visit author page

Professor and Undergraduate Program Director in the Department of Engineering and Leadership at UTEP; Director of the Center for Research in Engineering & Technology Education (CRE@TE); Provost Faculty Fellow in Residence in the Center for Faculty Leadership and Development at UTEP.

visit author page

visit author page

Mike Pitcher is the Director of Academic Technologies at the University of Texas at El Paso. He has had experience in learning in both a traditional university program as well as the new online learning model, which he utilizes in his current position consulting with faculty about the design of new learning experiences. His experience in technology and teaching started in 1993 as a student lab technician and has continued to expand and grow over the years, both technically as well as pedagogically. Currently he works in one of the most technically outstanding buildings in the region where he provides support to students, faculty, and staff in implementing technology inside and outside the classroom, researching new engineering education strategies as well as the technologies to support the 21st century classroom (online and face to face). He also has assisted both the campus as well as the local community in developing technology programs that highlight student skills development in ways that engage and attract individuals towards STEAM and STEM fields by showcasing how those skills impact the current project in real-world ways that people can understand and be involved in. As part of a university that is focused on supporting the 21st century student demographic he continues to innovate and research on how we can design new methods of learning to educate both our students and communities on how STEM and STEAM make up a large part of that vision and our future.

visit author page

visit author page

Celena Arreola graduated on May 13, 2017 with Bachelors of Science in Engineering Leadership at the University of Texas at El Paso with a concentration in Mathematics and Civil Engineering. Currently she is pursuing an M.S. in Engineering and is due to graduate in May 2019. She has been actively involved within the Department of Engineering Education & Leadership as a recruitment leader and administrative assistant. Currently she serves as the graduate advisor for the American Society for Engineering Education student chapter and is a research team leader in the Center for Research in Engineering and Technology Education where she focuses on the success of students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics of two post-secondary educational institutions based in El Paso.

visit author page

visit author page

Helen Geller is the Program Manager for the STEMGROW grant, funded by the Department of Education at the University of Texas at El Paso.

visit author page

visit author page

Diane is a passionate educator and proponent for K-12 engineering education and the education of future teachers. She is a professor in the College of Education at the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from UTEP and is presently pursuing her doctorate at the University of Southern California (May, 2019).

visit author page

visit author page

Alejandro Rodriguez is an undergraduate student at the University of Texas at El Paso currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Alejandro has a passion for mathematics, physics, and mechanical design. As an aspiring engineer, Alejandro hopes to find a career designing and producing mechanical aviation systems for aircraft to aid in disaster relief and search and rescue efforts. In the future he plans to be a part of a team that innovates flight and develops solutions to challenges faced by modern modes of aerial transportation.
Alejandro is currently a student assistant at Academic Technologies where he instructs faculty, staff and students on the use and implementation of classroom technology at the Undergraduate Learning Center at UTEP. He is also collaborating with students and staff on mentoring and skill development through the Gaia Maker Space, conducting instructional workshops, and introducing the potential and excitement of STEAM concepts, such as computer-aided design and computer programming, to further engage elementary and middle school students through meaningful project-based learning experiences.

visit author page

visit author page

Fernando Monroy is currently an undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor of science in Industrial Engineering at The University of Texas at El Paso. He is very driven in redefining the industrial and manufacturing process to become more efficient and future-forward by implementing lean techniques and a multi-disciplinary approach that involves improving the dynamics and cost-effective structure throughout the supply and production chain. Fernando is currently an undergraduate Support Assistant at The Under Graduate Learning Center in UTEP; where he assists students, faculty and staff with classroom technologies and infrastructure. He also assists students and faculty with software training for 3D Printing, CAD/CAM design and Manufacturing, as well as providing mentorship and guidance for the Gaia Maker Space. Fernando is also part of Tech-E, a hands-on, Project-Based Learning program which exposes at-risk k-12 students to emerging technologies to prepare them for future STEAM careers.

visit author page