamarippa, Daniel Morales, Hugo Heredia and Kevin Renteria) travelled to Houston, TX to present their work. The students contributed to the blackest black surface and textiles for architectural applications to control scattered light in space. Their NASA and UTEP mentors included Toni A. Clark (NASA-JSC) and by Dr. Shalayna Smith (MMBME-UTEP). • A 2021-22 senior design team collaborated with Kansas City National Security Campus – Honeywell FM&T on “the evaluation of ceramic ferrite toughness for secret applications.” The student team consisted of Adan Mireles, Valeria Morales, Veronica Contreras, Victor Burciaga and Dana Godinez. Their mentors included Sabrina Torres, Mallory Stacy and Dennis Echorst (Honeywell) and Dr. Shalayna Smith (MMBME-UTEP). • Daniela Duarte was a recipient in the Department of Energy (DOE) Science Undergraduate Laboratory Internship (SULI) Program in Fall 2021. Daniela was the first female engineering student to be awarded a SULI internship. Daniela worked on “thermodynamic calculations associated with rare earth metal extraction” at Ames National Laboratory. • Gina Zavala (B.S. MME, May 2021) received the $15,000 Ellwood Metallurgy Scholarship in Spring 2021). She is the first UTEP student to work at Ellwood, who provides industry expertise in steel making, forging, machining, welding, casting and distribution. •
Forty-two percent (42%) of all B.S. MME students in Fall 2021 were female.
• The B.S. MME program recognizes two outstanding seniors every semester. The first is the Henry P. and Margaret F. Ehrlinger top senior award, the second is the Carolina Munoz Mining Engineer of the Year Award for outstanding student service to the department, and the third is the John Serrano Memorial Copper Endowed Research Award for outstanding work related to extractive and process metallurgy of copper. MS METALLURGICAL AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING (MME) • The B.S. MME to M.S. MME Fast-Track Program was modified in 2019 to increase participation of undergraduate students in the graduate program.
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• Michelle Gamboa, Gina Zavala-Alvarado, Leslie Trujillo and Brenda Sida received NSF PASSE Stipends to support their transition from the B.S. MME Program to the M.S. MME Program. MS BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING (BME) • The B.S. MME to M.S. BME Fast-Track Program was added in 2019 to increase participation of undergraduate students in the BME graduate program. PHD MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING (MASE) • Dr. Rebecca Romero (Ph.D. in MASE, May 2022) was offered a position at the NRC in Baltimore, MA in June 2022. During the course of her Ph.D., Rebecca published a first authored article “Examination of the Oxidation and Metal–Oxide Layer Interface of a Cr–Nb–Ta–V–W High Entropy Alloy at Elevated Temperatures” in the Advanced Engineering Materials Journal. PHD BME • Andie Padilla (doctoral student in BME Ph.D. program and prior UG student in the B.S. MME Program) was selected by NASA to present on her “Electrophysiology Recording of Neuronal Activity in Engineered Tissue Chips in a Suborbital Spaceflight” at the International Astronautical Congress in Paris on September 2022. Andie Padilla also participated in the NSF sponsored internship at IMEC in Fall 2021. IMEC is an R&D hub for nano- and digital technologies. Andie is mentored by Dr. Binata Joddar. • Raven El-khoury (doctoral student in BME Ph.D. Program) published his work on “3d Biofabrication of a Cardiac Tissue Construct for Sustained Longevity and Function” in the American Chemical Society’s Applied Materials and Interfaces Journal in May 2022 (Impact Factor ~ 10). Raven is mentored by Dr. Binata Joddar. • Dr. Beu Oropeza (Ph.D. BME, May 2022) and Michael Furth (doctoral student in BME Ph.D. Program) published his work on “Bioprinting of Decellularized Porcine Cardiac Tissue for Large-Scale Aortic Models” in the Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology Journal in March 2022 (Impact Factor ~ 6). Beu and Michael are mentored by Dr. Thomas Boland. OTHER STUDENT ACCOMPLISHMENTS • The dissertation by Dr. Maryamsadat Shokrekhodaei (Ph.D. in ECE in Aug 2021) was selected as the outstanding dissertation from the college of engineering for 2021. Dr. Shokrekhodaei was mentored by Dr. Stella QuinonesMMBME and Dr. Chris Roberts-ECE). The title of her dissertation is “The Non-Invasive In-Vitro Glucose Monitoring using Optical Sensor and Machine Learning Techniques for Diabetes Applications.” • Dr. Maryamsadat Shokrekhodaei ((Ph.D. in ECE in Aug 2021) and Dr. Stella Quinones received the “Editor’s Choice” for their “Review of Non-Invasive Glucose Sensing Techniques: Optical, Electrical and Breath Acetone” article published in the Sensors Journal in 2020. • Dr. Natividad-Diaz’s undergraduate research assistant, Pedro Hernandez (B.S. ECE), received honorable mention at the UTEP COURI research symposium. FACULTY • Dr. Thomas Boland was inducted into the national academy of inventors (NAI) fellow in June 2022. He is only the third UTEP faculty member to be named a NAI fellow. Dr. Boland is honored for his innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions that have made a tangible impact on quality of life, economic development, and the welfare of society. • Dr. Shalayna Smith was awarded the College of Engineering faculty excellence award for service in Spring 2022. In her role as undergraduate program director, she has expanded the student reach and attainment of academic, industry and professional opportunities. Dr. Smith brings valuable forensic engineering experience from the Oil and Gas Industry. During the COVID pandemic, she devised ways to keep students connected and supported, and organized K-12 outreach activities. • Dr. Sk Varma was awarded the College of Engineering faculty excellence award for teaching in Spring 2022. The MMBME industry advisory board and returning alumni refer to his courses and teaching as one of the most valuable experiences in the BS MME program. • Dr. Steve Stafford and his wife Karen Stafford established the Dr. Steve and Karen Stafford endowed scholarship for students in Metallurgical and Materials engineering. • Two MMBME faculty (Dr. Devesh Misra and Dr. Larry Murr (professor emeritus) joined the list of top researchers in the world in November 2020. • Dr. Sk Varma’s work was featured on the cover of the Journal of Materials Science & Technology in 2020 for his work on “static and cyclic oxidation of Nb-Cr-V-W-Ta high entropy alloy in air from 600°C to 1400°C .” • Dr. Devesh Misra was named the recipient of the Alpha Sigma Mu Metallurgical Honor Society Fellow award in 2018. This award is bestowed on individuals whose technical attainment and contributions to society through leadership in the field of materials science and engineering have resulted in significant benefits to humankind and have distinguished themselves in industry, government, education, and management, and/or service to Alpha
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Sigma Mu over a long period of time. • The MMBME department includes two UT regents outstanding teaching fellows (Dr. Steve Stafford and Dr. Stella Quinones) and two Minnie Stevens Piper professors (Dr. Steve Stafford and Dr. Larry Murr – both Professor Emeriti). • Dr. Binata Joddar was introduced as a protégé at the upcoming Academy of Medicine, Engineering and Science of Texas (TAMEST) annual conference in June 2022. Gordon England will have Dr. Joddar as his protégé. HISTORICAL AND SIGNIFICANT PROGRAM FACTS • B.S. in MME Program began as the College of Mines and Metallurgy in 1919, Metallurgy in 1922, Metallurgical Engineering in 1957, and Metallurgical and Materials Engineering around 1987. •
The B.S. in MME program is one of only 8 Metallurgical Engineering Programs in the nation.
INDUSTRY • Active IAB board – the MMBME department meets regularly with its IAB Board (at least once per year), with representatives from ARL, NASA, Southwest Research Institute, TransCanada, Freeport-McMoRan, Chevron, Cummins, Kinder Morgan, Stress Engineering Services, Lockheed Martin, ExxonMobil, and Northrop Grumman Aerospace. NEW ENDOWMENTS • “Steve’s Ties” Pick a Project Campaign raised more than $25,000 from students, faculty, alumni and industry partners in support of the Dr. Steve and Karen Stafford Endowed Scholarship Fund. This contribution is in addition to his $25,000 pledge to initiate the endowment.
CENTERS AND ACTIVE RESEARCH LABS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEPARTMENT •MATERIALS CHARACTERIZATION USER FACILITY - The MMBME department houses an extensive materials characterization facility that includes an optical microscopy lab, 3 scanning electron microscopes, 2 X-ray diffraction machines, mechanical testing lab, thermal and chemical analysis equipment, and a transmission electron microscope. The following table summarizes the use of this facility.
USERS
NUMBER OF USERS
Individual Users (Internal)
34*
Individual Users (External) 82 EQUIPMENT
ESTIMATED HOURS OF USE
SEM 3500
366
SEM 4800
660
XRD
348
* This number does not include use by students in MME course labs •INSPIRED MATERIALS & STEM CELL-BASED TISSUE ENGINEERING LABORATORY (IMSTEL) - The IMSTEL is a ‘biomaterials’ and ‘stem-cell based tissue engineering’ laboratory that uses biomaterials to culture, proliferate and induce differentiation in stem cells. ECM-stem cell interaction modulates cell fate and turnover. An additional focus is the process of making tissue-on-a chip devices to promote functionality of in-vitro engineered tissues that can be used for 1) in-vivo implantation; 2) drug toxicity testing and, 3) replicate developmental, healthy or disease tissue models. A list of strategic focus areas include 1) Cardiac, 2) Neural, 3) Bone tissue and 4) Gastro-intestinal tissue engineering. •CENTER FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SPACE SAFETY AND MISSION ASSURANCE RESEARCH (CASSMAR) CASSMAR serves as an interdisciplinary, cross-functional research center focused on the enhancement of the safety, reliability, and mission assurance of spaceflight, from the materials, vehicle and systems perspectives. Establishing partnerships with government and commercial spaceflight organizations to identify knowledge
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gaps, support technical interchange of research advancements and share experiences from lessons-learned. identify knowledge gaps, support technical interchange of research advancements and share experiences from lessons-learned. •POLYMER EXTRUSION LABORATORY (PEL). The Polymer Extrusion Lab (PEL) includes the development and characterization of novel thermoplastic materials for additive manufacturing platforms based on fused deposition modeling FDM™ technology. Focus areas include the development of materials with tunable electromagnetic properties, radiation shield capability, and plasticity among many others. There is a strong focus in the recycling of thermoplastics, environmental degradation mechanisms and polymer failure analysis. •STRUCTURAL AND FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS RESEARCH AND INNOVATION - The mandate of the Center for Structural and Functional Materials Research and Innovation is to foster interaction between diverse disciplines and support materials-related activities involving metals, polymers, ceramics, and composites in an interdisciplinary fashion across the broad research community. The Center seeks to integrate the four elements of the central paradigm of materials research: structure, process, property, and performance. •UTEP DYNAMIC MATERIAL LABORATORY - The exploration of critical deformation and fracture mechanisms of materials under extreme thermal and mechanical stresses. Microstructural engineering is used to directly control the dynamic response of materials under impact and shock loading. The development and application of advanced data science and machine learning tools for rapid quantitative characterization of material response under transient loading environments. •EXTRACTIVE METALLURGY AND ELECTROCHEMISTRY LAB - The main focus is Extractive Metallurgy (mainly hydrometallurgy, leaching, modeling, recycling) This includes extensive expertise in electrochemistry for materials preparation and processing in aqueous and non-aqueous electrolyte, solution chemistry, thermodynamics and environmental topics (water treatment). This type of research can also be applied to the extraction of critical minerals.
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METALLURGICAL, MATERIALS AND BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
2021
41* DEG
5 PROGRAMS
STUDENT ENRO
*CERTIFIE
UG = MS = PH.D. =
AT A GLANCE
1 BACHELORS* 2 MASTERS 2 DOCTORAL
TOT UG MS PH.
*2 MINORS
*FOR
RESEARCH INDICATORS DATA FROM 01.01.2021 - 12.31.2021
25
2
SUBMITTED GRANT PROPOSALS FROM THE DEPARTMENT, THAT ARE CURRENTLY PENDING FUNDING DECISIONS, TOTAL
$214,999
TENURED/TENUR
$ 912,000 PROPOSALS AWARDS // SUBMITTED RECEIVED
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10
DEPARTMENTAL ANNUAL RESEARCH EXPENDITURES FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2021
GREES AWARDED
ED DATA FOR AY 2020-2021
26 11 =4
LLMENT
TAL ENROLLMENT* = 88 S = 27 .D. = 39 THE FALL 2021 SEMESTER
RE-TRACK FACULTY
154
METALLURGICAL, MATERIALS AND BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
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INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS •NASA Johnsons Space CenterOrbital Debris Program Office •NASA Kennedy Space CenterColumbia Research and Preservation Office •NASA White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) •International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety
CENTER FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF SPACE SAFETY AND MISSION ASSURANCE RESEARCH
•Jacobs Engineering, Boeing, Lockheed Martin •Air Force Research Lab (AFRL) •Johns Hopkins University- Applied Physics Laboratory
The CASSMAR mission is to enable human spaceflight through interdisciplinary research to identify, characterize and mitigate the leading risks to safety and mission assurance. By forging partnerships with government and commercial spaceflight organizations, CASSMAR serves as the foundation for interdisciplinary, cross-functional and sustainable research at UTEP with a focus on the enhancement of the safety and reliability of human spaceflight. CASSMAR directly contributes to the education of UTEP’s 21st century demographic into the next generation of competent, diverse, and enthusiastic space engineers and scientists specializing in risk assessment and mitigation.
CURRENT RESEARCH FOCUS AREAS
OPPORTUNITES
•Micrometeoroid and Orbital Debris (MMOD): Detection and Tracking; Measurement and Characterization; Modeling, Prediction and Mitigation
•Build upon our existing portfolio of NASA micrometeoroid and orbital debris research and extend our involvement into the international Space Situational Awareness community
•Performance in compositional modeling, and analysis of extreme spaceflight environments: Atmospheric re-entry; High pressure gaseous media; Hazardous, energetic fluid systems and propellants •Forensic characterization of spacecraft material degradation mechanisms: Space Shuttle Columbia artifact analysis •Systems Engineering, reliability, risk analysis and forensics engineering
•Develop new collaborations with FAA and EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) and other groups on risk mitigation strategies to the growing commercial spaceflight sector •Develop formal partnerships with stakeholders of highrisk terrestrial operations to identify new alignment opportunities in risk-mitigation research •Explore opportunities on small sat technologies, commercial space, and supply chain • Educational outreach opportunities to engage with the K-12 community
Darren M. Cone EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PROFESSOR OF THE PRACTICE, MMBME
OTHER POSITIONS HELD: NASA White Sands Test Facility, Johnson Space Center (9 years), HSA Forensics Engineering Consulting Firm (6 years) EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: BS Metallurgy, UTEP (‘92), MS Metallurgy, UTEP (‘03), PhD Candidate, UTEP (‘20 expected)
DMCONE@UTEP.EDU
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915) 747-5785
METALLURGY M302
WWW.CASSMAR.COM
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METALLURGICAL, MATERIALS AND BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
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Thomas Boland, Ph.D. PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2009 TBOLAND@UTEP.EDU
915.747.7992
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING BLDG. 201 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/TBOLAND HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=TBOLAND
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Thomas Boland is a Professor in the Department of Metallurgy, Materials and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Texas at El Paso. He also serves as the director of UTEP’s Biomedical Engineering Programs. He received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Ingénieurs de Genie Chimique in Toulouse, France in 1990, and his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Washington, Seattle, WA in 1995. In 1994, he was a finalist for the Materials Research Society Graduate Student Award. Following his Ph.D., he was a Postdoctoral Fellow at Department of Materials Science at the Pennsylvania State University from 1995-1997, and at the Naval Research Laboratory from 19971999. In 1999, he joined Clemson University as Assistant Professor, where he received tenure in 2005. He holds an adjunct appointment as Professor at the Texas Tech University Foster School of Medicine. Thomas’ research interests are applying engineering principles to automate, predict and build three dimensional structures with that show biological function. He is the inventor of bioprinting, or live-cell tissue printing, and has been the founder of this field of research. He has received over $45M in research funding for his work. He has received numerous awards and was featured on CNN and the Discovery Channel for his ground breaking innovations using inkjet printers to assemble cells and biomaterials into viable and functioning structures. He is the author of more than 100 publications, including 3 invited reviews and chapters, and he has delivered more than 57 invited presentations. His publications were cited over 11,500 times, and his h-factor is 37. He is a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) and the American Institute Medical and Biological Engineering. He is a member of the Society for Biomaterials, MRS, the Society for Imaging Science and Technology, the International Society for Biofabrication, BMES and the Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine International Society. Thomas is the co-founder of TeVido Biodevices, a UTEP spin-off that is commercializing skin grafts for vitiligo patients and nipple areola grafts for breast cancer survivors.
KEY WORDS
Biomaterials, inkjet printing, tissue engineering, bioprinting
Devesh Misra, Ph.D. PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2014 DMISRA2@UTEP.EDU
915.747.8679
ENGINEERING BUILDING - M201 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/DMISRA2 HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=DMISRA2
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Misra’s interdisciplinary research interests include advanced high strength-high toughness combination metals and alloys for structural and functional applications, materials for energy systems, biomaterials, and nanostructured materials including composite materials. These research programs involve the use of a broad spectrum of materials characterization techniques such as electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, EBSD, atomic force microscopy, and mechanical testing.
KEY WORDS Advanced high strength alloys, deformation and fracture biomaterials, nanocomposites materials for energy systems advanced materials processing and manufacturing technologies
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Shailendra K. Varma, Ph.D. PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 1984 SKVARMA@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6937
ENGINEERING BUILDING - A-201F
HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/SKVARMA HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=SKVARMA
RESEARCH STATEMENT
The areas of research interest for Dr. Varma include: structure-property relationships in metals and alloys, alloy development using constructed phase diagrams, microstructure evolutions in metals, oxidation in metallic materials at elevated temperatures, wear of materials, composite materials, and advanced concepts developed for the understanding of structural details during recovery period of annealing. The applications of research listed here include turbine blades and aerospace engineering systems. The incorporation of refractory metals for the high temperature applications is the thrust of his current research interests including emphasis on elevated temperature oxidation kinetics and developing oxidation resistant alloys. Novel Nb based alloys have been developed for this purpose by Dr. Varma and he is very widely considered as an expert in this area as evidenced by the invitation by the Editors of various refereed journals to serve on the editorial board or as referees. He has more than 100 publications in refereed journals and made more than 120 presentations in national and international conferences. His research has been supported by National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Energy (DOE), Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), Office of Naval Research (ONR), and Advanced Research Program (ARP) of Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
KEY WORDS
High entropy alloys elevated temperature oxidation resistance in alloys, microstructural characterization.
Stephen W. Stafford, Ph.D. PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 1976 STELLAQ@UTEP.EDU ENGINEERING BUILDING - M201G
915.747.6939
HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/STAFFORD
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Stafford’s KEY WORDS include materials performance analysis, currently focused on the forensic studies of the Space Shuttle Columbia artifacts and their exposure to extreme environments. Many of these material systems were never intended to be exposed to the re-entry atmosphere and their characterization is extremely pertinent as humans continue to explore beyond our planet.
KEY WORDS Materials Performance in Extreme Environments, Failure Analysis, Bone and Artificial Joints Replacements, Materials Characterization.
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Binata Joddar, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2014 BJODDAR@UTEP.EDU
915.747.9456
ENGINEERING BUILDING -M201J HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/BJODDAR HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=BJODDAR
RESEARCH STATEMENT Binata Joddar is an associate professor in the Department of Metallurgy, Materials Science and Biomedical Engineering at UTEP. Dr. Joddar received her PhD from Clemson University (SC), from the joint Bioengineering program between Clemson and The Medical University of South Carolina. She worked with biomaterials for cardiovascular tissue engineering during her PhD. Following this, she received post-doctoral training in cardiovascular biology and disease at The Ohio State University in the Department of Biomedical Engineering where she was awarded with ‘Distinguished Post-Doctoral Researcher’ award. During her post-doc, she explored the long-term utility of saphenous vein grafts and compared them with internal mammary artery grafts for coronary artery by-pass grafting procedures. She then attained a ‘Foreign Post-Doctoral Fellowship’ from RIKEN in Japan to work with stem cells and regenerative medicine. She has published numerous research articles and reviews in high impact journals and is also well cited. She also serves as an Editor for Scientific Reviews and a reviewer for Biomaterials, Acta Biomaterialia, and Tissue Engineering. Her research expertise is in the areas of biomaterials & stem-cell based tissue engineering; to explore and solve problems in cardiovascular and neural tissue regeneration. Her research is funded by the NIH, NSF, NASA and ICORD, BC,CA.
KEY WORDS Biomaterials, Stem cells, tissue engineering, cardiac tissue on a chip, neuronal differentiation of stem cells, stomach wall regeneration
David A. Roberson, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2012 DROBERSON@UTEP.EDU ENGINEERING BUILDING - M201-L
915.747.5924 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/DROBERSON
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Roberson is an expert in the development and characterization of novel thermoplastic materials for additive manufacturing platforms based on fused deposition modeling (FDM™) technology also known as fused filament fabrication (FFF). Dr. Roberson holds a patent related to FFF feedstock materials. His current research efforts focus on the recycling and upcycling of thermoplastics, the characterization of environmental degradation mechanisms of polymers and as well as the development of novel shape memory and self-healing polymer systems for additive manufacturing. Dr. Robeson is a materials characterization expert and is also well versed in the area of polymeric materials characterization including failure analysis and specimen preparation for electron microscopy techniques. Dr. Roberson also has past experience in semiconductor defect metrology as well as direct-write and ink-jet deposition of conductive materials for printed electronics.
KEY WORDS Materials Characterization, Additive Manufacturing, Shape Memory Polymers, Failure Analysis, Polymer Compounding, Electron Microscopy
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Brian Schuster, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2020 BSCHUSTER@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6929
ENGINEERING BUILDING - M201B
HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/BSCHUSTER HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=BSCHUSTER
RESEARCH STATEMENT In the Fall of 2020, Dr. Brian E. Schuster joined the University of Texas at El Paso as an Associate Professor of Metallurgical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering (MMBME). He previously served as a research mechanical engineer in the Weapons and Materials Research Directorate at the US Army Research Laboratory in Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. He is currently developing courses in the Forensic Engineering and Material Performance Concentration in MMBME. His research interests are in the characterization of the mechanical response of materials at all length scales and applied strain rates. He has developed techniques for focused ion beam and ultra-short pulsed laser micromachining of metals and ceramics, and applied these techniques to examine the size-dependent mechanical response of materials. Dr. Schuster developed methodologies for time-resolved imaging of the incipient deformation and fracture response of metals and ceramics during shock and impact loading using synchrotron based X-ray phase contrast imaging. Lately, he has lately dabbled in the development of data science tools to accelerate quantitative in-situ measurements of the dynamic response of materials under impact and penetration.
KEY WORDS Small scale mechanical testing, high strain rate experiments, ballistics, data science.
Stella A. Quiñones, Ph.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR & CHAIR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2004 STELLAQ@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6939
ENGINEERING BUILDING - A-311 HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/STELLAQ HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=STELLAQ
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Dr. Quinones is Chair of the Metallurgical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering Department and has also held an appointment as associate professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Her multidisciplinary research includes the design, testing and analysis of sensors for non-invasive glucose sensing; analysis of additively manufactured materials; characterization and simulation of high strain rate deformation processes for space applications; and fabrication and characterization of CdTe on Si substrates for X-ray imaging and solar cell applications.
KEY WORDS
Optical Non-Invasive Glucose Sensor Design and Measurement, Electrochemical Semiconductor Thin Film Growth, Fabrication of High Quality Thin Films on Nanopatterned Single Crystal Substrates, Additive Manufacturing of Metals and Polymers, Electroless Metallic Coatings, High-Strain Rate Deformation associated with Hypervelocity Impact Craters, Characterization: SEM, FIB, TEM, XRD
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Sylvia L. Natividad-Diaz, Ph.D. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2020 SLNATIVIDAD@UTEP.EDU
915.747.5468
ENGINEERING BLDG., RM. M-201E HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/ HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=SLNATIVIDAD
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Dr. Sylvia Natividad-Diaz is an Assistant Professor in the Biomedical Engineering program within the Metallurgical, Materials, and Biomedical Engineering Department at UTEP. Dr. Natividad-Diaz received her Ph.D. in Bioengineering from the University of California, Berkeley with a specialization in stem cell tissue engineering and regeneration. Dr. Natividad-Diaz’s doctoral research consisted of developing a biomimetic in vitro angiogenesis model for pre-clinical drug screening. Within this work she developed a novel method for differentiating human induced pluripotent stem cells (originally skin cells) to vascular endothelial cells (hiPSC-ECs). Additionally, as a side project, she worked on developing an autonomous microfluidic cell-sorting device for low-cost, point-of-care monitoring of diseases such as HIV/AIDS. This work was recognized with the second place award in the Prize for Primary Healthcare competition sponsored by the Center for Integration of Medicine and Innovative Technology (CIMIT) with Ambulatory Practice of the Future. Following the completion of her Ph.D., Dr. NatividadDiaz worked as a postdoctoral fellow in the Oncology Department at the Livestrong Cancer Institute in the Dell Medical School at UT Austin. During her postdoctoral training, she conducted fundamental research on the effects of the Hedgehog signaling pathway on acute myeloid leukemia. Dr. Natividad-Diaz’s expertise is in the areas of stem cell tissue engineering and developing low-cost, microfluidic disease diagnostic platforms. Her research lab at UTEP focuses on two main areas: (1) Develop human induced pluripotent stem cell derived 3D in vitrocardiovascular tissue models for patient-specific pre-clinical drug screening and fundamental cardiac tissue research; and (2) Develop low-cost 3D-printed disease diagnostic microfluidic devices for limited resource settings (point-of-care disease diagnostics)
KEY WORDS
tissue engineering, tissue regeneration, biomaterials, human induced pluripotent stem cells, cardiovascular tissue engineering, microfluidics, 3D printing, tissue/organ-on-a-chip
Guikuan Yue, Ph.D. ASSISTANT PROFESSOR JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2016 GYUE@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6934
ENGINEERING BUILDING - M201-D
HTTPS://EXPERTISE.UTEP.EDU/PROFILES/GYUE HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=GYUE
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Yue’s research focus is in the fields of extractive metallurgy, electrochemistry for materials preparation and processing in aqueous or non-aqueous electrolyte, solution chemistry, thermodynamics and environmental topics, and corrosion. The ultimate goal for those areas involves trying to improve the existing technology or develop novel environmentally benign or energy-saving processes, so as to address the problems in the fields of metallurgy, energy and environment.
KEY WORDS Extractive
metallurgy,
hydrometallurgy,
environmental and water treatment.
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electrochemistry,
solution
chemistry
and
thermodynamics,
corrosion,
Darren Cone, M.S. PROFESSOR OF PRACTICE JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2018 DMCONE@UTEP.EDU
915.747.5785
ENGINEERING BLDG., RM. M-201B
HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=DMCONE
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Darren Cone is the Director of the Center for the Advancement of Space Safety and Mission Assurance Research (CASSMAR) at UTEP. His formal educational background includes degrees in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, with an emphasis on materials performance in extreme environments. Mr. Cone spent 6 years in the private industry specializing in forensic materials analysis prior to launching his aerospace career with NASA at the White Sands Test Facility in 2006. His primary roles with NASA included test and evaluation lead in the areas of composite overwrapped pressure vessel technology, propellants and hazardous aerospace fluids, pressure systems certification and nondestructive examination. After becoming a member of the NASA Engineering Safety Center (NESC) Materials Technical Discipline Team in 2012, he was chartered to help perform independent testing, analysis and assessment of NASA’s critical-risk project areas to ensure safety and mission success from the materials engineering perspective. Mr. Cone left NASA in 2014 to join former astronaut Dr. John D. Olivas in establishing CASSMAR at UTEP, with a core mission of enabling human spaceflight through interdisciplinary research to identify, characterize and mitigate the leading risks to safety and mission assurance.
KEY WORDS
Forensic engineering, failure analysis, spacecraft risk analysis, composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPV), nondestructive evaluation (NDE), micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD), hypervelocity impact testing, space situational analysis (SSA)
CHRISTOPHER BRADLEY, PH.D. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF PRACTICE JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2019 CBRADLEY2@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6904
ENGINEERING BUILDING - M-201C
HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=CBRADLEY2
RESEARCH STATEMENT
Christopher Bradley has a BS and MS in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering followed by an interdisciplinary PhD in Environmental Science Engineering, which involved Mechanical, Environmental and Energy Science Engineering fields. He is currently a Senior Engineer at Herrera, Stafford, and Associates (HSA) metallurgical and forensic engineering consulting firm as well as a part-time Associate Professor of Practice at UTEP in the Metallurgical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering (MMBME) Department. As a Senior Engineer, he conducts and performs work for projects that range from general materials characterization to complex failure investigations and litigation support for the oil & gas, automotive, energy, turbine, and various other industries. He took the opportunity to begin his teaching career within the MMBME Department at UTEP in 2016 where he continues to bring knowledge and practical hands-on experience to the classroom and laboratory. He teaches several courses, provides metallurgical laboratory safety/equipment training and maintenance in the labs he supervises, assists with recruiting, and is involved with student organizations and ABET accreditation documentation.
KEY WORDS
High-temperature materials used in turbine and refinery applications, failure analysis, materials characterization, metallography and microstructural interpretation, mechanical testing
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SHALAYNA SMITH, PH.D., P.E. ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF PRACTICE JOINED THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO: 2019 SHALAYNAL@UTEP.EDU
915.747.6904
ENGINEERING BUILDING - M-201C
HTTPS://HB2504.UTEP.EDU/HOME/PROFILE?USERNAME=SHALAYNAL
RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Smith is the Undergraduate Program Director for the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering program. She mentors students, coordinates curricular changes, and oversees outreach and recruitment for the department. Dr. Smith teaches various courses since joining the MMBME department in 2013, and is especially proud of her work with students in the capstone project course. In addition to her work at the university, Dr. Smith works at a metallurgical and failure analysis consulting firm, where she assists clients with materials characterization, selection and forensic analysis. She is a licensed professional engineer and uses her experience as a consultant to support students in their professional endeavors. She grew up in El Paso and earned her degrees in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering at The University of Texas at El Paso.
KEY WORDS Failure Analysis, Electron Microscopy
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NEW FACULTY HIRES FOR 2022 EDEL ARRIETA, PH.D.
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF PRACTICE IN AEROSPACE AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
KEY WORDS
Additive Manufacturing, metamaterials, testing and characterization, computer simulation
ZENGHTAO GAN, PH.D.
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN AEROSPACE AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
KEY WORDS
Advanced manufacturing, Multiphysics modeling, scientific machine learning
ARMANJ D. HASANYAN, PH.D.
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN AEROSPACE AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
KEY WORDS Composites, composite materials
AFROZA SHIRIN, PH.D.
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN AEROSPACE AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
KEY WORDS
Non-linear dynamics, optimal control, optimization, pseudospectral methods, complex networks
DIEGO AGUIRRE, PH.D.
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN COMPUTER SCIENCE RESEARCH STATEMENT Dr. Diego Aguirre is an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). His research interests lie in the areas of deep learning, computer vision, spoken language, and reinforcement learning. Dr. Aguirre has collaborated alongside companies like Lockheed Martin, NASA, IBM, Leidos, AI4ALL, and Google.
KEY WORDS
Deep learning, computer vision, natural language processing, computer science education, and self-supervised learning
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CHRISTOPH LAUTER, PH.D.
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR IN COMPUTER SCIENCE
KEY WORDS
Computer arithmetic
JAESUNG LEEN, PH.D.
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING RESEARCH STATEMENT Cyber physical systems (CPS) is a new paradigm in which pervasive sensing technology represents fundamental building blocks. Sensors are a bridge between the physical and cyber domains in a CPS. As a researcher in electrical engineering, my mission is to solve the current challenges in sensor systems/networks in CPS by advancing our technology and creating a new paradigm in nano/microscale sensors as well as integrated systems. I envision that multifunctional, yet high-performance sensing systems can offer new opportunities and research directions in electrical and other multidisciplinary engineering programs, especially in CPC applications. My current research lies in general areas of nanoscale devices, particularly focusing on resonant micro/nanoelectromechanical systems (M/NEMS) sensors. I am extremely interested in investigating highly miniaturized multifunctional solid-state sensors enabled by novel device structures and unique material properties interconnected by electrical, phononic, and photonic circuitry toward creating next-generation complex yet high-performance CPS. I plan to lead a future interdisciplinary research program with the following themes: (i) Sensors operating at high temperature and in harsh environments; (ii) Novel M/NEMS sensors with unique materials properties and device physics; (iii) New types of quantum sensors exploiting NEMS and nanotechnology. KEY WORDS Micro/Nanoelectromechanical Systems (M/NEMS), Resonant Sensors, Cyber Physical Systems, Quantum Sensing, 2D Materials, Wide Bandgap Materials
SHI WANG, PH.D.
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN ELECTRICAL AND COMPUTER ENGINEERING KEY WORDS
Transportation cyber-physical systems, traffic operations and control, dynamical systems and control theory, automated vehicles, systems science, optimization, control theory
MD FASHIAR RAHMAN, PH.D.
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN IMS RESEARCH STATEMENT
Md Fashiar Rahman is a Research Assistant Professor with the Industrial, Manufacturing, and Systems Engineering (IMSE) Department at the University of Texas at El Paso. He received his Ph.D., and M.S. degrees in Computational Science in 2021 and 2018, respectively. He has worked on a number of projects in the field of image data mining, machine learning, and deep learning for industrial and healthcare applications. His research area covers advanced quality technology, AI application in health care, smart manufacturing, and computational intelligence/data analytics.
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WILSON POON, PH.D.
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN METALLURGICAL AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING RESEARCH STATEMENT
Wilson Poon is an assistant professor in the Department of Metallurgical, Materials and Biomedical Engineering at UTEP. Dr. Poon received his PhD from University of Toronto in the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, investigating the organ- and cellular-level barriers to nanoparticle delivery in vivo. Following that, he was awarded an NSERC postdoctoral fellowship for post-doctoral training in RNA biology and gene editing at the University of California San Francisco in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology. He has published 10+ peer-reviewed academic papers, including in journals such as Nature Materials, Nature Nanotechnology, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (USA), and ACS Nano. He is a member of the American Chemical Society (ACS) and the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES). He has served as a reviewer for 10+ engineering and chemistry journals. His research group focuses on understanding how materials science and biology inform nanoparticle-based drug carrier design and delivery systems engineering.
KEY WORDS
Nanomedicine, Drug delivery, Nucleic acid delivery, Gene editing, Personalized medicine, Nanomaterials, Nanovaccines, Immunology
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UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM MISSION AND VISION
The mission of the College of Engineering at the University of Texas at El Paso is to serve the region, the nation, and the world by providing access and excellence through: •Innovative educational programs that contribute to effective learning for our students, and that prepare graduates to be leaders and innovators in a variety of fields; •Pioneering research programs that foster the creation of knowledge and invention of new technologies; •Implementation and commercialization of knowledge and technologies to solve critical engineering and computing problems; and •Active partnerships and collaborations with educational, government, non-profit, and commercial organizations, maintaining a commitment to diversity. The College envisions changing the face of engineering as the leading institution in the U.S. for the education of Hispanic engineers and as a national model for urban institutions in engineering education innovation and the integration of education, research, engineering practice and entrepreneurship.
POINTS OF PRIDE:
·UTEP is ranked No. 3 in the continental US for awarding bachelor’s degrees to Hispanics in engineering and computer science (279 in AY 2016-2017). ·Undergraduate enrollment in the College of Engineering reached 3992 students in fall 2018, an all-time high in the history of the College. ·The College of Engineering counts Dr. Danny Olivas among its most distinguished alumni. An El Paso Native and NASA astronaut who flew on two space shuttle missions, Dr. Olivas received a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1989 from UTEP.
ACADEMIC PROGRAM OFFERING
The College of Engineering offers nine undergraduate programs that lead to the Bachelor of Science degree: Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Construction Engineering Management, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Leadership, Industrial and Systems Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace
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UNDERGR AD UATE STU D I ES & ACADE M I C AF FAI R S
Engineering and Metallurgical and Materials Engineering. Metallurgical and Materials Engineering is the oldest program in the College, tracing its roots back to 1913 when the Institution was established as the Texas State School of Mines and Metallurgy. In addition, the College offers a dual bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical and Materials Engineer in collaboration with SeoKyeong University (SKU) in the Republic of Korea. Through this program, which was established in 2012, students who start at SKU may transfer at the end of their fifth semester and complete their studies at UTEP. The College offers minors in Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, and Electrical Engineering. These minors are open to students majoring in science, mathematics or engineering. The Civil Engineering department offers Construction Engineering and Management as a 100% on-line degree.
ABET AND SACS ACCREDITATION
Except for the three newest established programs, i.e. Engineering Leadership, Aerospace and Construction Engineering Management, all undergraduate programs are accredited by ABET, a world-wide federation of professional societies dedicated to promoting excellence in engineering and computing educational standards. Engineering Leadership will seek ABET accreditation for the first time in 2019. Construction Engineering Management is awaiting accreditation results in Summer 2022. Aerospace Enginnering will seek accreditation once it begins to produce graduates. Since the University of Texas at El Paso is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOS), all engineering and computer science programs comply with SACSCOC accreditation criteria. The following Bachelor of Science programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET. • • • • • •
Civil Engineering Electrical Engineering Engineering Innovation and Leadership Industrial and Systems Engineering Mechanical Engineering Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
The Bachelor of Science in Computer Science in accredited by the Computing Accreditation Commission of ABET. For more information on ABET, please visit the website: www.abet.org.
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NEW AND REVISED PROGRAM OFFERINGS IN DEVELOPMENT
All programs are revised regular basis as part of quality improvement plan driven by accreditation standards. Faculty typically propose course additions, changes and deletions, which are then debated at the departmental level. Proposals submitted by departmental chairs are reviewed the College Curriculum Committee and, upon approval by the Dean, sent for approval by the Faculty Senate. Approved changes are published in the University Undergraduate Catalog. The College is interested in developing a BS in Biomedical Engineering (BSBME) program. A preliminary proposal was submitted to the Provost’s Office and has been waiting review. The case for this program is based on a market analysis that points to a gap of BSBME programs in the region, the attractiveness of the program among local high school students (including young women), an important regional demand for a specialized workforce in health-related industries, and the success of the MS and Ph.D. programs in Biomedical Engineering. The existing minor in BME would serve as the basis of the program. Mechanical, materials, and electrical engineering faculty whose teaching and research interests include biomedical areas would allow for critical mass in the program and make substantial contribution as the program grows. The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is proposing the creation of a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering. The proposed program will provide educational opportunities to students in El Paso del Norte Region and to the state of Texas. The program will be the first of its kind within a 265-mile radius of El Paso and offer this degree at significantly lower cost compared to existing programs in the state. There is a very strong job market demand for graduates of Computer Engineering. We have surveyed our students as well as potential employers. The survey data suggests there is strong demand for the BS in Computer Engineering among both of those groups. This degree program will support the existing graduate degree programs in computer engineering. Specifically, we currently offer an MS in Computer Engineering and a PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering; this BS degree will provide our students a complete credentialing path as a Computer Engineer. Currently, our undergraduate students interested in computer engineering pursue the BS in Electrical Engineering degree with a concentration in Computer Engineering. This new undergraduate degree will offer those students a credential that more accurately communicates their professional preparation. The BS Degree in Computer Engineering will consists of 128 semester credit hours divided into a lower division, providing diverse courses over a broad base of technical subjects, and an upper division providing more- specialized courses. The Degree culminates in a capstone design project. Students will be able to specialize in Digital Design, Embedded Systems, Communication Networks, Machine Learning, Information Security, and General Computer Engineering. The proposal will be considered by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board in their July 2022 meeting. If approved, the program will be offered starting as early as Fall 2022.
UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT DEMOGRAPHICS, ENROLLMENT, PERSISTENCE, AND DEGREES AWARDED
As shown in Table 1, in fall 2021 in the midst of the Covid19 Pandemic, a total of 3559 undergraduate students enrolled in the college of Engineering. The majority of undergraduate students (84.8 %) claim Hispanic ancestry. White Non-Hispanic and Black Non-Hispanic account for 4.1% and 1.5%, respectively. There is a small but significant international student population. Mexican Nationals are 6.1% and other international make up 1.3%. The undergraduate student population is in its majority male (78.8%). Despite efforts by the College to find a gender balance, men still outnumber women 5 to 1, and the College at 21.2% female is approximately at the national average. Table 1. Undergraduate Engineering Student Demographics (Fall 2021)
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Over the past four years (since 2018), undergraduate enrollment in the College of Engineering has seen a decline from its 2018 peak of 3992 to the 2021 count of 3559. Refer to Table 2.
Table 2. Total Undergraduate Engineering Enrollment
Although first year enrollment began to drop in 2018, it has begun to grow slightly from 2020 to 2021. Refer to Table 3. In fall 2017, the peak of 938 new students began to fall each year until it hit a low of 729 in 2020. This rebounded slightly to 786 in 2021. a decade. Another relevant point is that the number of transfer students from EPCC and other institutions is substantial. Every year, transfer students account for at least 20% of all new students.
Table 3. All New Undergraduate Engineering Enrollment
Persistence in engineering and computer science, as in all STEM disciplines, is a challenge. For instance, data in Table 4 show that first-year retention of all new engineering students, including transfer students, has hovered around a decade-long average of 59 percent but hit a peak of 72.2% in 2019 just before the pandemic. It dropped to 57.3% in Fall 2021 we believe because of the health issues. Second year retention has hovered around 50 percent over the past decade until it fell in 2020. Third year retention has hovered around 40%. By end of year four, students start graduating at a rate of 10 percent or higher which accounts for the apparent drop in retention rate down to 30%.
Table 4. All-new undergraduate engineering and computer science retention rates (in percentage)
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As shown below, the number of bachelor’s degrees awarded by the College has steadily increased in recent years. In AY 2020-2021, the College hit a record high of 651 graduates. Compared to AY 2010-2011, when the College awarded 299 degrees, the degree production more than doubled.
Table 5. Number of Degrees Awarded and Average Time to Degree
Engineering and computer science students start graduating after their fourth year and persist in their studies into later years. For cohorts Fall 2015, the six-year graduation rate was 38.9%.
Table 6. Engineering and Computer Science Graduation Rate (Percentage) Per Year
To put all the information above into perspective, we note that half of UTEP students who earn degrees come from the lowest income quartile. In the United States, the chances that students from the lowest income quartile earn a college degree is approximately 8 percent. At UTEP their chances of earning an engineering degree more than quadruple. There are reasons why this happens, and they are rooted in intentionality.
The reasons why students change majors, extend their time to degree, stop out or leave the University are varied and complex. Decisions to leave tend to occur during difficult transition periods such as during the first year of studies. The lack of socio-academic integration, coupled with financial decisions, is a primary source for attrition. In addition, students who chose to major in engineering and computer science have to take courses that include challenging mathematics, physical sciences, computer science, and engineering courses. Not everyone enters prepared for the rigor of engineering and computer science curricula. For instance, in Fall 2021, the average Math SAT score for students admitted into the College of Engineering was 518.4 in math and 496.9 verbal compared to the national average of 531 and 536. In recognition of this challenge, for more than two decades, the College of Engineering has been developing strategies for freshman student success. For instance, the College offers a Foundations of Engineering course (UNIV 1301) that allows students to hone in on their study skills and provides them with a tailored, team-based learning experience. The freshman experience is enhanced with discipline-specific introductory courses. In addition, we work closely with El Paso Community College to ensure that common engineering and computer science courses align well.
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LOUIS EVERETT, PH.D., P.E.
ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR UNDERGRADUATE STUDIES AND ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
GABBY GANDARA
ASSISTANT DEAN FOR ENGINEERING STUDENT SUCCESS
VIRGINIA GRANDA-BECKER
DIRECTOR OF ADVISING AND ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
SUKIE QUESADA
ACADEMIC SUPPORT COORDINATOR
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GRADUATE STUDIES AND RESEARCH With the recent promotion of UTEP to R1 as defined by the Carnegie Classification of Institutes of Higher Education, the Division of Research and Graduate Studies in the College of Engineering measures itself by the three metrics that help the university maintain R1 status: the numbers of (1) doctoral students graduated annually, (2) research staff employed annually, and (3) research expenditures. Consequently, beyond the administrative requirements for Graduate Studies (coordination of documentation for SACSCOC accreditation, graduation and thesis or dissertation defense forms, fast track approvals, outstanding dissertation selection, etc.), all efforts of the division focus on not just maintaining but improving these three R1 metrics. In 2021, the university is approximately at 110 doctoral graduates and $110M in expenditures annually, with Engineering providing 21 doctoral graduates and $22M in research expenditures last year. The College of Engineering has focused goals on increasing these metrics, with an emphasis on increasing the college’s contribution to the university total: currently, 19% of the university total is provided by CoEN, we have envisioned the target of a 25% contribution in the future.
POINTS OF PRIDE: The University of Texas at El Paso has been recognized as one of the top minority degree producers by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education magazine, validating UTEP’s successful efforts to bolster degree attainment of underrepresented minorities, primarily Hispanic students. Recognitions include UTEP ranked:
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•
No. 1 in the nation for the number of awarded doctoral degrees to Hispanics in engineering 1
•
No. 1 in the nation for the number of conferred master’s degrees to Hispanics in engineering 1
•
No. 5 in the number of awarded multi/interdisciplinary degrees to all minorities 1
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UTEP has also been recognized in other venues, including the following: •
No.1 in Hispanic Outlook’s “Top 10 Schools for Engineering” for the number of Graduate Degrees (Master’s and Ph.D.) awarded to Hispanic/Latino students in fiscal year 2019-2020. 2
•
No. 5 in Top Master’s in Construction Management Degree Programs in the US, rankings released in May 2022. 3
I. ACADEMIC PROGRAM OFFERINGS The College of Engineering has seven academic departments: • Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering • Civil Engineering • Computer Science • Electrical & Computer Engineering • Engineering Education & Leadership • Industrial, Manufacturing & Systems Engineering, and • Metallurgical, Materials & Biomedical Engineering. The College of Engineering offers 16 master’s degrees (two of them are also offered fully online), six doctoral degrees, and five graduate certificates. Two departments that do not offer the Ph.D. degree are Industrial, Manufacturing, & Systems Engineering (IMSE) and Engineering Education and Leadership (EEL).
“Diverse: Issues in Higher Education,” Rankings based on U.S. Department of Education (the 2016-17 academic year) data. “Top Schools for Hispanics In Graduate-Level STEM Programs,” Hispanic Outlook on Education Magazine, May 22, 2022, hispanicoutlook.com 3 “Best Master's in Construction Management Degree Programs of 2022 - Intelligent,” Intelligent.com 1
2
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AEROSPACE & MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (AME) MASTER’S DEGREE: Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering PH.D. DEGREE - The department offers a Doctoral degree in Mechanical Engineering. This Ph.D. program was officially approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) on April 2018, 2016. GRADUATE CERTIFICATE - The Department also offers a Graduate Certificate in 3D Engineering & Additive Manufacturing.
CIVIL ENGINEERING (CE) MASTER’S DEGREES: ●Master of Science in Civil Engineering / Master of Science in Environmental Engineering / Master of Science in Construction Management (this degree is also offered fully online) / Master of Engineering in Civil and Environmental Engineering PH.D. DEGREE - The department offers a Doctoral degree in Civil Engineering. GRADUATE CERTIFICATE - The department also offers a Graduate Certificate in Construction Engineering and Management.
COMPUTER SCIENCE (CS) MASTER’S DEGREES: Master of Science in Computer Science / Master of Science Data and Information Sciences / Master of Science in Software Engineering PH.D. DEGREE - The department offers a Doctoral degree in Computer Science. GRADUATE CERTIFICATE - The department also offers a Graduate Certificate in Cyber-Security.
ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER ENGINEERING (ECE) MASTER’S DEGREES: Master of Science in Electrical Engineering / Master of Science in Computer Engineering PH.D. DEGREE - The department offers a Doctoral degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering. GRADUATE CERTIFICATE - The Department also offers a Graduate Certificate in Electric Power and Energy Systems.
ENGINEERING EDUCATION & LEADERSHIP (ELEAD) MASTER’S DEGREE: ●Master of Science in Engineering - This multidisciplinary program enables students to combine a primary concentration in a field of engineering with a secondary concentration in another field in or outside of engineering.
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INDUSTRIAL, MANUFACTURING & SYSTEMS ENGINEERING (IMSE) MASTER’S DEGREE: ●Master of Science in Industrial Engineering / Master of Science in Manufacturing Engineering / Master of Science in Systems Engineering (this degree is also offered fully online) GRADUATE CERTIFICATE - The Department also offers a Graduate Certificate in Systems Engineering.
METALLURGICAL, MATERIALS, & BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING (MMBME) MASTER’S DEGREE: ●Master of Science in Metallurgical & Materials Engineering / Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering PH.D. DEGREES - The department offers two Doctoral degree options in: Materials Science and Engineering (MASE) - The MASE Ph.D. program is a multi-disciplinary program to prepare scientists and engineers to contribute to this vital field, with a specialized area in some class or classes of materials, such as polymers, ceramics, semiconductors, superconductors, composites, and other materials systems. This program is administered by the MMBME department. Biomedical Engineering (BME) - The BME Ph.D. program is an interdisciplinary program and students often have advisors in two or more departments. The research topics vary greatly, but have in common the engineering approach to solve biomedical problems. This Ph.D. program was officially approved by the THECB on July 25, 2013, and it is administered by the MMBME department.
MS ON-LINE PROGRAMS The College of Engineering offers two MS programs fully on-line: the MS in Construction Management housed under the CE department, and the MS in Systems Engineering housed under the IMSE department. Enrollment at the MS level in these two departments has grown significantly due to these two on-line programs. The Master of Science in Construction Management was launched in Fall 2016. The Master of Science in Systems Engineering was launched in Spring 2017. In the MS in Systems Engineering on-line program, the students can start in any of the three 14-week long regular terms (Fall, Spring and Summer). In the MS in Construction Management on-line program, the students can start in any of the six 7-week long terms that the program manages.
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Table 1 provides a summary of all the College of Engineering graduate program offerings
PROGRAM
PH.D.
MASTER’S
• •
• •
COMPUTER ENGINEERING COMPUTER SCIENCE
• •
CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING CIVIL ENGINEERING
•
• •
CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
•
ELECTRIC POWER & ENERGY SYSTEMS
•
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING
•
ENGINEERING
•
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
•
INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
•
MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING
•
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
•
•
DATA AND INFORMATION SCIENCES
MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
• •
CYBER-SECURITY
ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER ENGINEERING
FULLY ON-LINE
•
3D ENGINEERING & ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
CERTIFICATE
• •
•
METALLURGICAL & MATERIALS ENGINEERING
•
SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
•
SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
•
•
•
INTERNATIONAL DUAL MASTER DEGREE PROGRAM IN SMART CITIES SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING The College of Engineering has established an international dual MS program in Engineering with a thrust in Smart Cities. The program is jointly offered by the CoEN at UTEP and the College of Transportation Sciences at the Czech Technical University (CTU). In this program, students take 50% of the credits at UTEP and 50% at CTU. Upon satisfactory completion of the requirements of both institutions, students graduate with two master’s degrees, one from each university. The MOU was signed on January 24, 2018 and the program started officially in Fall 2019.
COMBINED BACHELOR’S/MASTER’S FAST-TRACK PROGRAM UTEP offers combined Bachelor’s/Master’s Fast-Track programs. In the College of Engineering, the program enables outstanding undergraduate students to receive dual undergraduate and graduate credit for up to 15 hours of UTEP graduate coursework. Eligible applicants must have successfully completed at least 90 credit hours of undergraduate coursework toward their first undergraduate engineering or computer science degree, with a minimum of 24 of those hours being completed at UTEP. Also, students must have and maintain a minimum 3.30 undergraduate GPA and satisfy additional requirements set by participating M.S. and Ph.D. programs. It should be noted that upon completion of the Bachelor’s degree, students must complete all pending admission requirements for formal admission into their respective graduate program.
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II. GRADUATE PROGRAMS ENROLLMENT, DEMOGRAPHICS, RETENTION AND DEGREES AWARDED GRADUATE STUDENT ENROLLMENT Figure 1 shows the fall enrollment for the College of Engineering MS and Ph.D. programs for the past 12 years. It is important to note that data shown in Figure 1 includes enrollment in only MS and Ph.D. programs housed in the College of Engineering. This is an important distinction, since faculty in the College of Engineering also advise and mentor students in interdisciplinary programs, such as the Computational Science program, housed under the College of Science, and the Ph.D. in Environmental Science & Engineering, housed under the Graduate School.
Figure 1. 2010-2021 College of Engineering Graduate Programs Enrollment
Table 2 illustrates the rate of growth in enrollment at the Master’s level, over the years, as well as graduate certificate enrollment. Table 3 showcases the growth in enrollment for Ph.D. programs. At the Ph.D. level, enrollment nearly doubled over the past 12 years in the College of Engineering.
Table 2. MS Programs and Graduate Certificate Enrollment, 2010 - 2021
SEMESTER
Fall 2010
Fall 2011
Fall 2012
Fall 2013
Fall 2014
Fall 2015
Fall 2016
Fall 2017
Fall 2018
Fall 2019
Fall 2020
Fall 2021
MS Enrollment
407
413
352
311
325
343
400
406
408
437
542
571
Graduate Certificates
11
15
9
5
6
6
4
3
2
11
7
5
% Increase from a previous semester
---
2.39%
-15.65%
-12.47%
4.75%
1.24%
0.24%
418
428
361
316
331
409
410
TOTAL
5.44% 15.76% 349
404
9.27% 22.54% 4.92% 448
549
576
*Data Source – Data was acquired from the Center for Institutional Evaluation, Research & Planning (CIERP) Note: The growth that the graduate programs have experienced from Fall 2013 to Fall 2021 corresponds to a 82.3% increase.
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Table 3. Total enrollment for the Ph.D. programs in the College of Engineering, 2010-2021
SEMESTER Ph.D. Enrollment
Fall 2010 103
% Increase from a previous --semester
Fall 2011
Fall 2012
Fall 2013
Fall 2014
Fall 2015
Fall 2016
111
128
128
123
140
177
7.77%
15.32%
0.00%
-3.91%
13.82% 26.43%
Fall 2017 182
Fall 2018 145
Fall 2019 198
Fall 2020 172
Fall 2021 170
2.82% -20.33% 36.55% -13.13% -1.16%
GRADUATE STUDENT DEMOGRAPHICS The College of Engineering graduate program is progressing to reflect the demographic composition of the binational region it serves. For the Fall 2021 semester, 65% of the MS students while 41.8% of the Ph.D. students identified as Hispanic. It is also important to highlight that U.S. citizens comprise the majority of the engineering graduate student population, which is unusual compared to most engineering programs across the U.S. Table 4 presents the profile of the engineering MS and Ph.D students, not including those students who participate in interdisciplinary MS and Ph.D. programs such as the Computational Science MS and Ph.D. programs and the Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Engineering. For Fall 2021, 28% of MS students in the College of Engineering were female, which is slightly above the national average of 27%, according to the Fall 2020 National Science Foundation Survey of Graduate Students and Post-Doctorates in Science and Engineering4 . According to the same source, UTEP was also slightly above the national average of 28% female enrollment at the Ph.D. level, with UTEP having 29% female Ph.D. students.
Table 4. Fall 2021 College of Engineering Graduate Student Body Profile Ethnicity (MS)
4
Percentage
Ethnicity (Ph.D.)
Percentage
Asian American
1.20%
Asian American
3.50%
Black
2.30%
Black
1.80% 41.80%
Hispanic
65.00%
Hispanic
Mexican International
18.60%
Mexican International 12.40%
Native American
0.20%
Other International
24.70%
Pacific Islander
0.20%
Unknown
2.90%
Other International
3.90%
White
12.90%
Unknown
0.70%
White
8.10%
Total
100%
Total
100%
Gender (MS)
Percentage
Gender (Ph.D.)
Percentage
Female
28%
Female
29%
Male
72%
Male
71%
Total
100%
Total
100%
National Science Foundation: Survey Graduate Students and Post-Doctorates in Science and Engineering, Fall 2020 Table 1-2c
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GRADUATE PROGRAMS RETENTION & GRADUATION MASTER OF SCIENCE PROGRAMS RETENTION & GRADUATION At the College of Engineering, the credit hour requirements to obtain a Master’s degree can vary between 30 to 36 semester hours. Most classes are three credit hours, with some being one credit hour. If students are enrolled full-time, they will usually complete 9 to 12 hours per semester. If students are enrolled part-time, they tend to complete 3 to 6 credit hours per semester. Table 5 shows a summary of all first-time MS students enrolled as a cohort in fall, spring and summer semesters in different academic years. The table summarizes 1-year retention rate, as well as the percentage of students in the cohort who have completed their MS degree by the 5th year beyond their first enrollment, referred to as “5-Year Graduation Rate.” Table 5. MS Student Retention and Graduation Rates5
MS
20112012
20122013
20132014
20142015
20152016
2016- 20172017 2018
20182019
20192020
20202021
20212022
Cohort
198
147
151
179
193
225
215
294
293
348
143
1-year retention rate (%)
72.2
72.1
68.2
78.8
76.2
76
70.2
65
70
66.7
47.6
5-year graduation rate (%) 77.8
82.3
81.5
78.2
85
82.7
PH.D. PROGRAMS RETENTION & GRADUATION Table 6 shows a summary of all first-time Ph.D. students enrolled as a cohort in fall, spring and summer semesters at different academic years. The table summarizes 1-year retention rate, as well as the percentage of students in the cohort who have completed their Ph.D. degree by the 10th year beyond their first enrollment, referred to as “10-Year Graduate Rate.” Table 6. Ph.D. Student Retention and Graduation Rates 6
PH.D. 20112012
20122013
20192013-2014 2014-2015 2015-2016 2016-2017 2017-2018 2018-2019 2020
20212020-2021 2022
Cohort
30
27
22
30
31
45
34
41
38
31
21
1-year retention rate (%)
83.3
81.5
90.9
93.3
83.9
82.2
82.4
95.1
94.7
74.2
47.6
10-year graduation rate (%)
60
DEGREES AWARDED The University of Texas at El Paso serves a predominantly Hispanic community. In the 2021 fiscal year, 61% of UTEP’s Master’s degree awardees were Hispanic, while at the Ph.D. level 27% of the awardees were Hispanic 6 . MS and Ph.D. awardees’ demographics for the 2021-2022 Academic Year are shown in Tables 7 and 8, respectively. Table 7. Demographics of MS Degree Awardees, 2021-2
Table 8. Demographics of Ph.D Awardees, 2021-22
7
Graduating Cohort Category
#
%
Graduating Cohort Category
#
%
Women
64
28%
Women
6
20%
Men
163
72%
Men
24
80%
Totals
227
100%
Totals
30
100%
Asian American
3
10%
Hispanic
8
27%
Mexican National
2
7%
Other International
13
43%
White Non-Hispanic
4
13%
Totals
30
100%
Asian American
5
2%
Black Non-Hispanic
8
4%
Hispanic
138
61%
Mexican International
37
16%
Other International
14
6%
White Non-Hispanic
25
11%
Totals
227
100%
Center for Institutional Evaluation, Research and Planning (CIERP), UTEP. Center for Institutional Evaluation, Research and Planning (CIERP), UTEP. 7 IBM COGNOS Software and CIERP, UTEP 5
6
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172
Figure 2 below shows historical degrees awarded in MS and Ph.D. programs housed in the College of Engineering. Note that faculty in the College of Engineering also advise students in interdisciplinary programs, such as the Computational Science program housed under the College of Science and the Ph.D. in Environmental Science & Engineering housed under Graduate School, and those numbers are not reflected in these data. Figure 2. MS and Ph.D. Degrees Awarded, 2010-2021
III.
NEW PROGRAM OFFERINGS AND IN DEVELOPMENT
The newest Ph.D. program additions to the College of Engineering correspond to: Biomedical Engineering – The Ph.D. program in Biomedical Engineering was officially approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) on July 25, 2013. This program conferred its first Ph.D. degree in Summer of 2014. Mechanical Engineering - The Ph.D. program in Mechanical Engineering was officially approved by THECB on April 18, 2016. This program conferred its first two Ph.D. degrees in Summer of 2016. Industrial & Systems Engineering - The College of Engineering is projecting to move forward the development of a Ph.D. program proposal in Industrial & Systems Engineering under the Industrial, Manufacturing & Systems Engineering department.
IV.
PLANS FOR GROWTH
The UTEP College of Engineering is proud to have ranked No. 1 in the nation for awarding doctoral degrees to Hispanics in engineering. Likewise, the UTEP College of Engineering is ranked as No. 1 in the nation for conferring master’s degrees to Hispanics in engineering. Recently, efforts to grow Engineering graduate programs have been focused on the MS programs. The College has focused on leveraging and promoting the Fast-Track programs, such that an increased number of eligible undergraduate students are aware of the possibility of earning up to 15 credits of graduate coursework. Domestic graduate student recruitment – over the past two years, the College of Engineering has closely collaborated with the Graduate School to leverage the efforts of MS and Ph.D. student recruitment. A special emphasis has been placed on recruiting domestic students, especially to support areas of national need.
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173 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Mexican International student recruitment - Recruiting engineering students from Mexico for the graduate programs is a priority for the College as there are substantial advantages for Mexican students attending UTEP, including but not limited to: •PASE program (in-state tuition for all Mexican students at UTEP); •cultural alignment (80% of El Pasoans speak Spanish, food, customs, etc.); •ease of obtaining student visas with the Border Commuter I-20 - allowing students to live in México while attending UTEP daily, and requiring dramatically lower evidence of financial liquidity ($8k versus $32k) and eliminating the need for UTEP health insurance which costs international students as much as $3000 annually; and •NAFTA TN visa allows Mexican and Canadian graduates to work in the USA for a small application fee and letter of invitation for employment that can be renewed indefinitely in 3 year increments. The TN visa is a non-immigrant visa but can be converted to an H1B dual purpose visa at any time with employer sponsorship. Focus on Mexican graduate student recruitment is geographically tiered: 1. Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, Mexico: Potential graduate students from Juárez are the highest priority given the three large universities that offer undergraduate engineering degrees (UACJ, Tecnologico de Juarez, and UTCJ) are prime candidates. Also, a large percentage of the university professors at these institutions have only master-level titles, and are motivated to obtain terminal doctoral degrees. 2. Chihuahua, Mexico: Students from the Mexican state of Chihuahua require only a short drive to arrive at the border. Therefore, their proximity makes them candidates for UTEP CoEN focus. Additionally, CIMAV is a Mexican national laboratory focused on material science located in the capital of the state of Chihuahua, that has a strong partnership with the Tecnológico de Chihuahua and Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua (UACH). Furthermore, UTEP has agreements with the Tecnologico de Camargo. Focus in the future will include cities in the state of Chihuahua like Parral and Delicias. 3 .Northwestern Mexico (Sonora, Mexico and Durango, Mexico): These regions have active agreements with UTEP which include local funding for students to attend UTEP. 4. The rest of Mexico: Some students at Tecnologico de Monterrey pay higher tuition than that which is available at UTEP with the PASE program. Additionally, they do not have the added benefit of access to employment in the USA, as UTEP graduates do, with UTEP’s Career Services. UNAM, la Universidad de Guadalajara, Tecnológico de Tampico, Instituto Politécnico Nacional and other universities actively recruit across the nation.
Graduate Student Support - The College of Engineering offers different types of fellowships to MS and Ph.D. students on an academic year basis. The funds from the following fellowships are allocated to support the UTEP Graduate School initiative on tuition support for doctoral students. •
• •
Anita Mochen Loya Fellowship – This fellowship endowment was established in 2010 and now focuses on providing the Graduate-School-mandated tuition support of (non-Texas resident) Engineering Ph.D. students who are not supported by the Graduate School. Tuition support from this fellowship will be provided to students based on grade point average, funding levels and support requirements.Eloise and Patrick Wieland Graduate Fellowship Program – This endowment serves to provide competitive fellowships to graduate students to further their research within the fields of engineering or science. Recipients supported by this endowment are officially known as Wieland Fellows. Murchison Graduate Scholarship - In coordination with the Office of Scholarships, this endowed scholarship is used to provide financial support to incoming MS and Ph.D. students. Patricia & Jonathan Rogers ScholarshiP - In coordination with the Office of Scholarships, this endowed scholarship is used to provide financial support to incoming MS and Ph.D. students.
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174
FACULTY DEVELOPMENT Career development of junior faculty is crucial to promote the research vitality of the College, which provides mentoring and supports their academic growth and work-life balance. The college assists all faculty – but devotes special attention to junior faculty – with a different array of services such as proposal review/edit, cost-share constitution, organization of relevant workshops (such as those for NSF CAREER proposals), distribution of research proposal opportunities, development of various brochures to provide specific RFPs information to young investigators, one-on-one meeting with junior faculty, and the identification of collaboration opportunities with national laboratories. All of the above-mentioned activities are designed with the sole purpose of helping junior faculty develop the necessary skills to prepare competitive proposals for research funding, as well as ensuring the faculty are in full control of their professional growth while promoting success in the tenure process. Engagement with National Laboratories The Division of Research and Graduate Studies for the College of Engineering is currently focusing on improving engagement with national laboratories with increased faculty and graduate student involvement. President Wilson has selected the College of Engineering Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research (ADR) to be the point of contact for the entire university for Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). Both have met with Director James Peery three times in the last year and the ADR has coordinated the promotion of UTEP to Executive Campus status in the Sandia Academic Alliance. UTEP alumna Maria Galaviz, a senior manager in the Neutron Generator Production Group at SNL, is acting as the “executive” of the relationship. Maria Galaviz—Industrial Engineering 2002—is working closely with the ADR in ensuring that the relationship is strong and productive. This UTEP effort highlights the mutual strategic importance of the two institutions and includes a $300k annual budget for Sandia targeting UTEP in terms of supplementing LDRD grants with UTEP participation. Five research focus areas have been identified and the ADR with Galaviz are shepherding engagement across the university with UTEP professors and associated researchers at Sandia. The Kansas City National Security Campus and Los Alamos National Laboratory, which are managed by Honeywell, are currently developing relationships similar to Sandia. KCP will also be targeted with increased engagement. Yirong Lin, Professor in Mechanical Engineering, has spent summers at both labs and is heavily involved in improving both relationships. ADR MacDonald has a Joint Faculty Appointment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), and has plans of increasing and expanding the engagement with ORNL. Two doctoral students have been selected to finish their research at ORNL, with full research staff salaries—a strategy that will be increased in the future. Professor Yirong Lin has been supporting this effort by supporting the MSIP program at Oak Ridge. Increased engagement in these cases is about identifying synergies and pursuing funding opportunities with the national labs as partners in proposals. As a pilot, a $16M Energy Frontiers Research Center proposal was submitted in June 2022, which includes eight professors from UTEP partnering with both Sandia and Oak Ridge. The fact that UTEP is leading the effort emphasizes a key strategy for the future: working collaboratively to become competitive for larger funding awards, which will help UTEP maintain R1 status and provide post-doc and research staff opportunities for doctoral students. Additional labs to be targeted in the future include: the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (joint effort with faculty in the College of Science), NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Los Alamos (initial visit on July 18, 2022) and the Kansas City National Security Campus. Luisa Arvizu, Research Coordinator, is actively promoting student internships and employment by weekly tabling events for Sandia and Oak Ridge in the college. The Division Data Analyst, Elizabeth Barrera, is tasked with actively tracking student engagement with National Labs and searching for student and faculty opportunities. Undergraduate Student Engagement in Research The College of Engineering provides hands-on research on cutting-edge projects for undergraduate and graduate students. These research opportunities on campus provide students with the knowledge and skills on how to be successful in graduate school, as well as their careers, should they decide to pursue a career in research at a national laboratory or in the private sector. Also, the college emphasizes and encourages student participation in off-campus research opportunities with the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, Department of Defense, Air Force Research Laboratory, Department of Navy, and other national entities. These opportunities help students gain the credentials to become strong candidates for graduate fellowships.
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175 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
ERIC MACDONALD, PH.D.
ASSOCIATE DEAN FOR GRADUATE STUDIES AND RESEARCH
PAULINA ALVARADO ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
LUISA ARVIZU
RESEARCH COORDINATOR
ELIZABETH BARRERA DATA ANALYST
2022 BRIEFING BOOK
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176
ENGINEERING ADVISORY BOARD - (2019) Comprised of outstanding leaders from industry, academia, and the public sector, the Engineering Advisory Board (EAB), counsels and advises the Dean of the College of Engineering. Board members provide valuable perspectives that add to the College’s plans and strategies, program development and resource acquisition. They are active advocates for the College communicating goals, achievements, aspirations and opportunities to a range of external constituencies.
CHET ALLEN
CARLOS AMAYA
SAM ARMIJO
JOHN BALLIEW
RAYTHEON
EPCC
JSA ASSOCIATES, INC.
EL PASO WATER UTILITIES
JULIO CHIU
TERESA CLEMENT
KEITH FONG
JOE GOMEZ
SEISA GROUP
RAYTHEON
DELPHI POWERTRAIN SYSTEMS
JORDAN FOSTER CONSTRUCTION
NOEL LONGUEMARE
PATTI LUCERO
SERGIO MALDONADO
JAIME L. MOYA
LONGUEMARE CONSULTANTS, INC.
TRAX INTERNATIONAL
MARATHON PETROLEUM
SANDIA NATIONAL LABS
The EAB brings value to five strategic areas defined by the College:
ACADEMICS
As in any organization diversity is key to success; therefore, our
RESEARCH
members come from a wide range of industry sectors and represent
ADVOCACY
different points of view and experiences. Nevertheless, members share a common commitment to changing the face of engineering and improving the quality of the College of Engineering education, research and service programs.
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177 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
FINANCIAL HEALTH STRATEGIC DIRECTION
STEVE BOHLEN
STEVE BURACZYK
JOE CARDENAS
PETER CHAN
LAWRENCE LIVERMORE NATIONAL LABORATORY
EL PASO ELECTRIC COMPANY
MORENO CARDENAS, INC.
PROFESSIONAL CONCEPTS, INC.
ROBERT GONZALEZ
JAMES HALL
JOHN KARLSRUHER
HARRY LAMBERTH
QUANTUM ENGINEERING CONSULTANTS, INC.
TEXAS INSTRUMENT
CSA DESIGN GROUP
HRL COMPANY
NORMA NAVA
JOHN QUINN
DIEGO REJTMAN
MICHAEL RICHEY
NCN CONSULTING, LLC
FREEPORT-MCMORAN
MICROSOFT
THE BOEING COMPANY
DONNA RILEY PURDUE UNIVERSITY
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178
ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATIONS BUDGET STANDING COMMITTEES / MEETINGS ACES
BRANDING & COMMUNICATIONS
ENGINEERING BUSINESS CENTER
ENGINEERING EDGE CENTER
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY CENTER
ENGINEERING FACILITIES
ENGINEERING STUDENT LEADERSHIP COUNCIL
K-12 OUTREACH
OFFICE OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
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179 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
BUDGET COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING OPERATING BUDGET BY FUND TYPE FUND TYPE Core Research
BUDGET CATEGORY
Budget 2018
329,046.00
110,003.00
193,322.00
278,821.25
110,477.00
347,449.50
343,622.85
TA Salaries
-
-
540,772.00
626,270.75
454,099.85
436,953.00
110,003.00
365,941.00
395,121.00
390,299.00
10,390.00
-
39,000.00
-
Benefits
107,907.00
Expense Transfers
39,000.00
41,780.00
39,000.00
Faculty Salaries
1,097,971.00
1,188,081.00
1,159,248.00
M&O
2,122,704.00
2,033,954.00
1,770,426.00
1,762,650.00
1,365,248.00
Staff Salaries
62,549.00
63,677.00
248,510.40
47,616.00
59,000.00
TA Salaries
44,375.00
48,017.00
48,017.00
Travel
35,398.00
35,398.00
35,398.00
35,398.00
Wages
126,669.00
128,681.00
128,681.00
102,148.00
102,148.00
3,894,607.00
3,934,709.00
3,819,579.40
1,997,202.00
1,526,396.00
Benefits
24,532.40
24,032.40
19,770.00
24,775.00
24,775.00
Faculty Salaries
100,426.00
100,426.00
100,426.00
104,026.00
104,026.00
M&O
482,441.40
450,175.00
416,468.00
390,602.00
326,949.00
Staff Salaries
30,000.00
30,000.00
30,000.00
30,000.00
30,000.00
Travel
2,200.00 639,599.80
604,633.40
566,664.00
549,403.00
485,750.00
31,166.00
31,166.00
31,166.00
63,000.00
63,000.00 2,000.00
Faculty Salaries M&O
2,000.00
2,000.00
2,000.00
2,000.00
Staff Salaries
-
-
48,227.90
47,750.40
33,166.00
33,166.00
81,393.90
112,750.40
65,000.00
Faculty Salaries
12,191,759.00
11,862,629.10
11,218,237.75
10,526,560.50
9,229,499.50
M&O
203,340.00
201,193.00
189,168.00
185,341.00
229,176.00
Staff Salaries
2,046,755.00
2,012,137.80
2,122,044.15
2,036,042.74
1,930,027.64
TA Salaries
963,256.00
689,660.00
Special Items Total
State Funds
Budget 2019
347,450.00
Gifts/Endowments Total Special Items
Budget 2020
Faculty Salaries
Designated Funds Total Gifts/Endowments
Adjusted Budget 2021
Staff Salaries Core Research Total Designated Funds
Adjusted Budget 2022
689,230.00
689,230.00
963,256.00
State Funds Total
15,131,084.00
14,765,189.90
14,492,705.90 13,711,200.24
Grand Total
20,239,228.80 19,963,969.05 19,414,443.05 16,807,508.64 14,265,512.14
12,078,363.14
•
Operating expense budget by fiscal year (Sept 1 - August 31).
•
Gifts/Endowment budget does not include revenue for gifts, only budget set up to endowment cost centers.
•
Research and sponsor projects are not included because these accounts are mostly set up for multi-year budget allocations.
2022 BRIEFING BOOK
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180
COLLEGE ACTUAL EXPENDITURES BY BUDGET ACCOUNT PERIOD FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 TO AUGUST 31, 2021 FACULTY SALARIES - $10,285,614 BENEFITS - $4,048,076 STAFF SALARIES - $2,999,221
$22,688,183
MILLION
TA SALARIES - $2,211,893 M&O - $1,883,315 WAGES - $1,001,122 EXPENSE TRANSFERS
$258,942
RESEARCH AND SPONSOR PROJECTS NOT INCLUDED. ALL COST CENTERS INCLUDED. THERE ARE COST CENTERS THAT ARE NOT BUDGETED.
COLLEGE ACTUAL EXPENDITURES BY DEPARTMENT PERIOD FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 TO AUGUST 31, 2021
AEROSPACE & MECHANICAL ENGINEERING - $3,146,242 CIVIL ENGINEERING - $2,376,558 COEN DEAN’S OFFICE - $4,204,605 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING - $3,292,634
$22,688,183
MILLION
COMPUTER SCIENCE - $2,961,401 ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER ENGINEERING - $2,591,163 ENGINEERNIG EDUCATION & LEADERSHIP - $992,235 INDUSTRIAL, MANUFACTURING & SYSTEMS ENGINEERING - $1,271,694 METALLURGICAL, MATERIALS AND BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING - $1,851,651 RESEARCH AND SPONSOR PROJECTS NOT INCLUDED. ALL COST CENTERS INCLUDED. THERE ARE COST CENTERS THAT ARE NOT BUDGETED. ALL MAJOR FEES ARE UNDER THE COLLEGE DEAN’S OFFICE SIGNATURE AUTHORITY.
FY 2022 COLLEGE RESEARCH AND SPONSOR PROJECTS EXPENDITURES BY FUND SOURCE
FEDERAL - $22,377,104 [94.25%] STATE - $329,911 [1.39%] LOCAL GOVERNMENT - $412,506 [1.74%] COMMERCIAL BUSINESS & INDUSTRY - $477,126 [2.01%] NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS - $71,754 [0.30%] INTERNATIONAL & FOREIGN -$53,957 [0.23%] DATA PROVIDED BY THE OFFICE OF RESEARCH AND SPONSOR PROJECTS DATA AS OF MAY 31, 2022
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181 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
$23,741,385
MILLION
NEW UNDERGRADUATE DESIGNATED AND DIFFERENTIAL TUITION Every two years, The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) submits a request to the UT System Board of Regents to determine the tuition and fee rates for the subsequent two academic years. In Fall 2017 a new undergraduate differential tuition was established for the College of Engineering at $16/SCH. Engineering graduate students were already paying a differential tuition of $50 per SCH.) The share of the revenue allocated to the College of Engineering as a result of the tuition increase has been used in the following manner: •New faculty summer compensation, part of start-up commitments. •Administrative and operational staff hires in areas of advising, recruitment, student success, and classroom and laboratory maintenance. •Reduced burden on the Engineering Major Fees accounts that have been used to heavily subsidize the Instructional Budget and not for the intended purposes. •New high-impact UTEP EDGE activities. •Support instructional space renovations, equipment acquisition, maintenance and repairs. The UTEP 15% Set Aside funds are used to support various financial assistance programs. For the University Instructional Reserve, below is a description of the key priorities: (1) Student Success: Revenue is critical to support the expansion of services consistently identified by UTEP students as critical to their success: advising, internships, on-campus employment, student engagement, and mentoring. Current university funding levels do not permit adequate staffing of these services, which national and institutional studies consistently show to be especially helpful in improving retention, persistence, and time to degree completion for first-generation and low-income students. (2) Student Support: The ability of UTEP to effectively respond to the sizeable growth in enrollment, increasing complexity of legislative requirements, and commitment to student success can be only accomplished with an increase in the student service fee. Growing complexity and a greater reliance on areas like mental health counseling, disability services, student conduct, and career services have stretched departmental budgets beyond their limits. (3) Faculty Recruitment, Retention and Excellence: Revenue is focused on intentional faculty hiring in areas of strategic priority to leverage the university’s strengths and to increase innovative interdisciplinary collaboration. A failure to address resource constraints in faculty recruitment, retention, and excellence negatively impacts the quality of UTEP students’ educational experiences and limit the ability to continue to successfully compete with state and national peers. Because of the financial challenges of the Engineering students, the College strives for transparency to inform the students of their financial obligations and to help them plan accordingly.
The AY2023 Undergraduate and
Graduate tuition and fees “invoices” are shown below.
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182
APPROVED TUITION AND FEE RATES 2021-22 PER SCH TUITION AND FEES
DESCRIPTION
Statutory Tuition
Tuition charge authorized by the Texas Legislature for resident and non -Resident
Graduate Differential Tuition
Additional tuition charge that the governing board of the institution considers ne effective operation of the institution.
Designated Tuition
Additional tuition charge that the governing board of the institution considers ne effective operation of the institution.
Students Services Fee (max @ 12 hrs)
A fee to fund students -related services such as intramural activities; student gove students, organizations, career services, cheerleaders, student publications, health intercollegiate athletics and other as recommended by the Student service Fee Co
Library Fee
A fee to defray the cost of provision of library services as well as the acquisition cos online services and computer equipment.
Technology Fee (max @ 15 hrs)
To defray the cost of information technology and network services that are related University’s instructional , academic support and administrative functions.
Term Fees: Student Union Fee
Fee may be used for finance, construction, operation and maintenance of a stude its programs.
Int’l Education Fee
A fee to provide financial assistance to University students participating in interna exchange or study abroad programs
Recreation Fee
A fee to finance construction, maintenance and operations of new existing recrea programs.
Registration Fee
To defray the costs associated with the provisions of web enabled and other autom related services.
Health Center Fee
To defray the cost of providing medical services and support to students.
Sustainability Fee
To fund initiatives such as infrastructure and efficiency improvement projects, and initiative.
Int’l Students Svcs Fee ( Int’l students Only)
To defray operating cost of the Office of International Programs and supporting th unique to international students.
Major Fee
College fee to entirely benefit out academic programs and support expenses disti instructional and academic infrastructure of the program beyond the expected se university students. All tuition per SCH
Tuition and Fees Bill:
Statutory Tuition Differential Tuition Designated Tuition Students Service Fee Library Fee Technology Fee Term Fees College Major Fee Total tuition and fees per SCH
Total (UG at 12 SCH and GR at 9 SCH)
t students
ecessary for the
ecessary for the
ernment, disabled h services, ommittee.
sts of library materials,
d to supporting the
ent union building and
ational student
ation facilities and
mated registration
d any environmental
he programs that are
inctly related to the ervices provided to all
UNDERGRADUATE
GRADUATE
FREQUENCY
RESIDENT
NON - RESIDENT
RESIDENT NON - RESIDENT
SCH
50.00
458.00
50.00
458.00
SCH
0.00
0.00
50.00
50.00
SCH
218.90
324.50
211.10
328.35
SCH
20.50
20.50
20.50
20.50
SCH
11.50
11.50
12.75
12.75
SCH
25.00
25.00
25.00
25.00
Semester
30.00
30.00
30.00
30.00
Semester
4.00
4.00
4.00
4.00
Semester
70.00
70.00
70.00
70.00
Semester
5.00
5.00
5.00
5.00
Semester
14.40
14.40
14.40
14.40
Semester
3.00
3.00
3.00
3.00
Semester
-
75.00
-
75.00
Semester
150.00
150.00
150.00
150.00
$268.90
$782.50
$311.10
$836.35
At 12 SCH
At 12 SCH
At 9 SCH
At 9 SCH
600.00
6,870.00
450.00
4,122.00
-
-
450.00
450.00
2,626.80
4,867.50
1,899.90
2,955.15
246.00
246.00
184.50
184.50
138.00
172.50
114.75
114.75
300.00
375.00
225.00
225.00
126.40
201.40
126.40
201.40
150.00
150.00
150.00
150.00
$1,229.30
$1,927.40
$1,111.75
$1,712.00
$4,187.20
$12,882.40
$3,600.55
$8,402.80
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING MAJOR FEE In addition to the mandatory tuition (statutory and designated) and university fees, the College of Engineering currently charges each undergraduate and graduate student a $150 major fee per semester, independent of the number of credit hours enrolled. The Major Fee was introduced in the late 1990’s to replace department-level laboratory and course fees. Those types of fees varied from semester to semester for each student, depending on the specific courses in which they enrolled in any given semester. The student major fee flat rate is intended to entirely benefit the students and support expenses distinctly related to the instructional and academic infrastructure of the program or unit beyond the expected services provided to all university students. To date, major fees are the only funding source allocated back to the College at 100%. This fund supports the following costs: • Student teaching assistants, assistant instructors and graders to enhance our instructional costs only when the state instructional budget is not sufficient to cover our instructional needs • Books, materials, chemicals and supplies for instructional purposes (i.e. senior projects materials) • Laboratory supplies, equipment purchase and maintenance to enhance the technology fee that comes to the College from IT • Equipment and furniture for specific program use (including laboratory furnishings and modifications or renovations, field equipment, etc.) • Equipment maintenance agreements for instructional/academic space • Classroom, laboratory and/or facility renovations, upgrades and improvements • Practice-based learning material and initiatives such as lecturer capture hardware and software, in class devices (laptops, ipads, scanners, screens, etc) • Student travel (domestic or international) to present papers, competitions, or practice-based activities. Furthermore, student travel for global program opportunities and costs for hosting incoming students from other Universities (costs include food, lodging, site visits, etc) • Entertainment costs (food, flowers, event venue, catering) for activities involving students such as student banquets, order of the engineer, student recognition ceremonies, open house, guest speakers, and others in accordance with our entertainment expense policy (HOOP Section V1II, chapter 12) • Expenses to support student organization activities • Costs related to entrepreneurship opportunities such as travel support and participant support for students who participate in workshops, grant challenge, competitions and other activities that engage students in hands-on experiences that involve innovation, creativity and strategic thinking • Scholarships, awards, tuition support to outstanding students who meet certain criteria decided by a committee or Chair from the department
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STANDING COMMITTEES / MEETINGS COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING LEADERSHIP COUNCIL The Engineering Leadership Council (ELC) is led by the Dean and composed of the Department Chairs, Associate Deans, Assistant Dean, Strategic Initiatives Director and the College Administrative Officer. The ELC provides a forum for discussion on items including but not limited to the following: • • • • •
Academic and administrative affairs Research planning and activities Faculty workload policy College Strategic planning and direction Space prioritization, renovation plans and recommendations for off-campus facilities
This group meets twice a month or as needed. COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING FACULTY COUNCIL The Engineering Faculty Council was established to provide a collective voice representation for all the departments of the College of Engineering. The Council provides representative positions and information on academic matters and issues/concerns for the College Faculty and for the University community. Furthermore, the Faculty Council may formulate recommendations on College policies and/or provide advice to the Dean regarding academic and administrative issues that affect the College Faculty. Engineering Faculty Council meetings are called once a semester or as needed. Contact: Dr. Nigel Ward, Chair of Engineering Faculty Council ENGINEERING STAFF COUNCIL The purpose of the Engineering Staff Council is to create a nurturing and safe environment for all staff members within the College and to promote staff development and training as requested. The members will work together to facilitate communication of issues and concerns to the leadership and to foster a sense of community within all sectors of the College. The importance and the involvement of staff is a vital aspect in the College. The Dean of Engineering will host informal gatherings on a monthly basis to encourage communitybuilding between all departments and units. Formal meetings will be held biannually, or as needed. An inaugural meeting was held in the spring of 2019 with the Dean and all administrative staff from the College of Engineering. Projects discussed include the following: •Donuts with the Dean •Anonymous message center •Motivational workshops •Stress management workshops •Team building activities •Administrative support for small departments and centers In conclusion, while still in the planning phase, the response from the staff was overwhelmingly positive. Point of Contact: Contact Alejandrina Morton, Assistant to the Dean COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING PARTICIPATION IN UNIVERSITY MEETINGS •Associate Dean and Assistant Dean Meeting led by the Associate Provost for Institutional Effectiveness •College Administrative Offices Meeting let by the Assistant Vice President for Business Affairs. •Contracts and Grants Administrative Staff Meeting led by the Assistant Vice President for Research and Compliance. •Council of Academic Advisors led by the Associate Vice President for Academic Advising and Student Support. •Dean’s Council led by Provost.
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•Endowment Compliance Committee led by the Vice President for Asset Management and Development. •Executive Assistants Meeting led by Provost Assistant (currently on hold). •Faculty Senate Meeting led by the Faculty Senate President. •Graduate Council led by the Graduate School Office. •Graduate School Administrative/Academic Meeting led by the Dean of the Graduate School. •Research and Sponsored Projects Council led by the Vice President for Research and Sponsored Projects. •Research Center Director Meeting led by the Vice President for Research and Sponsored Projects. •Undergraduate Curriculum Committee. •President’s Marketing & Communication Council led by Marketing and Communications.
ACES Simply known as ACES, this student-servicing ecosystem offers various services and multifunctional space for students as part of the College’s strategy for retention and success of its students. Originally known as the Academic Center for Engineers & Scientists, this 3,340 square foot facility is in the basement of the Classroom Building and is maintained by tutors that target lower division engineering and computer science courses while offering a unique facility where engineering and computer science students can meet, work in groups and seek one-on-one tutoring on a walk-in- basis. The demand for space from its constituents fluctuates during the fall and spring semesters and dips during the summer. Demands includes tutoring, rooms for corporate recruiter information sessions, student organization meeting areas, and a place for our students who mostly commute and want to maximize their study time on campus ACES is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and includes a general seating area, three small multifunction rooms, two active-learning areas and an outdoor patio. Collaborations with various departments like the Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering TAs and the Chemistry peer-led team-learning students are other efforts that keep ACES meeting the demands of our students. The Assistant Dean for Engineering Student Success manages the efforts of ACES.
GABBY GANDARA
ASSISTANT DEAN FOR ENGINEERING STUDENT SUCCESS
BRANDING & COMMUNICATIONS The Branding and Communication Unit drives the creation of marketing materials and is in charge of producing digital content to ensure that the College of Engineering online reputation and graphic representation align with UTEP’s branding identity. The College of Engineering Branding and Communications Unit is accountable for the development and maintenance of standards to promote targeted focus areas, as well as endorsing and protecting the College of Engineering identity brand through the use of consistent, effective visuals and messaging throughout UTEP communication platforms. Elevate the College reputation by sharing stories and promoting accomplishments to a broader audience; and to provide support to all College of Engineering departments and units, helping with development and implementation of their own marketing and communication strategies to achieve results.
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The College of Engineering Branding and Communications Unit is comprised by four essential roles: Branding, Marketing, Creative Services and Communications. BRANDING We have the responsibility to speak with a unified voice and exemplify one true brand across every form of communication. Any written, audio, visual communication or announcement within the College of Engineering, public media and internal audiences on behalf of the College of Engineering and its units should be consistent with our brand. Staying on brand and ensuring consistency is an essential strategy for instilling a tone in our target audiences’ minds. Consistency also develops brand recognition, promoting the college, and all of its programs. The College of Engineering represents academic excellence in innovation, leadership and service. To effectively communicate the College of Engineering story, our commitment to branding excellence is vital. MARKETING Marketing is not just the words we use, the colors we wear, the posters we present or the traditions we hold dear. It goes beyond logos, colors, promotional materials, buildings, photos, locations and people. Marketing consist an extensive array of elements working together through many different channels that creates an experience, a distinctive look, a voice, a feeling of engagement with our target audiences. All communications from the College, whether originating from a department, or another affiliated office, are reflections of UTEP College of Engineering. A constant collaboration by all constituents will reinforce our audience’s perception and understanding of the College of Engineering as an educational leader, committed to quality in higher education. CREATIVE SERVICES The Branding and Communication Unit manages College of Engineering digital presence, strengthening our brand through strategic engagement using a variety of platforms including Collegewide websites, UTEP Today Monitors, social media, promotional materials, photography and videography. COMMUNICATIONS A new internal communications platform that imitates media outlets is under development. The College Engineering works closely with UTEP Marketing and Communications, departments, centers and across the University to develop a robust line of communication channels that highlight news, events, student, faculty and staff successes and achievements by creating compelling new stories and sharing announcements of
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mutual interest. Several media platforms are available for internal and external communications: • • • • •
College of Engineering website / Departments and Centers College of Engineering e-newsletter UTEP Today Monitors College of Engineering Social media posts and sharing Mass distribution email
ANAIS ACOSTA
BRANDING MANAGER
AL MARTINEZ WEBMASTER
ENGINEERING BUSINESS CENTER The first College Business Center on campus was established in the College of Engineering in the fall of 2013. The main drivers fostering the need for a business center included the transition to the new software PeopleSoft, the need for efficiency and the focus on long term quality of service. The intent of the Engineering Business Center was to develop a model that could be deployed to other colleges in the future. OBJECTIVE Provide comprehensive business support to the College of Engineering with their financial and accounting transactions to contribute to College academic and research success. GOALS •Offer highest level of customer service and response time focused on supporting student faculty and staff needs •Complete requests within 3 business days •Provide accuracy, transparency and quality in all transactions While the Business Center was created to centralize and standardize the business transactions, it has become a key resource for the College of Engineering to get information and answers for a variety of processes in the University. The Business Center serves as a liaison unit to keep an open communication between the College needs and Central Administration processes and regulations. Currently, the Engineering Business Center serves seven departments and four service units in the Dean’s Office that are distributed between three full time specialists. The services provided include, but are not limited to: Purchase Orders, Travel Arrangements, Procurement card purchases, Reimbursements, Budget Monitoring and Forecasting, Employment Appointments, Timesheets, and Student Awards. Also, the Engineering Business Center functions as back-up and support for six research centers. Some of the achievements and implementations in the Business Center during the last three years have been: •Consistent one-day turnaround of requests •Annual customer service survey •Monthly ‘newsletter’
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•Training/Introduction for new faculty and staff •Preparation of start-up expenditure tracking template •Development of Business Center procedures manual •Development of electronic leave request form •Clean up of open POs and Travel Authorizations As the College of Engineering continues to grow, the Engineering Business Center would like to continue to expand its services while maintaining a personalized customer service and attention to detail. In addition, ongoing communication with central administration is important to keep optimizing the University financial processes to allow efficient operations and foster a continuous process improvement mindset.
MARINA RIVERA
COLLEGE ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
EDUARDO ARREOLA
BUSINESS CENTER SPECIALIST
NARAHAY BUENDIA
BUSINESS CENTER MANAGER
SANDRA FRANCO
BUSINESS CENTER SPECIALIST
BLANCA LOZANO
BUSINESS CENTER SPECIALIST
ENGINEERING EDGE CENTER The College of Engineering has a long-standing tradition of engaging students into their majors starting at New Student Orientation. In 2018, the College reorganized its staff around the new Engineering Edge Center (EEC), a one-stop shop for all new engineering and computer science students. The Engineering Edge Center houses Undergraduate and Graduate staff members who assist students. The Undergraduate division, at the EEC is comprised of seven Academic Advisors, 2 peer mentors a Director (Currently Coordinator) of Advising who oversees the daily operations of the advisors and peer mentors in the Edge Center. There are two additional Academic Advisors who report to the departments of Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering and Computer Science. The peer mentors are undergraduate engineering students who assist the Academic Advisors and students with additional help such as support on how to create a schedule and register, preparing materials for orientations, etc. The Graduate division is comprised of an Assistant Director and a Research Coordinator who provide guidance to students interested in pursuing a graduate degree. The Assistant Director, and Research Coordinator assist students to learn more about the Fast Track programs, assist in the graduate school application process, and talk to students about funding and research opportunities at the master’s and doctoral level.
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for advising and mentoring 350 students as well as providing support for the overall advising model. The academic advisors have gone through an intensive training provided by their direct supervisor, the engineering departments and the AVP for Advising and Student Services. The entering engineering students begin their connection with the Engineering Edge Center advisors and peer mentors during college programming with is embedded into the university-wide orientation. New engineering and computer science students are engaged in a college-specific orientation program of activities. The program includes an active-learning seminar with college information, majors, careers, degree plans, as well as resources and high impact activities, research, and internships. The orientation program also includes personalized and group advising which ensures that student enrolls in the appropriate courses. The majority of new students (freshmen and transfer) come during the Summer orientations. In the Summer of 2021, a total of 907 new students (469 freshmen and 438 transfer) participated in the College's orientation program. Following orientation, students are tracked by the academic advisors. Each student record is reviewed for accuracy and if needed, students are contacted to be readvised. Additionally, data is kept about the math courses students initially enroll in. This is done so that we can look into the other courses that students can enrolled in since only the students who place into Calculus I (MATH 1411), i.e. calculus-ready students, can enroll in introductory engineering or computer science courses as well as core science courses. However, students who place into Algebra or Pre-Calculus are ineligible to enroll in most of these courses and will have to wait at least a semester before they can enroll in engineering or computer science courses.
UNDERGRADUATE DIVISION
VIRGINIA GRANDA-BECKER
SUKIE QUESADA
RUBICELA (RUBY) AGUILAR
GABRIEL GARCIA
J. ROBERTO MARTINEZ
EVELYN TORRES
DIRECTOR OF ADVISING AND ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
ACADEMIC ADVISOR
ACADEMIC ADVISOR
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ACADEMIC SUPPORT COORDINATOR
ACADEMIC ADVISOR
ACADEMIC ADVISOR
IAN A. TORRES
ACADEMIC ADVISOR
IAN (MATTHEW) TURNER RACADEMIC ADVISOR
JENNIFER YOUNG ACADEMIC ADVISOR
GRADUATE DIVISION
PAULINA ALVARADO ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
LUISA ARVIZU
RESEARCH COORDINATOR
ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY CENTER The Engineering Technology Center (ETC) provides information technology assistance to the engi-neering faculty and staff offices, engineering students, and engineering research labs. ETC collabo-rates with Campus IT to deliver and support enterprise services. Student support is mainly provided to support the students using their personal laptops in the classroom, which can be to over 100 students using their laptops in the classroom. The students get software that can be installed in their laptops and ETC assist with the software installation and the repair of their laptops. ETC handles issues with the classrooms assigned to Engineering, which are 10 at the Classroom Building and 3 at the Chemistry and Computer Science building. Campus IT assists with repairs of the classrooms and the departmental conference rooms. ETC support portable audio-visual equip-ment and distant communications applications. The Engineering Technology Center is located on the 3rd floor between the Engineering and Class-room buildings. The current location was constructed about 10 years ago with Mike Loya funds for the College of Engineering. A student tech is available in the front desk to assist students and six other tech students are available to assist students throughout the day. David Munoz, Network Manager, maintains the engineering servers. Students, faculty and staff can stop by ETC from 8 AM to 5 PM, call 915-747-5223, or email etchelpdesk@utep.edu to get assistance. For more information visit: ETC.UTEP.EDU.
JOSE HERNANDEZ
TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION MANAGER
DAVID MUNOZ
NETWORK MANAGER
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ENGINEERING FACILITIES The College of Engineering Infrastructure Unit mission is to facilitate day-to-day maintenance and operations in the College of Engineering buildings, labs, and grounds by delivering a functional, sustainable, and safe physical environment. The Engineering Infrastructure Unit serves as the point of contact for all facilitiesrelated requests and inquiries, including facility-related emergencies, lab maintenance work, repairs, and custodial tasks. ESSENTIAL TASKS • Works closely with UTEP facility services ensuring proper care of building maintenance is performed. • Interfaces with UTEP General Receiving to ensure prompt and secure delivery of packages, equipment, or supplies to college-related laboratories and faculty. • Promotes continuous improvement of workplace safety and environmental practices, including coordination of lab safety training, as needed. • Inspects assigned lab areas within the College to create recommendations on needs and priorities for care and maintenance, making sure labs are structurally sound, operational, well-maintained and safe. • Ensures all RA’s and TA’s are properly trained in preventive maintenance for instructional related activities. • Assists with the development and coordination of building renovation, and provides updates and reports to the Dean on processes. • Interfaces with UTEP Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) to minimize institutional liability and enforce policies, laws, and regulations related to the handling of hazardous materials and hazardous waste, and the use of chemical substances and materials. • Works with facility services and planning and construction in developing plans for renovations or work required in any college-associated facility.
RALPH LOYA
DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING INFRASTRUCTURE
FRANK FERNANDEZ SUPPLY SUPERVISOR
ENGINEERING STUDENT LEADERSHIP COUNCIL The College of Engineering has always played a vital role in the educational and research goals of the University and the community. It also has a long tradition of preparing its graduates for the needs of our corporate partners and most recently develop students’ talents through high-impact practices known as UTEP Edge experiences that equip students with a competitive advantage for success in their academic, professional, and civic lives. One of these high-impact practices is engaging our students in professional engineering student organizations which are overseen by the Engineering Student Leadership Council (ESLC). The ESLC is an entity comprised of the leadership from over 30 student engineering organizations, honor societies and technical competitions. Their advisor is the Assistant Dean for Engineering Student Success due to the breadth of work the ESLC tackles and the historic support by College of Engineering’s Dean. The objectives of the ESLC are to: 1. Drive the professional development while supporting the academic progress of students involved and 2. Provide a forum for communication between the organizations, college administrators, and the COEN student body. The ESLC is managed by four chairpersons who coordinate selected activities common to all engineering organizations, facilitate decision making and serve as diplomats for the College of Engineering. Voting
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members include the president or an identified representative from each organization (e.g. MAES, SWE, and ASME), committee chairs, and the ESLC Operations, Finance, Internal Relations, and External Relations chairs.
GABBY GANDARA
ASSISTANT DEAN FOR ENGINEERING STUDENT SUCCESS
K-12 OUTREACH The collective objective of the program is to increase the enrollment in UTEP’s College of Engineering. The strategy is to hire undergraduate engineering students to nourish relationships with 15 engineeringfocused high school campuses and their feeder patterns that will ultimately connect to prospects or student interested in an engineering career. The engineering or computer science undergraduate student that is hired is assigned to coordinate an outreach event or activity. The original target in 2007 was ~65 high schools all over the El Paso, Ciudad Juarez, and Las Cruces region. The Assistant Dean of Engineering Student Services and the Engineering Ambassadors connect needs and wants of a school to the resources and opportunities in the College of Engineering. Resources include but not limited to faculty presentations, science/math demonstrations, and tours of the UTEP campus. Opportunities are the programmatic activities such as the UTEP Robotics Program (and affiliated locally hosted FIRST competitions), our Aspirations in Computing recognition event, February’s E-week @ UTEP tours and the ExciTES Summer Institute. Ambassadors offer this menu of opportunities to begin conversations that will ultimately build a lasting relationship between the College and the high school.
GABBY GANDARA
ASSISTANT DEAN FOR ENGINEERING STUDENT SUCCESS
OFFICE OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS MISSION The Office of Strategic Partnerships supports the College of Engineering and its academic units in facilitating and developing alliances with industry partners, non-for-profit and government entities, and higher education institutions. The staff is responsible for promoting the College’s capabilities and KEY WORDS to regional, national, and international stakeholders in order to spark collaboration opportunities that will further the College’s mission. RESPONSIBILITY • • • • •
Support development of long-term partnerships that will significantly contribute to advancement of the College of Engineering’s mission. Provide support for academic units’ initiatives by leveraging public and private sector partners. Support faculty in developing collaborations with industry that lead to sponsored research projects. Aid in positioning the College of Engineering as a local and regional resource for advancement of technology. Represent the College on councils and engagements with internal and external stakeholders, as appropriate.
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CORE FUNCTIONS
THE OFFICE OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS HAS IDENTIFIED FOUR PRIORITY AREAS IN WHICH IT PROVIDES SUPPORT FOR THE COLLEGE AND ITS DEPARTMENTAL UNITS. SUPPORT ACTIVITIES IN THESE AREAS WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE COLLEGE’S SMART GOALS FOR 2025 IN RESEARCH, ENROLLMENT, AND ENGAGEMENT OF EXTERNAL CONSTITUENTS.
ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT This priority area focuses on facilitating and guiding an exchange of value between the alumni and the College of Engineering, where alumni will provide resources in exchange of value from their alma mater. INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT This priority area allows College units to leverage UTEP’s institutional advancement resources to generate a better understanding, commitment and financial support from major donors, corporations and foundations. The Office of Strategic Partnerships serves as the liaison between the College and the Office of Institutional Advancement assigned steward. INDUSTRY AND RESEARCH CENTER PARTNERSHIPS The Office of Strategic Partnerships provides support in fostering relations that allow faculty, research units, and departments to engage in a mutually beneficial exchange with industry partners and governmentfunded entities to increase the number of learning opportunities for students, and faculty’s research portfolio. This priority area follows an incremental approach in which initial projects aid in building trust with our partners leading to deeper engagements. A typical example of this approach follows a path with the following milestones: 1. Secure Capstone projects. 2. Provide continuity upon completion of capstone projects by converting project outcomes into potential faculty-lead research/implementation projects. 3. Capitalize on faculty-led research projects to secure presence of our students in internship experiences within the scope of the project. 4. Seek faculty development opportunities such as Research Fellowships and Summer Research stays. 5. Seek enhancement of faculty-led research via equipment gifts, loans, or subsidies, as appropriate. This incremental approach allows for strategic mission alignment between the partners and the College and helps faculty to conduct customer-driven research, which could translate into technology commercialization opportunities. HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS PARTNERSHIPS This priority area aims to foster value exchanges between the College of Engineering and accredited higher education institutions at the regional, national, and international level with the intention of enhancing: 1. Student service and experiential learning opportunities that enhance their classroom instruction. 2. Bilateral student academic exchanges and research stays that contribute to the number of Edge experiences our students receive. 3. Faculty teaching/research exchanges. The Office of Strategic Partnerships also serves as the liaison between industry partners and university
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units that need to be involved in the establishment and procurement of such partnerships and the legal frameworks in which they will operate, to include memorandums of understanding, affiliation agreements and program agreements between the parties.
AARON R. CERVANTES
DIRECTOR OF STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
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FOR YOUR BUSINESS
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