Discovery Begins Here

A message from Dean Marc R. Knecht, Ph.D. 

Dear Students, Faculty, Staff, Alumni, and Friends, 

It is my pleasure to welcome you to a new academic year and to share my first message as Dean of the College of Science at The University of Texas at El Paso. 

Since arriving at UTEP this summer, I have been inspired by the people, the mission, and the extraordinary opportunities that exist across our college. During my first few months, I have met dedicated faculty and staff, talented students, engaged alumni, and community partners who share a commitment to advancing knowledge and creating opportunity through science. 

What has impressed me most is the spirit of discovery that permeates every corner of the college. It is present in our classrooms and laboratories, in field sites throughout our region, and in the countless ways our faculty, students, and alumni are making a difference through science. 

Welcoming New Faculty 

This year, we are excited to welcome a talented group of new faculty members to the College of Science. Their expertise spans a wide range of disciplines and research areas, bringing new energy, fresh perspectives, and exciting opportunities for collaboration. 

These scholars strengthen our commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and student mentorship. Their arrival also reflects our belief that the future of science depends upon continued investment in outstanding people and bold ideas. 

Science with Impact 

One of the reasons I was drawn to UTEP is the college's unique ability to conduct research that is both globally significant and locally relevant. 

A recent example comes from a College of Science-led study examining children's toys purchased in El Paso and Ciudad Juárez. The research, as directed by Professor Jorge Gardea-Torresdey in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, is the first binational screening of hazardous metals in toys sold along the U.S.-Mexico border. It demonstrates how UTEP scientists are addressing important public health and environmental questions that directly affect the communities we serve, while contributing to broader scientific understanding. Research like this exemplifies the power of science at UTEP: rigorous, impactful, and deeply connected to the needs of our region. 

One of the highlights of my first months as dean was visiting the Indio Mountains Research Station (IMRS). Experiencing IMRS firsthand reinforced my appreciation for one of the college's most distinctive resources. The station provides exceptional opportunities for research, education, and discovery in geology, ecology, environmental science, and related disciplines. It also serves as a powerful example of the hands-on learning experiences that help define a UTEP science education. Standing in the Indio Mountains, I was reminded that some of science's most important discoveries begin not in sophisticated laboratories, but through observation, exploration, and curiosity about the natural world. 

The Impact of Opportunity 

Looking Ahead 

The College of Science enters this academic year with tremendous momentum. Our faculty continue to expand the boundaries of knowledge. Our students are pursuing ambitious goals and creating new opportunities for themselves and others. Our alumni are making meaningful contributions across academia, industry, government, and healthcare. 

As dean, I am excited to build on this strong foundation. Together, we will continue to advance student success, support research excellence, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, and deepen our engagement with the communities we serve. 

The future of the college is bright, and I am honored to be part of this remarkable community. From the laboratories of our researchers, to the classrooms of our students, to the accomplishments of our alumni, one thing is clear: 

Discovery begins here in the UTEP College of Science. 

Thank you for your continued support, and I look forward to all that we will accomplish together. 

Go Miners! 

Marc R. Knecht, Ph.D. 

Dean, College of Science 

The University of Texas at El Paso