CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) and the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) have entered into a new Educational Partnership Agreement (EPA) designed to strengthen education, research and workforce development across critical Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
The partnership aims to expand opportunities for students and faculty while accelerating innovation in fields essential to national security, scientific advancement and community resilience. Areas of focus include engineering, acoustics, anthropology and archaeology, architecture, biological sciences, chemistry, computer and data science, digital twinning, materials science, physics, robotics, supply chain logistics, sustainability and resilience.
“This partnership reflects ERDC’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of scientific and engineering leaders,” said Dr. Andrew Nelson, director of ERDC’s Construction Engineering Research Laboratory. “By collaborating with UTEP, we are expanding access to advanced research, real-world laboratory experiences and career pathways in mission-critical STEM fields.”
Under the agreement, ERDC may support UTEP through a variety of initiatives, including loaning defense laboratory equipment, transferring surplus scientific and computer equipment, and providing ERDC personnel to teach or assist in the development of science courses. The partnership also enables faculty sabbaticals at ERDC laboratories, student internship opportunities, and direct involvement of UTEP students and faculty in ERDC research and technology transition projects.
Additional collaborative opportunities include granting academic credit for work conducted on ERDC projects, offering career and academic mentorship and establishing new contracts, cooperative agreements or grants to further support shared research and educational activities.
UTEP will contribute to the partnership by collaborating on research of mutual interest, supporting ERDC program development and promoting student and faculty engagement in ERDC initiatives, including employment and research opportunities. The university will also align faculty expertise with ERDC research priorities, exchange scientific materials and publications, identify student and faculty needs and maintain accountability for ERDC-loaned equipment.
“This partnership with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center aligns UTEP’s research and talent with mission-critical Army priorities,” said Dr. Shery Welsh, executive director of the UTEP Aerospace Center. “By connecting our students and faculty to ERDC’s laboratories and real-world challenges, we are strengthening workforce pipelines, accelerating innovation and preparing the next generation of STEM leaders to serve the nation.”
The Educational Partnership Agreement represents a shared commitment to innovation, workforce development, research excellence, and the advancement of sustainable and resilient technologies, while preparing students for impactful careers in science, engineering and public service.