Current Students
Get Involved in Research
The department boasts a rapidly growing research program with emphasis in aerospace, energy, and biomedical sciences — and you don't have to wait until graduate school to start making an impact.
Research at AME
Our world-class facilities span biomedical engineering, combustion and propulsion, design engineering, high-temperature materials, and exceptional computational and CAD/CAM resources. Whether you're interested in advanced materials, propulsion, fluid dynamics, robotics, or design, there are opportunities to work alongside faculty, graduate students, and industry partners on cutting-edge research.
Why get involved?
- Apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges
- Develop technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Boost your résumé for jobs, internships, and grad school
- Present your work at conferences and research symposiums
- Build strong relationships with faculty mentors
How to get started
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Explore faculty research areas — visit our Faculty Directory to learn about ongoing research projects and labs, or browse Research Areas for topics the department primarily focuses on.
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Submit a general application — undergraduate ME students can apply directly at the HandShake to be considered for open research positions.
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Reach out to faculty — email a professor whose work interests you and ask if they are accepting undergraduate or graduate research assistants.
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Visit during office hours — talk with faculty during their posted hours about how to get involved in their lab or the Research Centers.
Research Resources
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Research Areas — information on the various research topics the department primarily focuses on.
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Research Centers — the Aerospace Center and W.M. Keck Center for 3D Innovation, both housed in AMAC.
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Smart Materials Processing (SMP) Lab — research on smart and advanced materials.
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Research Facilities — explore the department's labs and equipment.
Ready to get started? Contact us at tellME@utep.edu.
Get Involved in Student Organizations & Competition Teams
Build leadership skills, network with industry professionals, and put your engineering education into action — right here in the AME department.
AME Student Organizations
Engage with fellow students, build leadership experience, and network with industry professionals through our AME-affiliated student organizations. These groups offer mentorship, outreach events, workshops, and professional development opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students alike.
The premier professional organization for aerospace engineers. UTEP's student chapter participates in design competitions, industry events, and the Design Build Fly competition.
A global hub for the mechanical engineering community. Members gain access to industry resources, technical conferences, competitions, and professional development workshops.
Focused on mobility engineering — automotive, aerospace, and commercial vehicles. UTEP's chapter participates in competitions like Baja SAE and hosts technical events.
Dedicated to supporting and empowering women in aerospace and aeronautical engineering through mentorship, networking, outreach, and professional development.
The national mechanical engineering honor society, recognizing academic excellence and supporting professional growth in the field of mechanical engineering.
For contact information and meeting details, visit the Student Organizations page or stop by the AME department office in ENGR A-126.
AME Competition Teams
Want to build real aerospace and mechanical systems, travel to national competitions, and work with a team of driven, hands-on engineers? UTEP's competition teams give you the chance to design, fabricate, test, and compete — while developing the teamwork, leadership, and technical skills that employers and graduate schools value most. All experience levels are welcome — training and mentorship are provided.
El Paso Sunbirds — Design Build Fly
Design, build, and fly a custom aircraft to meet unique mission specifications in a national AIAA-sponsored competition. Gain hands-on experience in aerodynamics, structures, and avionics.
MadPete Motorsport — Baja SAE
Build a rugged, off-road single-seat vehicle and compete in dynamic events that test your design, endurance, and ingenuity — one of the most hands-on engineering experiences available to undergrads.
Sun City Summit Rocket Team
Design and test high-powered rockets and compete in events like the Spaceport America Cup. Develop expertise in propulsion, recovery systems, payload design, and launch safety.
Orion - Robotics
UTEP's undergraduate robotics team. Contact amerobotics@utep.edu for more information about joining and upcoming events.
Why join a competition team?
- Gain real engineering design and fabrication experience
- Work in collaborative, cross-disciplinary team environments
- Compete nationally and internationally
- Network with industry sponsors and recruiters
- Strengthen your résumé and engineering portfolio
- Have fun building amazing things!
Interested in joining? Reach out to team leads directly or contact us at tellME@utep.edu or (915) 747-5450.
Faculty & TA Office Hours
Our faculty and teaching assistants hold regular office hours each week. Students are encouraged to attend to get help, discuss research interests, or explore career opportunities in aerospace and mechanical engineering.
- Get help understanding course topics or assignments
- Ask questions about exams, projects, or lab work
- Learn about research opportunities and how to get involved
- Discuss your academic goals and career interests
- Connect with faculty and TAs outside of class
Fall 2026 — Faculty Office Hours
If you have questions outside of posted hours, email your professor directly to request an appointment. Faculty email addresses are listed in the Faculty Directory.
| Faculty | Day(s) | Time | Location / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schedule to be updated — check back soon or contact tellME@utep.edu for the latest hours. | |||
Fall 2026 — Teaching assistant office hours
Teaching assistants can help with course-specific questions, homework problems, and lab preparation. Contact your course instructor if you are unsure which TA supports your section.
| Teaching assistant | Course | Day(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schedule to be updated — check back soon or contact tellME@utep.edu for the latest hours. | ||||
Can't make posted office hours? Contact us at tellME@utep.edu or call (915) 747-5450, or visit the Faculty Directory to email your professor directly.
Faculty directoryBusiness Operations & Support
Our business support team is a single source for faculty, staff, student competition teams, and student organizations to arrange any business transaction within the AME department.
AME Business Transaction Form
To arrange for any business transaction, please submit the AME Business Transaction Form. This form is used for all business operations in the AME Department only — this is an internal form and is only for transactions being paid by the AME Department.
Transaction Types
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Assigned vendor on PaymentWorks
Vendors not currently in UTEP's system (MinerMall or PeopleSoft) must be invited to register through PaymentWorks. PaymentWorks is not to be used for registering or paying UTEP employees.
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Deposit summary forms for gift accounts
The Departmental Deposit Form is used to report and submit funds collected by UTEP departments for deposit into university accounts — including checks, cash, or money orders received for services, event fees, donations, or other departmental income.
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Reimbursement and vendor payments
Request reimbursements for any expenses. Please attach the Entertainment Form for reimbursements such as food, flowers, gifts, gift cards, and decorations. Submit all receipts showing method of payment. For vendor payments, attach the invoice.
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Purchase orders
Purchase Orders are required to authorize purchases and ensure compliance with UTEP's procurement policies. Submit an official quote from the vendor and ensure that shipping is included in the quote.
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Travel authorization
Please include an approved Internal AME Travel Authorization Form with your request. If traveling with a group of students, please ensure page three (3) is filled out. The travel authorization must be submitted a minimum of 20 business days before the travel date. Both the AME Internal Travel Authorization Form and the UTEP Student Travel Form are required for group student travel.
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Travel reimbursement
Upon return, students may submit a travel reimbursement request to the team lead or designee. Official receipts must be uploaded with method of payment shown. Please ensure all receipts are itemized and include proof of payment.
Questions about a business transaction? Contact us at tellME@utep.edu or visit us in Engineering Building Room A-126.
Student Feedback Survey
Your voice matters! The AME Department is committed to providing a positive, supportive, and enriching academic environment. We want to hear from you.
About the feedback survey
Use this form to share your concerns, suggestions, or feedback about your courses, advising, labs, facilities, or general student experience. All responses are reviewed by department leadership and handled with care. If you request follow-up, we will do our best to respond promptly and respectfully.
What you can share
- Course or instructor concerns
- Lab or classroom environment issues
- Feedback about advising or TA support
- Comments on department events or resources
- Suggestions for improvement
- Recognition of positive experiences or helpful faculty and staff
Submission Options
Submit your feedback
All responses are reviewed by department leadership. Your input helps us improve the AME student experience.