This past year has been a challenging one for academic scientists, but at UTEP, we’ve stayed grounded in what matters most: access and excellence.

If you're new here, like I was not long ago, you were probably drawn to UTEP’s rare combination of open admissions, strong teaching, and top-tier research. It’s a place where students can get a great education and take part in meaningful, hands-on research. Add in the beauty of West Texas and the culture of the Borderland, and it’s easy to see why my wife and I are still hoping our teenage twins will choose to become Miners!

For those who’ve been part of this community longer, you already know how special our department is. We have amazing students, staff, and faculty doing exciting interdisciplinary work—from cancer prevention to rattlesnake biology. I’m especially proud of the unique resources we offer, like the Indio Mountains Research Station, the UTEP Biodiversity Collection, and the Border Biomedical Research Center (BBRC). These facilities support one-of-a-kind, immersive learning experiences and cutting-edge research.

Wherever you're from and whatever your goals, I hope this department feels like your academic home.