The College of Engineering at The University of Texas at El Paso has launched a new program aimed at providing solutions to engineering problems that threaten healthy communities.

“Engineering in Practice for a Sustainable Healthy Living Community: 21^st Century Engineering Challenges” was developed by UTEP to foster a healthy community by applying best engineering practices.

“The world is constantly evolving,” said Carlos Chang-Albitres, Ph.D., assistant professor of civil engineering. “We need to develop engineers who are aware of changes in economic, social and environmental conditions.”

The program seeks to provide students the opportunity to interact with professional engineers, extending their education beyond the classroom. The program will merge education, research and professional practice to propose solutions to engineering problems. Students, faculty and area engineers will benefit. The City of El Paso will also provide support.

“This program creates practical experience and research opportunities for our students,” Chang said. “Professional engineers will receive fresh feedback on cutting-edge methodologies available to solve engineering problems.”

Program topics include construction techniques, environmental engineering, infrastructure, innovative materials, pavements, transportation systems and water processing systems.

“I am very happy that Dr. Chang-Albitres has taken the initiative to develop this program,” said Dr. Richard Schoephoerster, Ph.D., dean of UTEP’s College of Engineering. “It’s a win-win situation for the students and the City of El Paso. The students get the real world experience and collaboration with practicing engineers, and the city gets solutions to its pressing engineering problems.”

Undergraduate and graduate students, faculty and professional engineers are eligible to join the program.