CREATE Spring Academic Research and Professional Development Symposium 2026
Join us for the 2026 CREATE Spring Symposium—a premier platform for UTEP students to showcase undergraduate research and engage in professional growth. This event bridges the gap between academic inquiry and career readiness.
Please register your attendance to help us plan for seating and materials.
Registration Has Been Closed for This EventWhen
Friday
February 27, 2026
Time
11:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Where
The Union - Tomas Rivera
UTEP Campus
A Stepping Stone to Industry
The CREATE Symposium addresses the social, interpersonal, and professional skills vital for life beyond the classroom. High-quality experts provide relatable, insightful advice to prepare you for the workforce.
Academic Research Poster Session:
Meet and discuss innovative research topics with undergraduate researchers.
Featured Speakers
Betsabe Castro Duarte
Director, UTEP Career Center
Betsy serves as Director of the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) Career Center, where she provides leadership and oversight for a centralized career services operation supporting student and alumni success. She is passionate about developing young professionals and advancing excellence and innovation in career education. Her professional motto is: Be intentional, have a plan, be brilliant at the basics, and always have fun.
Carey Antwine
General Counsel, EP Children's Hospital
Bringing over two decades of legal expertise and higher education teaching experience to guide professional development. As General Counsel, Carey navigates complex legal landscapes while mentoring the next generation of professionals. Her unique blend of legal acumen and educational experience provides invaluable insights into building successful careers and maintaining professional excellence in today's competitive workplace.
Jose Rosario Garcia
Director, Dale Carnegie N&W Texas
Electronics engineer, coach, and consultant helping leaders and CEOs with skills that allow them to continually exceed the expectations of their clients in leadership and communication excellence. Jose brings a unique engineering perspective to soft skills development, demonstrating how technical professionals can master the art of effective communication, leadership presence, and interpersonal dynamics. His proven track record in executive coaching makes him an exceptional guide for students transitioning from academic to professional environments.
Kevin Long
Financial Advisor, Edward Jones
12-year Army veteran and current President of the East El Paso Rotary Club, dedicated to empowering financial literacy. Kevin combines military discipline with financial expertise to help young professionals build solid foundations for their financial futures. His practical approach to budgeting, saving, and investing demystifies personal finance and equips students with essential tools for long-term financial success and independence.
Yvette Salazar
Founder and Owner - Java Pirate Apparel & Goods
Where refined discovery meets modern resale luxury. With a background in strategic analysis and years working within highly professional environments, she brings an editorial yet practical perspective on how attire operates in polished, high-expectation spaces—supporting confidence, credibility, and career transition.
Sandra Morales
Assistant Director of Internships, UTEP
Passionate about creating equitable experiential learning opportunities and building internship pathways that empower students to thrive. Sandra works directly with students and employers to create meaningful connections that launch careers. Her expertise in navigating internship opportunities, building professional networks, and translating academic experiences into workplace success makes her an invaluable resource for students preparing to enter the professional world.
Katharine (Kat) Stopani
Online Content Creator, "The Good The Bad With Kat"
Katharine has spent years playing with makeup and working on her own appearance, honing the balance of keeping the creative side alive while honoring workplace standards and appearance requirements. Her expertise bridges personal expression and professional presentation offering practical guidance to make confident style choices that reflect both individuality and workplace expectations
Event Schedule
| Time | Session |
|---|---|
| 11:30 AM | Check-in & Networking |
| 12:00 PM | Welcome |
| 12:15 PM | 2 Sessions |
| 1:15 PM | Lunch with Speaker |
| 2:15 PM | Session |
| 2:45 PM | Poster Presentations/ Break |
| 3:15 PM | 2 Sessions |
| 4:15 PM | Closing Remarks |
