E-Lead Inclusive

In our final episode of the season, we explore three powerful films: Deepwater Horizon , Steve Jobs , and Oppenheimer , through an engineering lens. We discuss the real-world engineering themes behind each movie, including safety, innovation, leadership, ethics, responsibility, and the consequences of technical decisions.  To close out, we also share movie recommendations for students and anyone i...

In this episode of the E-Lead Inclusive Podcast, we sit down with Joseph Guerra, Christopher Camacho, and Isabel Garcia to explore their experiences as teaching and research assistants within UTEP’s CREaTE program. Through their perspectives, we dive into what it means to support students, engage in engineering education research, and grow as leaders along the way.

 In this MiniCast Edition, we uncover the true story of the CitiCorp Center in New York. This skyscraper that was secretly at risk of catastrophic failure after engineers discovered a major structural flaw.  This episode explores how design decisions, wind forces, and engineering ethics collided, and how quick action helped prevent what could have become one of the most devastating building disast...

The E-Lead Inclusive Podcast is welcoming a new voice. In this episode, Reed Sanchez joins us to share his journey into engineering and leadership. Reed talks about how he got started in engineering, his experiences supporting students as a teaching assistant, and the research work he is involved in today. It is a conversation about growth, mentorship, and what it means to support others along the...

What would you eat if it were your last day on earth? Dr. Lucas Galey answers that question while reflecting on his German upbringing and his transition to life as a Texan professor. Through food, culture, and personal stories, he shares how identity, leadership, and place shape who we become. 

In this episode, we sit down with Sean Estrada to talk about his incredible journey back to finish his degree. Sean opens up about the different jobs he’s worked, the lessons he’s picked up along the way, and huge personal goals hes accomplished like  building a house for his mom . We also dive into his interest in crypto, how he stays informed on regulation updates, and the way he uses that knowl...

In this episode, we sat down with Dante Villalobos over sushi to talk about his journey through E-Lead. From his roles as a TA and RA to his internships and plans after graduation, Dante shares the experiences that shaped his leadership path. A truly valued member of the department, this conversation blends real talk, reflection, and growth one sushi roll at a time.

In this episode, we sit down with our friends and classmates Vanesa Carillo and Samahara Quintana to talk about what it’s really like being international students. From the daily border crossing to the challenges they face navigating school in a different country, they open up about their routines, the differences in education, and the personal stories that shaped their journey. Since we take clas...

In this episode of the E-Lead Inclusive Podcast , hosts Vanessa and Stephanie sit down with Natanael Vera and Jesus Olivas to chat about their journey through engineering classes, the shift from Measurement to P2P, and what it really means to find balance between work, school, and everything in between. From late-night study sessions to favorite matcha orders. This conversation is all about stayin...

In this episode of the E-Lead Inclusive Podcast , hosts Vanessa and Stephanie sit down with Dr. Kyle Gipson , professor of engineering at James Madison University . With a background that spans physics, textile technology, and leadership consulting, Dr. Gipson shares his journey in co-creating one of the first engineering leadership programs at JMU and how that path led him to collaborate with UTE...

In this episode, we sit down with UTEP alumn Steven Terrazas, an E-Lead major with a Civil Concentration with a passion for innovation and leadership. Steven takes us through his journey from internships at Boeing to research at the University of Arkansas but most importantly, he dives deep into his experience preparing for and passing the FE (Fundamentals of Engineering) exam. Whether you're...

In this episode, we explore the U.S. national debt and budget deficit, building on discussions from Dr. G’s finance class. Each of us takes a different stance on how to address the growing debt, from reducing government spending and reforming entitlement programs to increasing taxes and relying more on the private sector. The conversation highlights the complexity of economic trade-offs and the re...

In this episode  we sit down with two standout seniors from the E-LEAD program, Jyan Delgadillo and Emmanuel Rodriguez. Jyan, with a focus on Innovation and Nutrition, and Emmanuel, concentrating on Mechanical Engineering and emphasis on  Entrepreneurship, share how they found their way to E-LEAD, what’s kept them in the program, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way. We dive into their ex...

Dr. Houghtalen joins us to break down the disconnect between academia and industry in engineering, sharing her on going research on what makes (or breaks) a successful transition. We also talk about collaboration in the field, personal passions like music, and the uncomfortable reality of sexism in the workplace—all topped off with a conversation about pizza preferences. Grab a slice and listen in...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Kendall to dive into her journey in research and engineering education. She shares insights into her experiences, the challenges and opportunities in the field, and her hopes for the future of engineering education. We also get a glimpse into her favorite music and the STEM figures who have influenced her path. Tune in for an engaging discussion that blends te...

In this episode, we sit down with Ashley Padilla, a senior student-athlete balancing the intense demands of being a collegiate soccer player and an Engineering Leadership major with a concentration in Biomedical engineering. As she navigates her final year and tackles her capstone senior design project, Ashley shares the highs and lows of managing academics, athletics, and personal growth. From ga...

In this episode, Vanessa and I explore the positives and negatives of AI, discussing its impact on education, industries, and human culture as technology continues to evolve. Plus, we get a special glimpse into the future with Dr. Gonzalez’s very own AI-generated podcast!

In this episode, we sit down with alumni Maximo Gamez, Jesse Espinoza, and Alejandra Garay to explore life after graduation. The guests share their experiences navigating the transition from college to their professional careers, offering valuable advice for current students on how to prepare for success. From practical career tips to insights into their engineering salaries, this episode provides...

In this episode of the E-Lead Inclusive Podcast, We dive into a story of unparalleled resilience, collaboration, and engineering innovation: the 2010 Copiapó mining accident in Chile. After a cave-in trapped 33 miners nearly half a mile underground, the world watched with bated breath as engineers, rescuers, and entire communities worked tirelessly for 69 days to bring every miner safely to the su...

In this episode, Paola Casas, the program coordinator for the Department of Engineering, Education, and Leadership, shares her journey from studying music in Juarez, Mexico, with dreams of becoming an opera singer, to pursuing a career in public health. Paola discusses her passion for helping the community and her experience as a research assistant working with vulnerable populations in El Paso. S...

In this episode,  Stephanie and Vanessa explore the importance of curiosity in shaping how we think and learn. They discuss how curiosity drives progress, with examples from history like Marie Curie and Albert Einstein. The episode also shares practical tips on how to be more curious in everyday life, inspired by the quote from Voltaire: "Judge a man by his questions rather than by his answer...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Ramirez, the newest member of the Engineering Education and Leadership department. Join us as we explore her academic journey from undergraduate studies to her master's and PhD, and hear about her inspiring return to El Paso. Dr. Ramirez shares her favorite local eateries, insights on transitioning to UTEP, and her experiences in the E-Lead program. Wheth...

In today’s episode, Vanessa and Stephanie delve into the tragic Hyatt Regency Hotel collapse in Kansas City in 1981. They explore how such a critical engineering mistake could occur and discuss the importance of ethical professionalism. They also offer insights on applying character, competence, and capacity to your everyday career.

Hello, everyone, and welcome back to the fourth season of the E-Lead Inclusive Podcast with your new hosts, Stephanie and Vanessa! Change can be daunting, but we're excited to embrace it together. In this brief introduction, we'll touch on some of the exciting updates you can expect this season. Don’t forget to share your thoughts and suggestions through our virtual suggestion box—just c...

Hello Everyone! Welcome to a bittersweet episode as we say goodbye to Amira as our host and welcome Stephanie and Vanessa as the new co-hosts of the E-Lead Inclusive Podcast! Listen to get to know more about Stephanie and Vanessa's background and hear about Amira's journey starting and hosting the podcast! It's the end of an era and the beginning of a new one! To Learn More About Us...