DENTON (UNT), Texas — As the National Engineers Week kicks off, the University of North Texas (UNT) College of Engineering has commenced its celebration with a series of events aimed at honoring its students and faculty, as well as showcasing groundbreaking research.
National Engineers Week, established in 1951 by the National Society of Professional Engineers, is designed to highlight the pivotal impact of engineering while encouraging K-12 students to consider careers in the field. UNT will mark the occasion with various career readiness seminars, competitions, and even a movie night, all hosted at Discovery Park, recognized as the largest research facility in the North Texas region.
Showcasing Innovation
Undergraduate engineering students are demonstrating their learning through senior design projects. This year, students in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, including Magdalena Cruz, Wesley Miller, and Jacob Spencer, are developing radially grated stainless-steel prosthetics for bone repair. “We’re designing lattices with the right stiffness that could support bone growth,” said Jacob Spencer.
Their research, supported by UNT’s Center for Agile and Adaptive Additive Manufacturing (CAAAM), focuses on creating components using advanced additive manufacturing machines that employ a laser and metal powder bed, akin to 3D printing. “We hope our work becomes a foundation for future studies in stainless-steel implants,” Spencer added.
Hands-on Learning
Students are also extending their learning and research outside the classroom through organizations like the UNT Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES), which recently hosted its annual Medical Device Make-A-Thon. Competitors had 24 hours to design solutions for improved bone fracture treatments. A team named Clavi-Fusion took first place with their creation of a hybrid cast and sling for collarbone injuries.
BMES President Marc Anthony Torres remarked, “This competition gives students a chance to showcase their adaptability and innovation. It allows them to market themselves to the judging panel while celebrating the excellence of UNT’s College of Engineering.”
Advanced Research and Education
Graduate students in computer science and engineering are gaining real-world experience through courses like Cyber Security Penetration Testing, which involves simulating cyberattacks to identify vulnerabilities. Mark Hoffman, an adjunct faculty member, explains, “They use the same tools and techniques as hackers — but on virtual machines — to learn how to help companies strengthen their defenses.”
Professor Xinyi Xiao from mechanical engineering is exploring computational modeling to optimize additive manufacturing. Supported by Oak Ridge National Laboratory, her work looks into advanced metal 3D printing techniques.
Meanwhile, Assistant Professor Hyusim Park in electrical engineering is developing early fire detection systems for U.S. Department of Agriculture-supported peanut warehouses. According to Park, “The ability to design technologies that prevent disasters, improve health, and protect the environment has been a driving force behind my work.”
Inspiring Future Engineers
The College of Engineering is not only shaping the engineers of tomorrow but also collaborating with the community to engage the next generation in engineering. Through summer camps and diverse programs, young students and educators are introduced to various fields, including artificial intelligence, renewable energy, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing.
Dean Paul Krueger underscores the significance of engineering, stating, “Engineering is essential to the technology that supports our modern world and will be key to improving our quality of life and addressing future challenges. Our faculty are dedicated to advancing science and technology to solve complex problems and inspiring students to reach their potential.”
In sum, the UNT College of Engineering continues to provide a robust environment filled with opportunities for students to grow, connect, and lay foundations for future innovations.