Our Success Stories
Members of the UTEP College of Engineering family serve as ambassadors to our region, the nation and the world. Our distinguished alumni are innovators, inventors, leaders, researchers, and solve some of the world’s hardest engineering and computing problems. Their broad impact in educational, government, non-profit and commercial organizations is evident in their lives and reflected in their stories. We thought we would share some of our students’ stories and quotes and give you a preview of how UTEP is leading the nation as a model for creating opportunities, positively impacting our communities, and supporting our goal of access to excellent higher education. Go Miners!

Jorge Luis Hernandez
B.S. in Computer Science
Class of 2016
"The College of Engineering prepared me for my career by providing me with exceptional skills necessary to succeed. My education enriched my life professionally and personally."

Megha Sharma
Ph.D. in Civil Engineering
Class of 2018
"The College of Engineering has excellent faculty members who helped to guide me every step of the way. UTEP provided me with many opportunities like scholarships, presenting at conferences, site visits, and many more. I’m so glad I decided to go to school at UTEP."

Chance Garcia
Ph.D. in Environmental Science and Engineering Energy Track
Class of 2013
"UTEP allowed me to excel and seize opportunities available in the United States. The curriculum and hands on work provides students with unique experiences to perform at high levels in their careers. UTEP is a top-tier institution where any student can sharpen their skills and reach their career aspirations. Go Miners!"

Matthew Vechione
Ph.D. in Civil Engineering
Class of 2019
"UTEP equipped me for success in and out of the classroom. UTEP College of Engineering has excellent professors that motivated me to strive to be excellent every day."
Read: Matthew's Story

Erik Lopez
B.S. in Electrical Engineering
Class of 2016
"The UTEP College of Engineering taught me how to be an efficient learner, I learned something new every day. That’s a good skill since I still use this ability now that I’m at NASA."

Alejandro Marquez
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
Class of 2017
"UTEP College of Engineering is a place where learning has no limits and where you can continue your graduate studies and dig even deeper into your field of interest. I’m grateful to the UTEP College of Engineering and what it has done. I know it will continue to reward the next generation of students with opportunities."

Celena Arreola
B.S. in Engineering Leadership
Class of 2017
"The best skill I learned from the College of Engineering at UTEP was working in teams. Problem solving in teams in my courses helped me develop into a strong engineer. An important part of success in my career is being able to work in a team and communicate solutions in an effective way."

Jesus Eduardo Trillo
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering | M.S. in Mechanical Engineering
Class of 2014 | 2016
"UTEP College of Engineering is the key that opened the doors to the future I always dreamed of, working at NASA as an engineer."

Alberto Mata
B.S. in Civil Engineering
Class of 2019
"One of the most rewarding experiences while at UTEP was when I finally earned my Hard Hat. Wearing the Hard Hat during graduation represented the dedication, time and hard work it took while earning my Degree in Civil Engineering."

Clarisa Aguirre
B.S. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Class of 2019
Materials And Process Engineer at Lockheed Martin
"My dream was to become a materials engineer and now I work for an aerospace company! With the help of the wonderful faculty in the UTEP MMBME department and support from my family, I’ve been able to reach my dream of becoming an aerospace materials engineer."

Belinda Esparza
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
Class of 2015
Test Engineer at NASA's Johnson Space Center
"UTEP provided me with the right set of tools and skills to successfully launch my career and land my dream job as a NASA Engineer."

Juan Carlos Lopez
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
Class of 2012
Strategy Consultant at IBM
"UTEP gave me the tools I needed to work at NASA and develop rockets that will take humans to the Moon and Mars."

Paulina Del Pozo
B.S. in Industrial & Systems Engineering
Class of 2016
Operations Leadership Development Program at Lockheed Martin
"Being an engineering student at UTEP felt like being part of an amazing family; one that supports you, helps you through difficult situations and classes, but also challenges you to step out of your comfort zone and become your best self. UTEP taught me the importance of perseverance, creativity and gave me the tools and knowledge to become a successful engineer."

Issac Aguilar
M.S. in Civil Engineering
Class of 2017
Civil Engineer II at AETCOM
"UTEP was my second home and I had many life changing experiences while there. Being able to work with all the bright students and intelligent professors challenged me in more ways than one. The years I spent there helped me become the engineer I am today."

Gina Moreno
B.S. in Industrial Engineering | Masters in Systems Engineering
Class of 2017 | 2019
Technical Account Manager at Microsoft
"The College of Engineering prepared me to take on new challenges, opportunities, form strong relationships, and represent my community."

Nancy Aguirre
Ph.D. in Civil Engineering
Class of 2020
Program Manager, Highways & Airports at Cement Council of Texas
"UTEP was like my second home. It is the place that gave me the opportunity to mature into the strong and perseverant woman that I am today."

Luis Fernando Aranda
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering
Class of 2019
Product Engineer at Rockwell Automation
“My experiences at UTEP revealed to me that I’m passionate about robotics, Biomedical Engineering, prosthetic designs and utilizing engineering skills in the medical field. I would recommend UTEP Engineering to anyone.“

Luis Ramirez
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering | M.S. in Industrial Engineering
Class of 2016 | 2018
Industrial Engineer at Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR)
"Having the opportunity to be part of three study abroad programs allowed me to learn, thrive and experience challenges engineers face around the world. Every opportunity UTEP College of Engineering gave me, allowed me to learn, explore and network. I’m very proud that UTEP is my Alma-Matter."

Kirsten Nicole Byers
B.S. in Electrical Engineering | M.S. in Computer Engineering
Class of 2020
Software Engineer at ExxonMobil
“UTEP and the College of Engineering were essential to my academic success. The College of Engineering is a community that is there to help you and let you know that you are not alone in your efforts.”

Daniel Ornelas
B.S. in Computer Science | M.S. in Software Engineering
Class of 2018 | 2019
Software Engineer at Chevron
“While attending UTEP, I participated in a variety of Edge Experiences. I was selected for Co-op programs with both Lockheed Martin and Chevron. I knew since day one that I wanted to pursue an advanced degree in Software Engineering. The College of Engineering prepared me well for my career.”

Crystal Rose Barrera
B.S. in Engineering Leadership
Class of 2019
UT Austin
"My peers and professors at UTEP helped me develop into the greatest version of myself. My mentors motivated me to pursue my career goals and become aware of my capacity as an engineer.”