Welcome back students!

I want to wish everyone a successful and educational Fall semester. While we will unfortunately still be dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, we hope to have some classes to be offered in a hybrid manner this semester and we are looking for other opportunities to have safe and responsible interaction in the fall. Some events planned for this fall include:

• Virtual Open House with prizes

• Weekly Research Information Sessions

• Industry-led Workshops

• Other virtual competitions and events with prizes

Although things will be somewhat similar to the Spring semester, there will be some changes that you should be aware of. As mentioned earlier we expect to have some hybrid classes as well as some face-2-face examinations, and if conditions permit, a limited number of students on campus for projects, labs, and some events.

With that in mind we request that you read the COVID related emails and announcements from the university. A short video outlining basic safety is given here.

We would like to make this a great semester in-spite of this situation and could use your help. We ask that if you have any suggestions please contact the Mechanical Engineering Student Advisory Board (SAB), or if you would like to get involved in the SAB please contact Ms. Mayra Rodarte.

As always if you are having any issues please reach out to us we are there to help.

Department News

New Faculty

The Department would like to welcome two new faculty members, who are actually not that new:

Angel Flores-Abad, Ph.D.

Angel Flores-Abad's background and research experience are in the area of autonomous systems for Aerospace applications. He has collaborated in different projects such as the NASA asteroid redirect mission, the EPOS (European Proximity Operations) systems of DLR and Robotic On-orbit servicing of AFRL. Currently, he is at UTEP's cSETR, working in the development of small satellites with robotic capabilities and developing guidance and navigation algorithms for Unmanned Aerial Systems.

Eric Macdonald, Ph.D.

Eric Macdonald is returning to UTEP as a mechanical engineering professor after spending four years at Youngstown State University - the backyard university of the Obama federal initiative on 3D printing in Ohio. His research interests include 3D printed multi-functionally and process monitoring in additive manufacturing. He and his family (wife and six kids) are pumped to return to El Paso - better weather, smarter students, friendlier people, and real Mexican food (mole and menudo are his favorites)!