The University of Texas at San Antonio College of Engineering Vol. 15 | Spring 2013
New Faces of Engineering: Professors like Dr. Krystel Castillo exemplify the diversity of UTSA’s College of Engineering. Farewell or ow F N ... A message from the Dean of the College of Engineering
On the Cover Assistant professor in mechanical engineering, Dr. Krystel Castillo poses in front of the Vizwall. Castillo’s areas of research include Supply Chain Modeling, Optimization: Heuristics and Metaheuristics, Logistics, and C. Mauli Agrawal, Ph.D., P.E. Quality Engineering and Reliability. She is one Peter T. Flawn Professor of the newer faculty members of the College of Engineering. David and Jennifer Spencer Distinguished Dean’s Chair in Engineering
Fifty years ago, the stereotypical engineer was a middle-aged white male with a pocket protector. Today, Dean the face of engineering is changing and the stereotypes of what it means to be an engineer are quickly C. Mauli Agrawal fading. In fact, perhaps the only thing common among engineers is that they are smart, and they have Assistant Dean Rosanne Gorny an analytical mind. The diversity among engineers is perhaps nowhere as evident as at UTSA. UTSA Associate Dean for Student Affairs and Policies serves South Texas and is the heartland of the fastest growing community in the country—Hispanics. Mehdi Shadaram As a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), UTSA’s College of Engineering (COE) clearly reflects this in After almost eight years, Dr. Mauli Agrawal’s role as the Dean of Associate Dean for Research Engineering at UTSA is coming to an end. President Romo asked him to step Amar Bhalla its undergraduate population where almost 45 percent of the students are of Hispanic descent. The into the role of interim Vice President for Research at UTSA starting May 15th, Associate Dean for Graduate Studies college also has a growing African-American and international representation, and we are very proud of 2013. In this position he will be reporting directly to President Romo and will be Wei-Ming Lin responsible for overseeing and growing UTSA’s $78 million annual research this heritage. and sponsored project enterprise. However, he will continue to be a faculty in Director of Development Jana Kennelly the COE and continue to teach and do research. Over the last eight years the college has achieved much under Agrawal’s Sr. Communications Specialist iversity is not limited to just ethnicity. It is also true that in the past, people who came from humble guidance: Tim Luukkonen The College of Engineering has a strong socioeconomic circumstances had a hard time becoming • 54% increase in student enrollment. Contributors representation of students and researchers from engineers because they were rarely exposed to all career Randy Lankford, Sherrie Voss Matthews all over the world. On any given day, a visitor possibilities. This too is changing as is exemplified by • 77% increase in FTE faculty. to the college can expect to find people from more than the story of Tania Hernandez who is studying mechanical Associate Director of Media Relations D • Addition of two B.S., two M.S. and a Ph.D. program. Christi Fish 30 countries in its classrooms or labs. For example, engineering. • The creation of five new centers and two research institutes. Maryam Niknamfar, a graduate student in Electrical Mailing Address • 102% increase in graduate student enrollment. The University of Texas at San Antonio and Computer Engineering has come all the way from In this issue you can also read about two great supporters • 578% increase in annual research expenditures (from approximately College of Engineering Iran to study at UTSA. Individuals like Maryam create of the College of Engineering, Mr. Ed Whitacre (former CEO One UTSA Circle $2 million to nearly $13.6 million). a rich tapestry of cultures and traditions that promote of AT&T and General Motors) and Dr. Normam Jacobson, San Antonio, TX 78249 learning and a wider view of the world. Perhaps the only who have both donated funds to establish endowed faculty • More than $16 million raised in donations for scholarships and the Visit us on the web thing these individuals have in common is a love for positions in the COE. creation of several new endowed professorships and chairs. http://engineering.utsa.edu engineering. • Expansion from the Engineering building into the new Biotechnology, With so much change happening, it will be hard for me to Sciences and Engineering and the Applied Engineering and The changing face of engineering is also reflected in leave. However, after serving as the dean of the college for Technology buildings. our faculty who come from all over the world and are a about eight years, I have been promoted and will be serving celebration of ethnic, gender and national diversity. Dr. as the Vice President for Research at UTSA starting May “The results of the hard work and dedication of our faculty, staff and Krystel Castillo, an assistant professor in Mechanical 2013. During these past eight years, the faculty, students students are obvious. I am thankful that I was able to be a part of this Engineering embodies much of this diversity. and staff have made great strides and the college is incredible journey. I will continue to be part of the COE and work with you as flourishing. But, I firmly believe that the best is yet to come! the college continues to rise to its full potential,” Dr. Mauli Agrawal said.
2 INNOVATIONS The University of Texas at San Antonio COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 3 16 20 22 32
News Bytes Also in this issue Features
The Art of Predicting Failure...... 6 Dean’s Message ...... 3 Well Intentioned Plans 12 Faster. Smarter. Stronger...... 22 The UTSA Chapter of Engineers Without Borders is on a quest Paul Martinez is not only the new face of the American Society of First Place at Regionals was a “Steel”...... 6 New Faculty ...... 8 to bring safe, reliable drinking water to an earthquake-ravaged Civil Engineers, but he’s also one tough guy. Not content to battle the city in Peru. The students and faculty give up time and energy difficulties that come with earning an engineering degree, Martinez Inaugural Texas Energy Expo...... 7 Engineering Trailblazers ...... 10 to make the world a better place for those less fortunate. also tests his physical strength by competing in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). UTSA’s Scope of Influence Goes Nationally...... 7 Student Profile: Rani Putri ...... 27 An Unlikely Life ...... 16 No matter what life threw at Michou Kelley, she was Long-Distance Communication ...... 28 Bridging the Gaps ...... 30 going to get her doctorate in engineering. This is her story Maryam Niknamfar has traveled the world over in pursuit of her of how she overcame tragic loss, abandonment, and the dreams. Now, she is studying fiber-optic technology at UTSA as a Lessons in Leadership ...... 36 daily struggles we sometimes take for granted. doctoral student hoping to improve the way we communicate.
Student Profile: Ogechukwu Madu ...... 37 Fascinated with Failure ...... 20 The American Dream ...... 32 Juan Ocampo is one of the main developers of Small Aircraft No one succeeds in life on their own. There is always someone who The Gift of Engineering ...... 38 Technology (SMART), a computer code created for the Federal provides support, mentoring, or inspiration. For Tania Hernandez, she’s Aviation Administration (FAA). He plans on using this code to able to succeed because her family makes sure failure isn’t an option. Fall Dean’s List 2012 ...... 39 predict failure, and saves lives in the process.
4 INNOVATIONS The University of Texas at San Antonio COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 5 The Art of Predicting Failure Inaugural Texas Energy Expo
John Foster, assistant professor in mechanical proposed research, new constitutive models that have The UTSA College of Engineering hosted its inaugural “This was truly a learn-by-doing event and COE engineering, has won a grant from the Air Force Office no analogue in the classical theory will be explored. Texas Energy Expo, a student-run career fair, Tuesday, students were quick studies. It was important for them to of Scientific Research—Young Investigator Program for Starting with the unique development of beam, plate, and March 5 in the University Center Ballroom. More than develop people and management skills that they would his project titled “Predictive simulation of material failure shell theories these models may lead to advancements 250 students and alumni spoke with the representatives not ordinarily learn in the classroom,” said Otis Scott, using peridynamics-advanced constitutive modeling, that could describe material behavior not typically found of the 11 companies in attendance. career counselor for the College of Engineering. verification, and validation.” in nature and therefore have implications towards advancements in macro-scale metamaterials modeling. Spearheaded and organized entirely by students within Training the next generation of problem solvers, UTSA The proposed research will seek to advance the These lower-dimensional structures will be explored in the College of Engineering Student Council and the is consistently producing a diverse group of highly predictive simulation capabilities for the deformation and an effort for the problems to remain tractable such that College of Business Student Council, the objective of competitive future leaders in the STEM and business failure of engineering materials through development, analytic solutions can be developed for verification of the career fair was to connect companies operating in fields. verification, and validation of new constitutive models numerical simulations. Finally, a validation effort will be South Texas and the Eagle Ford Shale with some of within the framework of the peridynamic theory of undertaken to validate simulations against experiments the best and brightest science, technology, engineering, The UTSA College of Business is ranked number solid mechanics (peridynamics). Relaxed kinematic involving material failure in the context of material math (STEM) and business students in Texas. seven and the College of Engineering number five in assumptions allow the peridynamicmomentum balance uncertainty. Probabilistic techniques will be used to the nation for graduate programs serving Hispanics by to be satisfied even in the face of nondifferentiablity, define convergence of computational simulations with “The Texas Energy Expo provided unparalleled Hispanic Business magazine. discontinuities, shocks, voids and other defects respect to distributions of experimental data. opportunities for students to learn what employers are in a otherwise continuous body. This allows for a looking for, in both intern and entry level employee “UTSA has come a long way in moving toward Tier One straightforward and mathematically consist way to model The total award for this project will be $360,000. prospects. Companies that participated in the expo status. We’ve grown at a tremendous rate and people material failure and other complex behavior. In the experienced first-hand how many highly educated and are starting to take note. We can easily compete with passionate student leaders we have at UTSA. Since the other prestigious schools in the nation. So this expo was first expo was such a great success we are now looking another way to show how exceptional our students are,” First Place at Regionals into improving the expo and making it an annual event,” Katherine Parks, sophomore in mechanical engineering, was a “Steel” said Andrew Baines, master’s student in mechanical explained. engineering. All proceeds from the expo not used to cover fair costs To make the event a success and maximize went to support student organizations, multi-disciplinary Fresh from its regional first place win, the UTSA SAP2000. The bridge must not only be light and participation, the students solicited sponsorship and senior capstone projects, and student attendance at Steel Bridge Team Members are gearing up for sturdy, but it is necessary that be assembled as participation from businesses in the energy sector. major national STEM and business conferences. the next round of competition. They are making quickly as possible. Travis Capp, vice president of Energy and Gases of improvements on their bridge design in order to Valero, was the keynote speaker, and he spoke about place higher at the National Student Steel Bridge Upon completion of the design phase, the team the changing landscape of the oil and gas industry. Competition. Not wanting to be complacent, builds the bridge in the engineering machine the team realized that structural improvements shop located on west campus. Using all the tools can always be made, and what might win at the available, the team welds, cuts, and grinds steel UTSA’s Scope of Influence regional level won’t necessarily win at the state tubing to construct the bridge. After two months oes ational level. These modifications include everything from of designing and three months of building, the G N grinding and shaping steel to welding new parts. team tests the bridge’s strength and practices putting it together in a timely manner. The bridge The competitions consist of teams designing consists of about 40 members this year with bolted Beth Pollot is well on her way to bringing the national encourage multi-disciplinary interactions among all a bridge that meets the specifications given by connections. The bridge team is composed of 15 spotlight to UTSA. A doctoral student studying biomedical members of the Society For Biomaterials. American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC). students who come from both the undergraduate engineering, Pollot recently became the president of the Teams receive the rules in August and immediately and graduate level. National Student Chapter for the Society for Biomaterials. Pollot’s duties will include organizing a national chapter enter the design phase. The UTSA Steel Bridge meeting, hosting development luncheons, ensuring team makes certain to design all members and The regional 1st place victory in March is the first The purpose of the National Student Section of all chapters within the society are working toward connections according to rule specifications giving overall win since 1997. Prior to this victory, the the Society for Biomaterials is to encourage the the mission objectives, and to create and nurture an them the best chance to win. Design and structural UTSA Steel Bridge Team has placed second development, dissemination, integration, and utilization awareness of biomaterials in young engineers and analysis is done using computer programs such as overall in 2009 and 2010. of knowledge in biomaterials among students, and scientists.
6 INNOVATIONS The University of Texas at San Antonio COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 7 Bing Dong Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering Ph.D. — Carnegie Mellon University
Originally from China, Bing Dong comes to UTSA because it is one of the fastest-growing universities in the nation and Texas. He sees great opportunities here for research collaborations and student education. Dong’s expertise lies Become part of in Energy Systems, hVAC (Heating, ventilation, air-conditioning), and Controls and Probabilistic Graphical Models. His current work surrounds the development of new strategies, methodologies and systems to improve building energy efficiency, and integrate with renewable energy systems. Prior to coming to UTSA, he was working as a senior research scientist at United Technologies Research Center, where he enjoyed teaching. He always encourages students to discover new knowledge through their own curiosity and leads them to a new and higher area. Individuals enrolling in degree programs are given an opportunity to develop a strong background in the engineering disciplines and to learn the analysis, design, and synthesis tools necessary to function well as active participants in Faculty...... 92 both traditional and new and emerging areas of technology. The College has excellent laboratory facilities where students receive hands-on Undergraduate Students....2,503 instruction by faculty. Computer-aided design (CAD) facilities, including state- of-the-art workstations, are routinely used in all programs. Some classes are taught by adjunct faculty from local industries, giving students the opportunity Graduate Students...... 406 to interact with engineering professionals engaged in relevant engineering practice. With small classrooms, professor interaction, and amazing facilities students receive the best in education. Departments...... 4 Degrees Offered Bachelor’s Master’s Doctoral Degree Programs...... 17 Marcio H. Giacomoni »» Biomedical »» Master of Science »» Biomedical Engineering in Advanced Engineering »» Civil Engineering Manufacturing and »» Electrical Engineering Assistant Professor in Civil Engineering Enterprise Engineering »» Computer Engineering »» Environmental »» Master of Science Engineering »» Electrical Engineering Biomedical Ph.D. — Texas A&M University »» Mechanical Engineering »» Mechanical Engineering Engineering »» Master in Civil Engineering Marcio Giacomoni, a native of Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, joins the civil engineering department for $50M »» Master of Science in the opportunity to develop research about water resources in a region where water is a very important resource Civil Engineering TSERI received a $50 million for economic development and for the environment. He is further motivated by UTSA’s mission in becoming a Tier »» Master of Science in grant in 2010 from CPS One university. The goal of his research is to develop and apply systems analysis methodologies to support the Computer Engineering Energy to fund green sustainability of water systems. While typical engineering analysis considers water infrastructure systems in isolation, »» Master of Science in energy research. Giacomoni believes the sustainability of water resources is the results of interactions, adaptations and feedbacks Electrical Engineering among natural, built, social and economic components. When he isn’t finding the connections between water and »» Master of Science socio-economic conditions, Giacomoni devotes his time to his wife, Laura, and cheering on his home team Sport Club in Mechanical Engineering Internacional, which was the FIFA world champion in 2006. »» Master of Science in Advanced Materials 8 INNOVATIONS Engineering The University of Texas at San Antonio COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 9 ngineering railblazers Eby Sherrie Voss Matthews T
One example can change the Tech, Campus Monterrey and engineers, the international course of a life. one from Texas Tech University. students, Hispanics, and other When Dr. Krystel Castillo was She is a specialist in supply chain minorities. a young girl studying in Mexico, modeling and optimization, logistics, “I’m very excited in being able her class was visited by a dean transportation, process optimization, to create a culturally diverse climate, from Monterrey Tech in Monterrey, and quality control and reliability. both in my classroom and at my Mexico. A dean of engineering. A Throughout her academic career, research group at UTSA,” she adds. female dean of engineering. she has valued international “I’m very proud to be a researcher That visit offered Castillo the diversity. at a Hispanic-serving institution like moment when she could see her “A diverse team is a more UTSA. Several Hispanic students future: By meeting a trailblazer, a creative team,” Castillo says. have asked to join my classes female leader in a science, math “Diversity can create a climate of because they identify with me.” and technology-heavy field, Castillo miscommunication, but you can From her fall class, she invited decided early in her life she wanted develop and create an environment and added students to her research to become one, too. that embraces differences and group focused on supply chain “There is a strong correlation encourages diverse thinking. The and logistics modeling, quality between increased female faculty benefits are clear: innovative and control and reliability which includes and increased likelihood of female high-quality research.” applications in energy, sustainability, students majoring in the STEM In her first year at UTSA, she transportation, aerospace and (science, technology, engineering has put her beliefs into practice. An manufacturing industry. and math) fields,” she explains. She international faculty member herself Castillo came to Texas to study was influenced positively by the and the first female Hispanic faculty at Texas Tech, but now she believes female dean from Monterrey Tech; in the Mechanical Engineering it is time that she is the trailblazer, that early example revealed the Department, she has been recruiting the inspiration, for her students: “I possibilities. students who are underrepresented just felt it was time to give back to Castillo has since earned two in STEM fields for her research the community and serve the city of doctorates, one from Monterrey team. She seeks out the female San Antonio.”
10 INNOVATIONS The University of Texas at San Antonio COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 11 Well Intentioned Plans
enior civil engineering student Jessica “When we thought we were tired, Leslie Living within the Sechura desert, one of the most arid George learns many lessons from her UTSA kept going with an infectious smile on her face,” professors, but she learned one lesson that remembers George. “Forget about eye-opening. It places in the world, citizens of Viña Vieja, Peru, struggle none of them could teach her from a nine- was eye-popping. It was like being beamed into a year-old girl during the height of the Peruvian summer. different world.” S“Leslie probably weighed less than 50 pounds,” The students, members of UTSA’s Engineers for what little water they have. But as farming activity George recalls of the child who worked tirelessly Without Borders (EWB-UTSA) chapter, get more alongside UTSA engineering students and engineering than just the sense of satisfaction that comes increases, bacterial pollutants now choke the only water lecturer John Joseph during the first two weeks of with doing what’s right. They see the theoretical January. Leslie was only one of the dozens of local lessons they learn in class making the difference supplies available. Until UTSA’s Chapter of Engineers residents who helped clear rocks and lay pipes along between life and death. a four-kilometer route to provide clean water to the According to UNICEF and the World Health village of Viña Vieja. Located on the edge of the Organization, Worldwide, 884 million people Without Borders can finish construction of a well, the Sechura desert, south of the Piura Region of Peru, lack access to clean water. That’s almost three Viña Vieja is one of the most hostile environments on times the population of the United States, or one citizens are left with few options. the planet. of every eight people on the planet. Every 20
12 INNOVATIONS The University of Texas at San Antonio COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 13 seconds, a child dies from a water-related illness. Each of an agricultural company that soon will be laced with EWB-UTSA is planning another trip in August to make Paying for these trips is another opportunity for year, 3.5 million people, the equivalent of the entire fertilizer, again considered toxic. Other residents rely on the water system operational. Equally important to the UTSA students to learn. “They need to raise money for population of Los Angeles, die from a water-related water from a spring that collects into a communal pool. success of their mission is the education of the community. their travel and to carry out the project. As a result, they disease. The same communal pool is used for animals to drink Team members are teaching the citizens about proper learn professional skills like fundraising and budgeting,” After two assessment trips to Peru, the EWB-UTSA from, trash to fall into, children to play in, and waste hygiene, water safety and how to effectively care for the Shipley said. team considered various systems of water delivery to the water to fill. water system once it is complete. They have established EWB-UTSA is currently engaged in fundraising remote village. The three most likely sources of water UTSA-EWB faculty advisor and civil and a water committee made up of community volunteers and projects to finance its next trip. They hope to raise were rainwater, surface water, and ground/well water. environmental engineering assistant professor leaders to ensure proper care of the equipment and to between $15,000 and $25,000 to cover the costs The team ultimately chose a ground water-sourced Dr. Heather Shipley, an expert in water quality assess small fees to cover the cost of sustainability. associated with flying students to Peru to build a life- system provided by a contracted well. This method of monitoring; water purification including the use of “I’m impressed that these students took time from saving water supply. Current donors to the group include water delivery was chosen for its convenience, water novel technologies such as nanomaterials; fate and their holiday break to endure harsh living conditions, Clearly Zimmermann Engineers, GKW-Inc., Gabriele and quality, ease of access and moderate cost. For the transport of nanoparticles; water sustainability; and so such a basic need of the people of Vina Vieja might Mark Niederauer, UTSA Family Association and Parent chosen solution, maintenance and operation of the water technology comparisons and improvements for water be met, and how diligently and steadily they worked as Council, UTSA College of Engineering, UTSA College of system will be localized, and based on the observed skills and wastewater treatment, says students learn a variety unexpected obstacles arose.” Joseph said. “Students Engineering Office of the Dean, the UTSA Department of the community members, long-term sustainability is of lessons through their involvement in EWB-UTSA. who join EWB already know that there’s more to life than of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Alamo Toyota, likely. “They learn both technical and professional skills,” making money. I think that those investing their time in this Wayne S. Alexander, BruteSquad, LLC, Coursen-Koehler, “In terms of the timeline, we are probably about she explained. “The engineering students use what they project are developing a habit of caring about others, and LLC, Tony Diamond, Stephen T. Graham, John F. Joseph, halfway through. In terms of construction we are just are learning in classes to design the water system. This come to know deeply that there’s real people in this world and Red McCombs Automotive Center. getting started, less than 5% complete,” Joseph said. includes delivery of water, infrastructure, and project beyond our own borders.” The EWB-UTSA chapter was established in 2007 management.” and has student members from multiple disciplines This is the third trip EWB-UTSA has made to including mechanical and civil engineering, finance and Peru as part of a five-year agreement with the town of geology. Viña Vieja in cooperation with local non-governmental “My time with EWB has allowed me to see firsthand organization Texas Partners of the Americas. While TPA the needs of the developing world and as engineers it is has rebuilt a school, a library and a dining hall; clean, our responsibility to serve the global community,” says reliable water is a top priority if the village is to survive. ...as engineers it is Steven Byers, civil engineering senior. The solution designed by EWB-UTSA students The well site the team prepared and the pipe it laid consists of one submersible and two booster pumps and to a roadside during its most recent visit will ultimately five 10,000-liter water tanks. Three tanks will be near the our responsibility replace the unreliable—and often tainted—water sources source water well and the other two tanks will be uphill the 500 or so villagers have had to rely on since a series from Vina Vieja. The project also includes more than of earthquakes devastated the region in 2007. When it’s six kilometers of PVC pipe at various diameters, and to serve the global flowing, villagers can retrieve water from the Matagente individual taps available at almost every home. River, even though it has been determined to be too “I noticed the community members enjoyed a lot in high in coliforms for human consumption. When the river life even though they didn’t have the basics to sustain community. is dry, some Viña Vieja residents walk a half-mile, as it,” explained EWB-UTSA president and mechanical many as five times a day, to collect water from the wells engineering senior Dustin Vasquez of his experience. “ ”
14 INNOVATIONS The University of Texas at San Antonio COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 15 An Unlikely If at first Lifeyou don’t succeed... by Randy Lankford
If Michou Kelley’s life seems remarkable, the classic engineering kid,” she explains. consider that it was never expected to “I was forever taking things apart, and all I happen at all. ever talked about was being an engineer and building things.” Marie-Michelle “Michou” Kelley was born in New York City after her mother had left Haiti That engineering career seemed attainable, to provide a better life for her family. “My even probable, when Kelley graduated from mother started having babies immediately high school a year early at only 16. College after getting married. She had five in five ambitions were derailed however by the years. Then she had seven miscarriages. death of her godmother and mentor, Dounia I was never expected to happen. I was or as she affectionately calls her Ninninn. definitely an unexpected miracle. I’m 12 “She was my oasis in the desert,” recalls years younger than my nearest sibling.” Kelley. “I was born at a time when there Now, on the brink of receiving her Ph.D. weren’t a lot of female engineers. And my in biomedical engineering, Kelley, 49, is mother came from a culture where women looking forward to the next phase of an just didn’t become engineers. Dounia unlikely life. was my role model. She wanted to be an engineer when she was a girl and never had During a childhood in which she was the opportunity. But she understood what I routinely physically and emotionally abused, longed for. She encouraged me to find my Kelley found an escape in school and passion and follow it. I was lost when she dreams of an engineering career. “I was died of breast cancer.”
16 INNOVATIONS The University of Texas at San Antonio COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 17 By 19, Kelley was married and had become a “My sister and I went to Haiti as translators for a effects of having the chemo drugs throughout the body don’t realize it now, but someday, when they’re facing a mother. For the next four years Kelley went to school group of medical students working in a very remote when they only need to be delivered to certain cells.” challenge, they may look back and think, ‘Wait a minute, off and on for engineering. In 1987 her life was run off area in 2008. This was before the earthquake in 2010, While her research may well have a global impact, my Nana did what? If she can do that, I can do this.’ track again when her husband abandoned her and their but even then, there was a desperate need for even Kelley believes she’s already made a mark on a smaller “I broke that cycle of abuse my mother and I children. Rather than remain in engineering, Kelley knew the most basic medical necessities, things we take scale. experienced. My sons are loving fathers and their she had to provide for herself and her children, so she completely for granted.” “My grandchildren have come to the lab with me, children see a lifetime of potential. I’ve already changed went to San Antonio Community College to become an The change this time wasn’t a delay of study, or the same way my sons did. My grandchildren probably the world.” electronic technician, the closest thing to an electrical anything that could be visibly recognizable. Instead, the engineer she could be. After a few years of hard work, change was more of a spiritual awakening. she tried to pick up where she left off with engineering “When you’re younger you’re sort of chasing the and went back to UTSA in 1997. However, life had career, trying to break through the glass ceiling and more curve balls in store for her, and she was forced to provide for your family. After my trip to Haiti, I began face the unexpected loss of her mother who also died looking for fulfillment. I want to have an impact and of breast cancer. Once again, it seemed as though her change the world.” dreams had been put on hold—but never stopped. Inspired by her tragic losses, Kelley’s doctoral Though delayed more than 25 years, Kelley’s research platform centered on metastatic breast cancer. dream of a college education couldn’t be denied. She Her Ph.D. dissertation addresses “Logical Enzyme- had overcome the loss of her mother and godmother, Triggered Layer-by-Layer Nanocapsules for Drug abandonment of her ex-husband, and struggled with Delivery System.” In essence, she’s working on a way being a single parent. Through it all she knew her to increase the efficiency of chemotherapy treatment for dreams might be deferred but always attainable. After cancer patients while minimizing its side effects. returning to UTSA in 2003, she persevered and received “The normal way of administering chemotherapy her bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering in 2006. is systemic,” Kelley explains. “It goes all over the body. Immediately after graduation, she began pursuing Today, only .01 percent of the drug being administered her doctoral degree. Kelley’s focus shifted from electrical gets to where it needs to go. So the technology I’m to biomedical engineering, as she sought to advance working on will make these nanoparticles recognize medical research. Then she went to Haiti and everything cancer cells and release the drug only to them. That will changed. Again. improve the efficacy of treatment and lessen the side
18 INNOVATIONS The University of Texas at San Antonio COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 19 Fascinated With Failure UTSA Engineer Looking For Faults by Randy Lankford
Everyone has failed at something at one time or dream of becoming an engineer. “I’ve been fascinated another. Experiencing the failures of others has become with airplanes and flight since I was a child growing up in a form of Internet entertainment. And avoiding failure is Colombia. My family moved to San Antonio after I earned considered the smart thing to do. But, there’s smart and my bachelor’s degree there. That’s when I learned about then there’s SMART. Juan Ocampo is the embodiment of UTSA and got the opportunity to work with Dr. (Harry) one and the creator of the other. Millwater.” Instead of avoiding failure, Ocampo looks for it every Millwater’s 20 years of experience in the application day. A Medellin, Colombia native, who will receive his of probabilistic mechanics methods to aerospace mechanical engineering Ph.D. this summer, Ocampo is components, aircraft structures and gas turbine engine determined to cause as many failures as he can. disks were a perfect match for Ocampo’s curiosity. And as And, in so doing, save lives. department chair, he’s been able to provide his student During both his master’s and Ph.D. studies at UTSA with numerous research and collaboration opportunities. Ocampo has been one of the main developers of Small The partnership between the two has been a successful Aircraft Risk Technology (SMART), a computer code one. created for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), In 2009 Ocampo was awarded “Best Paper” at the that uses flight data such as load, velocity and flight AIAA Region IV Student Conference and was recognized durations of small aircraft to analyze their configurations by the FAA for outstanding achievement in aviation in and determine their probability of failure. Through his 2011. He partnered with the Canadian National Research work in probabilistic damage tolerance analysis for small Council on the implementation and validation of a method airplanes, calculating the stresses a particular small aircraft for computing stress intensity factors and beta factor of design can endure over time, Ocampo can predict when collinear interacting cracks in 2011 and again in 2012 in a component is likely to fail. Based on that information, probabilistic risk assessment methodology and application inspection and maintenance schedules can be developed to aerospace structures. He has had two journal to ensure the safety of the world’s aging general aviation publications, 10 peer-reviewed paper presentations and fleet. There are approximately 150,000 such aircraft in the three non-peer-reviewed presentations. United States and more than 240,000 worldwide with an After graduation Ocampo will remain at UTSA as a average age of 40 years. research professor working on the probabilistic fatigue That’s smart, but Ocampo also admits, he’s worked management program for general aviation. hard and been lucky. “My goal,” says Ocampo, “is to contribute to the The son of a businessman and a school teacher, aviation field either with an aircraft manufacturer or a Ocampo has always appreciated the value of education research institution.” and knew he’d have to apply himself to accomplish his Smart. Very SMART.
20 INNOVATIONS The University of Texas at San Antonio COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 21 FFasteraster.. SSmartermarter.. SStrongertronger..
Paul Martinez, the new face of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), is shattering the mold of what it means to be an engineer.
22 INNOVATIONS The University of Texas at San Antonio COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 23 It’s not unusual for people to Preparatory School. That’s where movement toward a more sustainable whose academic and extracurricular and where one hones the mind, the school and now much of his life was think engineers spend all their time he developed the solid foundation of world, the impact on the modern achievements demonstrate their other hones the body. spent learning complex equations. He solving complicated equations, learning he’s now building on as an world I was looking for could only promise as future engineers and “For me, MMA and engineering needed an outlet, something to push reading obscure books on engineer. Martinez isn’t just about be achieved through engineering,” leaders in their profession. are similar because they take the his competitive instincts. It seemed thermodynamics, or playing video the classroom though. He wrestled, Martinez explained. “As an engineer, “To be recognized by ASCE as same gritty determination to win, only natural for him to turn to MMA. games. You know, they’re nerds. But played football, and threw discus. I felt like I could use all the science a future leader in engineering is an but are just applied differently. Both “I had to channel that need for be careful with assumptions like that If that wasn’t enough to keep him I have been learning up to now and honor almost beyond belief for me,” require thinking, but thinking when competition to prove to myself I was around Paul Martinez, unless you busy, he also played rugby with the apply it to a current, real-life problem.” said Martinez. “I credit my hard work you are completely exhausted is a still capable of winning, and I found want a roundhouse kick to the face. Houston Area Rugby Club college Martinez, a member of the ethic to my parents. Engineering, just little different than thinking when your a home in mixed martial arts. I really Actually Martinez, an engineering team, and was selected to play with first generation in his family to go like sports, requires perseverance grades are at stake. The mentality liked the aspect of the ‘one on one’ student who practices mixed martial The United States U-17 Eagles, a to college, is in his third year in the and a never-give-up mentality.” of being cool, calm and collected competition. A fight is just a test of arts (MMA), is pretty laid back and national rugby team. UTSA civil engineering program. He Becoming the face of ASCE is when in the most intense of fights has wills at some point, and whoever can hardly ever kicks anyone in the face. After high school, Martinez was recently named one of the 2013 no easy feat. To achieve that level of allowed me to develop into a student establish their dominance on the mat He’s soft-spoken, always willing to set his sights on college. Originally New Faces of Civil Engineering- recognition in engineering requires who does not panic when put under is the victor,” Martinez said. help out, and generally easygoing. He interested in developing algae-based College Edition by the American both dedication and determination, stress. Instead, I react by analyzing Whether he is succeeding in just happens to be equally capable of biofuels to improve overall green Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) things Martinez takes with him every the situation and coming up with a class or on the mat, Martinez has putting an opponent in an arm bar as technology, Martinez quickly realized and is one of only 10 college students time he goes to the mat against an plan to win,” Martinez said. the will to keep going. So the next he is of solving an integral. he was looking for a more hands-on across the nation to receive this opponent. For Martinez, engineering As he began studying time you think an engineer is just a Born and raised in Houston, experience. recognition. and MMA are two sides of the engineering at UTSA, he felt nerd fixing the problems of the world, Martinez was a scholarship “Although environmental He was selected from a field of same coin. They require similar something was missing. Martinez remember that Martinez is out there, student at Strake Jesuit College science is a fundamental part in the talented college students nationwide characteristics in order to succeed had been physically active in high looking for his next challenger.
“Although environmental science is a fundamental part in the movement toward a more “A fight is just a test of wills at some point, sustainable world, the impact on the modern and whoever can establish their dominance world I was looking for could only be achieved on the mat is the victor.” through engineering.”
24 INNOVATIONS The University of Texas at San Antonio COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 25 Rani Putri Electrical Engineer Indonesia Age 20 Senior
Where are you originally from? I was born in Jakarta, Indonesia and then my family moved to Sumatra where I lived for 16 years. I’ve also lived in Saudi Arabia, Houston and California. I came to UTSA as an international student because my friend suggested it.
What made you choose UTSA specifically? I’d never heard of UTSA before, but my friend told me she went to UTSA and that she really liked it. I went to the UTSA website and saw how great the school was and after more research I found out that the engineering program was really good as well, so that’s why I came to UTSA.
Engineering Why did you want to be an engineer? I took an electrical engineering class in Indonesia and I enjoy electrical things. I like all the resistors Brilliance and stuff. Initially, I wanted to study psychology but my dad convinced me to do engineering.
What’s your favorite class? housands of easons I would say Lab One was my favorite class T R because I got to experience hands-on type of With more than 2,000 undergraduate and 400 graduate students in 17 degree stuff. It didn’t involve a lot of calculations, there weren’t any integrals or derivatives. We built programs, the College of Engineering is a driving force behind The University of Texas at transformers, and I liked building the circuits and San Antonio becoming a Tier One Institution. We are consistently voted one of the top everything. colleges for Hispanic students. With small classrooms, professor interaction, and state-of- Other than engineering, what else do you do? the-art facilities, students receive the best in education. I play trumpet, guitar, piano and violin. I also started singing when I was a little girl. I got my first guitar in elementary school after I saw my friend with one and I thought it was cool. I am To help students take full advantage of everything offered in the College of Engineering, more or less self-taught with the guitar and piano, but learned the trumpet in marching band and I our goal is to provide scholarships and fellowships. If you need a reason to give, we’ve got took lessons to learn how to play the violin. thousands of them. To give to the College of Engineering, please visit https://giving.utsa.edu. Which is your favorite instrument? The guitar is my favorite instrument. I just take my guitar with me everywhere. “I am confident that our rapidly growing and exciting programs will provide some of the future scientific breakthroughs that will keep our nation at the forefront of technology.” C. Mauli Agrawal, Ph.D. Dean, College of Engineering 26 INNOVATIONS The University of Texas at San Antonio COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 27 The worst part of any day is often the commute to and encouraged her to pursue these Improving communication more than 50 percent of university Long-Distance from work. You’re stuck in traffic, at the mercy of accidents, interests and guided her through all techniques strikes close to home for students in Iran are female—the weather, and all the other drivers who clearly have no levels of education. As she progressed Niknamfar because she is on a single- opportunities for women after graduation obligation to follow the rules of the road. But for Maryam in her studies, Niknamfar combined her entry visa. Because she can’t visit Iran aren’t as lucrative as they are for men. Communication Niknamfar, an international student from Iran, her commute interests with telecommunication and, or leave the U.S. before she completes Women must still wear traditional hijabs Traveling across the world to fulfill her dreams, for three years was even more intense. She flew 500 miles to through her research in fiber optics, has her research Niknamfar must rely on at work, it is more difficult for them to find work each week just so she could teach at one of the Iranian been working on methods to improve current technologies to connect with a good job, and marriage laws heavily Iranian student Maryam Niknamfar studies universities in Shushtar. the way we communicate. Her current friends and family back home. favor the men. Being a teacher is one of only a handful of career coursework involves improving radio “It is hard for me to be so far from “I am determined to continue my fiber optic technology at UTSA. choices available to women in Iran in which they can earn over fiber optics (ROF) for better signal my parents, I am always worried about education at UTSA for a better future for a decent salary and be a highly respected member of the quality. their feelings and health. My mother is myself and the people I could support; community. Although she loved teaching, and might do it “ROF is a combination of my close friend, and before I came here women like me who want a prosperous again one day, Niknamfar wanted more—she wanted to telecommunication techniques, which I could talk to her every day. Now I don’t future, but have to look for it in a more pursue engineering. are mainly mathematics-based, and have the same chance. We could use modern country,” Niknamfar said. “Most Before coming to UTSA, Niknamfar earned her master’s optical fiber techniques, which are Skype to talk, but this is too hard for us of the women in Iran are well educated, degree from the Science and Research University, in Tehran, mainly physics-based,” Niknamfar since we aren’t able to hug each other and have made notable contributions to Iran, and set her sights on advancing her career with a explained. “ROF is relatively new and really connect. This is the situation Iran’s scientific environment. But, their degree from an American university. method which can support an I have to tolerate in order to pursue my chances of finding a good job are less “I was travelling long distances to improve my resume increasing demand for wireless data education in a high-quality university than that of men.” in order to apply for universities in the U.S. I spent hours transmission devices. My research is and live in a society which is supportive Although she doesn’t have to searching for a good advisor in electrical engineering with a focused on enhancing ROF techniques to women,” Niknamfar said. travel 500 miles to work each week, specific area of interest in telecommunication. After taking the and making them more efficient. Optical Niknamfar isn’t making these Niknamfar must overcome other hurdles TOEFL and GRE exams, I applied to UTSA and have been fiber could handle a huge data rate sacrifices just for herself. She also many of us never face. She must learn a here since the fall of 2010,” Niknamfar said. for transmission over long distances wants to change the culture she grew language different from her own, adjust For Niknamfar, it was important to advance her career if it’s nonlinearity and distortion could up in and inspire other women to to new cultural and social norms, and and continue studying engineering. As with most engineers, be controlled. I am looking for novel pursue their dreams. Although Iran maintain her 4.0 G.P.A. Compared to she has been fascinated by mathematics and physics methods which could control these encourages women to seek higher those challenges, a 30-minute commute from an early age. Her mother, who is also her best friend, impairments.” education— according to Niknamfar, to work doesn’t seem so bad anymore.
28 INNOVATIONS The University of Texas at San Antonio COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 29 ridging he aps Bby Sherrie Voss Matthews T G
Dr. Arturo Montoya’s research “It’s the same research Montoya wanted to focus on may be about suspension bridges methodology applied to different research after earning his doctorate. and the material components within, structures,” Montoya explains. “Both When his advisor at Columbia saw but he also has begun constructing bridges and aircrafts experience a an email about an opening at UTSA, bridges between himself and his large number of stress cycles over Montoya decided to give it a try. students, and creating a bridge in their lifetimes.” “It was just perfect; San research with colleagues within the Montoya expected to be focused Antonio, that is a vibe very similar to College of Engineering. on his research while at UTSA, but home,” he says. “UTSA is trying to Montoya, who grew up in he’s found an unexpected love for establish connections with Honduran Tegucigalpa, Honduras, does not truly teaching and the students. He thinks universities. The signs were all there.” think of himself as an international the students might appreciate him His ability to connect with scholar; he’s spent the last 11 years being a freshly minted Ph.D. Not so students extends beyond the in the United States, studying in both very long ago, he was sitting in the international population. upstate New York at St. Lawrence lecture, not up front teaching it. “I try to teach skills that they University, close to the Canadian “I guess I identify with the can take out of class, I try to apply border, and in New York City, at international students,” he says. real-world problems to the theory,” he Columbia University. “They come and ask me questions explains. “My teaching can be very He’s found in the UTSA about Ph.D. applications; I’m glad to theoretical, so I try to do big picture, College of Engineering a place that help them.” then details, then where we will end is collaborative and welcoming to He began his bachelor’s degree up. a new researcher and assistant at St. Lawrence University on “I love the one-on-one interaction professor. He has discovered that scholarship, and then completed his that you get with the students, his research crosses over with work engineering coursework at Columbia especially during office hours,” he in the department of mechanical University in New York City, where says. “You get to see if they really get engineering and Dr. Harry Millwater’s he earned a scholarship to do his it.” mechanical engineering studies. master’s and doctoral work.
30 INNOVATIONS The University of Texas at San Antonio COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 31 The American Dream She wasn’t wealthy growing up, and she didn’t go to the best schools. But Tania Hernandez had the one thing that practically guaranteed her success—a family that would do whatever it took to make sure she could go to college.
32 INNOVATIONS The University of Texas at San Antonio COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 33 For some the “American Dream” is more than just an to be the boss. Her teachers, however, commuter school. I don’t know why the Society of Women Engineers, a idea or vague concept talked about during election years. To had other plans. They encouraged I thought that; I never visited the fundraising coordinator for Destino (A them it is an attainable goal. The “American Dream” is the Hernandez to set her goals on campus or anything. But when I came faith-based Latino support group), has promise of a better life and upward social mobility through something higher, on something a little here for the first time, I was shocked,” worked at four internships with CPS hard work, education and perseverance. It is something that more concrete. Hernandez recalled. “The campus was Energy, and is a role model for young might be out of reach for one generation, but can be handed “My teachers challenged me huge. After being here for a while, I women throughout San Antonio. down to the children of the next. It was this dream Tania to become an engineer. They were didn’t want to go to Austin. I saw first- “I’m happy I chose to become Hernandez’s mother gave to her. also pushing two other guys in my hand how great the education is here. an engineer. Engineers work with so Hernandez came from a proud working-class family on calculus class to do the same. These I love it.” many different things from managing the south side of San Antonio. Her parents, both immigrants were the guys I competed with in high The road toward engineering people to designing things to working from an extremely poor region of Mexico, became U.S. school, and I wanted to show them hasn’t been an easy one, however. with machines—engineers can do it citizens in the hopes of giving their children something more. that I could do anything they could do. Where schoolwork used to come as all,” said Hernandez. “Most importantly After her parents’ divorce, her mother worked cleaning I had always heard good things about easy as breathing, Hernandez now though, I want to become an engineer houses to support Hernandez and her three siblings. engineers, and I knew they made lots had to work at getting good grades. so I can help my mom. She’s done “Growing up I thought I had everything. I had cousins of money, so I said, ‘I can do that.’” She quickly learned a valuable life so much for me, and I would like to to play with, family was nearby, I wasn’t really worried about With a goal in mind and her sights lesson—not all education in San be able to give her as much as she’s anything,” Hernandez said. “It wasn’t until later that my mom set, Hernandez finished high school Antonio is created equal. given me.” told me for a little while we were living off of about $50 a and went on to study engineering at “I thought I had a good week plus money she had saved. She took on so much, so UT-Dallas. But her time there was education,” she said, “until I got to the that I never had to worry.” short-lived. The college life wasn’t university level. I went to inner-city Free from fears and concerns at home, Hernandez what she expected. She missed her schools growing up, and I now realize excelled in school. She participated in sports, student council family, and the school didn’t give her a kids around other parts of San Antonio and other organizations. For her, doing poorly in school sense of belonging. After her freshman are being educated at a much higher simply wasn’t an option. year in Dallas, Hernandez moved level. Here, I’m working to keep up “I am the first one in my family to go to a university. back to San Antonio and enrolled at rather than always being at the top of I had a great support system. My older siblings, my UTSA. Her plan was to continue her my class.” parents, everyone really, pushed me to do good in school,” mechanical engineering degree at With strong support from Hernandez explains. UTSA until she was accepted at UT- her family and a desire to learn, As she moved closer to graduation, Hernandez set her Austin. What she never expected was Hernandez does more than just keep sights on being a business owner. She wasn’t quite sure falling in love with her new school. up. She is currently a mechanical what business she wanted to run, but she knew she wanted “I always thought of UTSA as a engineering student, the president of
34 INNOVATIONS The University of Texas at San Antonio COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 35 Ogechukwu Madu Electrical Engineer Houston, TX Age 21 Senior
What brings you to UTSA? I was cap student and was supposed to transfer to UT but I was getting a good amount of financial d Whitacre, former signed copies of his book and spoke one-on-one with aid here so I decided to stay, and I just really liked chairman and CEO individual attendees, many of whom also had their photo it here. Eof General Motors and taken with him. Whitacre’s “Lessons in Leadership” and chairman emeritus of amiable nature set the bar high for incoming speakers. Why did you want to be an engineer? AT&T Inc., presented the Whitacre was also thanked for his contribution to When my family first bought a computer, I took it keynote address of the the College of Engineering and given a real chair to apart to see how it worked. Ever since then, it just inaugural UTSA College symbolize his donation of $500,000 for The Edward E. felt right to be an engineer. of Engineering Game Whitacre, Jr. Endowed Chair in Mechanics. The Edward Changer lecture. E. Whitacre Chair in Mechanics offers students the What’s your favorite class? Whitacre’s lecture, opportunity to prepare for careers in traditional, new My favorite class was digital system designs “Lessons in Leadership” and emerging technologies in the field of Mechanical with professor Lee. He made the class fun, and I touched on his rise to Engineering. The endowment will support a leader who enjoyed designing different circuits. prominence and how, will continue to advance knowledge, communication as an engineer, he and leadership skills for the benefit of future engineers. Other than engineering, what else do you do? successfully navigated the The endowment was created by the Whitacre Family I am involved in cheerleading at UTSA. My friend business world. Foundation. and I got an email from the coach and the email Much of his talk The new lecture series is designed to present highly said they were looking for “big dudes.” So my focused on having a vision and acting upon it. He attributed successful engineers and community leaders sharing friend went to check it out and told me it was his success, not to never failing, but to making a plan and their knowledge and experiences with students and pretty cool. I joined and really enjoyed helping the sticking with it. He also addressed the need to simplify others in the university and engineering communities. girls with their stunts and stuff. operations and empower employees to make decisions. “Each lecture in this series is meant to inspire Throughout it all, He further emphasized the importance of students and give them a role model they can use as What sort of tricks or stunts can you do? treating people with respect. a guidepost for their own career paths,” said Mauli The highlight of the lecture came during the question Agrawal, dean of the UTSA College of Engineering. “Mr. I can do a backflip, but that’s about it really. and answer session. Members of the audience were able to Whitacre is known for his diligence, attention to detail ask him about specific experiences in his life or his thoughts and decisive management style, and we are very excited What other organizations are you in? on weighty subjects like needing more female CEOs. that our students will be able to witness what makes a I am in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics At the conclusion of the lecture, Whitacre graciously great leader tick.” Engineers (IEEE) and National Society for Black Engineers (NSBE).
Have you had any internships? One fall I had a co-op with Toyota engineering. One of the things I learned while there was to write everything down that I would do for the day. And I took that skill and applied it to my everyday life. I still use it now, and it really helps. I’ve also done an internship with ST Aerospace. From that internship I learned a lot more about airplanes than I ever thought I’d know. It was a lot of hands- on type of stuff.
What would be your dream job? My dream job would probably involve being the manager of a reputable engineering company and overseeing a lot of the aspects of the job.
36 INNOVATIONS The University of Texas at San Antonio COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 37 Fall 2012
The Dean and faculty of the College of Engineering congratulate the following undergraduates for making the Dean’s List. To attain this honor, these students achieved a 3.75 or higher grade point average while registered for the fall semester of 2012.
Biomedical Engineering Electrical Engineering Mechanical Engineering
Cruz, Adrian fr Cleaver, Andre fr Cruz, Jose Luis sr Castro, Marc sr Morales, Jesus sr Parks, Kathryn so
Gilmore, John so Rodriguez, Rebekah JR Spikes, Clarence sr Castillo, Edward JR Dennis, William sr Husain, Ali JR
Villarreal Berain, Cochran, William sr Siller, Edgar JR Silvester, Conrad sr DeLeon, Emmanuel SO Analaura JR Jonguitud, Oscar sr Vernor, Dusten sr Chapman, Chase sr Gomez, Miguel so
Ricks, Tanner sr Kajonpong, Punsak SR Hughes, David sr Mosely, Levi JR
Civil Engineering Zamora, Rene sr Ortiz, Jacqueline sr Medina, Arlo sr Algoblan, Abdullah so
Hayes, Timothy sr Cunningham, Kolin sr Gomez, Fabio sr Failakawi, Yousef JR Mojica, Pedro sr Mendez, Carlos JR
Alfaro, Karem sr Reed, Taylor sr Cruz-Lambert, Osmer, Aaron JR Badshah, Huzeifa sr Josue SR Gomez-Farias, Osifuwa, Feyisayo so Harper, Taylor sr Armando SR Green, Hector sr Poell, Jacob so Sasa, Solomon so Brunette, Nathaniel SR Sanchez, Steve sr Watson, Amanda sr Alhussaini, PRe-Engineering Lougue, Alimata JR Armstrong, Brian sr Abdulaziz SO Andrade, Paolo JR Bazar, Adam sr Hower, Bryce sr Kocian, Garrett sr Grams, Travis so Turasz, Michael so Espinoza, Alberto sr Patrick, Robert sr Davis, Jamal JR Mcgee, Ross sr Gruenberg, Kyle JR Guevara, Ricardo sr The Gift of Engineering Cuellar, Emilio sr Borges, Carlo fr Dr. Norman Jacobson is no novice when it comes to “It was important to donate to UTSA Engineering Garcia, Jesus so Ingraham, Phillip sr entrepreneurship or philanthropy. He is a past CEO of the because I wanted to honor the leadership of my associate, Computer Engineering Almokhaitah, Belk, Mason fr Healthcare and Information Management Society (HIMS), a Jim Bodenstedt. I also wanted to return to the community that Mohana SO Quirem, Saddam sr Priatmadi, Anggi JR Amini, Pegah sr US not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting a better has been so kind to me, and I particularly, wanted to highlight Marcantel, Grace so understanding of health care information and management the important, innovative, and productive performance of Morales, Kathlene sr Garcia, Ruben so Mannion, Dylan JR systems, and he is also the founder of Humana’s hospitalist the College of Engineering spearheaded by Dr. Agrawal,” Davila, Barbara sr Davis, Cory so program in San Antonio. Currently, Jacobson is a real Jacobson said. estate partner and investor with fellow philanthropist Jim Jacobson sees his donation as vital in helping UTSA Bodenstendt. reach Tier One status. He believes contributions like his can Along with Bodenstedt, Gene Dawson, and Buddy Swift, help attract the resources necessary to bring in top-notch Jacobson serves as a Director of the Roadrunner Foundation, faculty and students. And these newfound resources carry which supports UTSA Athletics. Through the foundation, enormous spin-off opportunities for the University and the city. Jacobson has donated more than $128,000. And in “It’s a tedious and incremental process to achieve December of 2012, he personally pledged another $250,000, credibility and acclaim, but the effort is worthwhile and the which was matched by HEB to total $500,000, to establish rewards, at all levels, are good for the university and the city,” the Jacobson Distinguished Professorship of Innovation and Jacobson explained. Entrepreneurship for the College of Engineering. Although he isn’t a UTSA Engineering graduate, The Jacobson Distinguished Professorship of Innovation Jacobson sees value in the work being done here. He’s and Entrepreneurship is expected to change the face of visited with the students and faculty on several occasions and entrepreneurship in our region. The endowment will not knows the caliber of research taking place. only bring a leader to UTSA who will expertly guide young “Its dynamic growth and commitment to teaching and entrepreneurs, but it will also provide financial resources practical application of learning and invention impresses me that can be used to encourage students’ success in their the most about the college,” Jacobson adds. “My interaction technology entrepreneurial endeavors, making San Antonio a with the students has awed and inspired me, and raised my hub for new business activity. enthusiasm for supporting the college.”
38 INNOVATIONS The University of Texas at San Antonio COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 39 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage College of Engineering One UTSA Circle PAID San Antonio, TX 78249 San Antonio, Texas engineering.utsa.edu PERMIT NO. 2474 Address Service Requested
What’s New In Your Life? We want to hear about our alumni. Keep us informed on what’s been happening in your life. Perhaps a new job, exciting travel, or new projects. We would love to share the news with your classmates and give current students a glimpse into the life of a College of Engineering graduate. Send your stories and photos to [email protected].
Ronald Rhea and David Finnie, class of 1984, pose next to their original class photo during the UTSA Engineering Program’s 30th anniversary dinner.