MinerAlert
MinerAlert
Welcome to the Aerospace Center at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) — we serve as a nexus for innovation, forging strategic partnerships across a dynamic ecosystem (a New Frontier Ecosystem!) of government agencies, industry leaders, small businesses, venture studios, venture capital firms, other research centers, and national laboratories. By translating and integrating cutting-edge research with real-world applications, our partnerships accelerate breakthroughs, cultivate entrepreneurial ventures, and drive the future of aerospace technology.
We are dedicated to advancing aerospace technologies through pioneering research in space systems, hypersonic vehicles, AI-driven materials science, and more. By providing students hands-on experiences and access to cutting-edge research, we are preparing the next generation of engineers, scientists, technicians, and leaders to shape the future of aerospace.
Create opportunities through careers in aerospace – Drive research expertise and talent development to foster job creation and business development – Inspire, engage, and excite the Paseo del Norte region to pursue careers in aerospace, creating a pipeline of talent for the future.
Our commitment to research preeminence is matched by our focus on student development programs, offering valuable pathways to success in high-demand aerospace fields, while fostering partnerships within a New Frontier Ecosystem. Together, these efforts drive economic development in the Paseo del Norte region, attract investment, and strengthen national security through innovation and technological advancement well into the future!
Space Technologies and AI-Driven Research (STAR) in Advanced Materials Science Frontier. The Aerospace Center’s newest frontier will lead AI-driven advanced materials research to accelerate scientific breakthroughs for space, defense, and industry. By leveraging AI and machine learning, we aim to streamline material discovery, testing, and development, creating lightweight, durable, high-performance materials for extreme space conditions.
The Space Frontier advances strategic research in lunar resource utilization, propulsion, robotic landers, surface habitation, microgravity manufacturing, and small spacecraft technologies in support of NASA’s Artemis program and Moon to Mars vision. Led by Md Mahamudur Rahman, Ph.D., a UTEP Mechanical Engineering associate professor, the division fosters innovation through hands-on, real-world research, equipping scientists with critical investigative and technical skills.
The Aeronautics and Defense Frontier supports the research and development of hypersonic, missile, and uncrewed aerial systems technologies. This frontier supports the U.S. Space Force’s Space Superiority domain through innovation in Space Domain Awareness and Space Access & Sustainment.
The Energy and Sustainability Frontier provides capabilities from sub-pilot to commercial-scale fossil, nuclear, and renewable energy technology development; prototype-to-commercial-product demonstrations, and testing and evaluation.
What does it take to launch a career in aerospace? For Montserrat Hernandez, a mechanical engineering senior and fast-track master’s student at UTEP, it’s a mix of passion, perseverance, and hands-on experience. Recently named a 2025 Brooke Owens Fellow, Hernandez has secured a prestigious internship with Blue Origin, where she will contribute to cutting-edge projects at Launch Site 1.
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UTEP Engineering graduate Emmanuel Vielma has won the 2025 ASC Student Paper Award for his research on aerospace composites, recognized at the AIAA SciTech Forum. His work, conducted at UTEP’s Aerospace Center with AFRL support, showcases the university’s commitment to student excellence and innovation in aerospace engineering.
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Dr. Shery Welsh is the Executive Director of UTEP’s Aerospace Center. With extensive aerospace leadership experience, she will drive pioneering research, DoD and industry partnerships, and innovation. Her vision focuses on expanding the center’s impact, fostering economic growth, and creating opportunities for students and faculty in advanced aerospace research and development.
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Dr. Shery Welsh, Executive Director, recently visited key aerospace and research institutions, including NewSpace Nexus, Oak Ridge National Lab, Spaceport America, and the American Astronautical Society. These visits focused on fostering innovation, strengthening industry partnerships, and advancing aerospace research, reinforcing the organization's commitment to cutting-edge technological development and collaboration.
Read More Advanced Manufacturing and Aerospace Center Building
500 W. University Ave
El Paso, TX 79968
Main: 915.747.8252
Fax: 915.747.5549
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