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!
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.”
Arlene C. Smith
B.S. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Class of 2017
“UTEP is a place where I grew in knowledge and understanding of engineering. The engineering program challenged me intellectually and enabled me to achieve my goals. I believe that I can have a broader impact and contribute to society as a material scientist.”
Nancy Lopez
B.S. in Civil Engineering
Class of 2018
Graduate Engineer at Huitt-Zollars, Inc.
"UTEP helped me to not only grow professionally but also personally due to the genuine interest of the professor towards each one of their students. Allowing us to take decisions that eventually led us to a successful career."
Abner Moreno Tarango
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering | M.S. in Mechanical Engineering
Class of 2018
Offsites and Utilities Engineer at ExxonMobil
"The university fostered a growth mindset by exposing me to study abroad opportunities and research experiences during both undergrad and graduate school."
Carmen Almeraz
B.S. in Industrial & Systems Engineering
Class of 2020
Sustainment Integrator at Lockheed Martin
"My experiences as an orientation leader, advisor, research assistant, and teaching assistant opened up so many networking and professional opportunities for me. I am more than excited to start applying my engineering skills in the workplace, starting this summer as a Sustainment Integrator at Lockheed Martin."
Juan Carlos Muñoz
B.S. in Electrical Engineering | M.S. in Electrical Engineering
Class of 2013 & 2015
Design Release Engineer at General Motors
“Without all the opportunities the College of Engineering gave me, I wouldn’t be working today at a Fortune 500 Company helping to design the next generation of electric vehicles. Attending and graduating from UTEP entirely changed my life and social economic status.”
Cynthia Morales Contreras
B.S. in Computer Science | M.S. in Software Engineering
Class of 2016 & 2018
Systems Security Engineer at Raytheon
“During my time in the College of Engineering, I worked as a peer leader and a teaching assistant. The technical concepts I learned, and the soft skills such as teamwork and leadership that I was able to develop have helped me in my career.”
Miguel Fraga
B.S. in Engineering Leadership | MBA
Class of 2018
Sustainability Specialist at Creosote Collaborative
“I had UTEP EDGE experiences every Summer throughout my time at UTEP. The College of Engineering prepared me by teaching me how to think. I have learned in my career that it is not only what you know, but the approach you take to solve problems. UTEP means opportunity, and the College of Engineering provides numerous opportunities for students that are just incredible.”
Sabastian Moncayo
B.S. in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering
Class of 2019
Materials Engineer at ExxonMobil
“UTEP is a source of guidance and opportunities. During my time at UTEP I frequently interacted with professors, career advisors, student leaders, attended networking events, volunteered, asked lots of questions, and learned as much as I could. I was able to make the most out of those opportunities!”
