Outreach programs lead Jessica George to pursue education in environmental engineering

Jessica George

Jessica George

Share this Story

(Sept. 28, 2010)--At Ronald Reagan High School, Jessica George loaded up on liberal arts classes, hoping to pursue a career in either social work or law. She had two uncles with engineering degrees, "but I just never got the bug," she said.

In the spring of her sophomore year, however, she learned about the UTSA Summer Research Stipend Program. The competitive summer program allows students to work on active engineering research projects while getting paid. She applied to the program and was accepted.

For two months, George studied osteo imperfecta alongside mechanical engineering professor Xiaodu Wang in the UTSA Hard Tissue Biomechanics Laboratory. The genetic condition, better known as brittle bones, occurs mostly in children and is estimated to affect up to 50,000 people.

"That summer was an incredible experience," George recalled. "I was able to work with specimens and do other things that opened my eyes to the work of science and the scientific process."

Intrigued, George returned to the program and Wang's laboratory the following summer. During her second stint in the laboratory, she learned about computer modeling. She also gained an understanding of engineering's many facets.

"I learned that engineering isn't just about sitting there building things," said George. "It teaches you to think. You have to put your brain through a workout, and you have to look at things from a different perspective. If anything, that's what made me fall in love with it."

Ultimately, she applied to UTSA and was accepted. She loves engineering but is quick to admit the road to an engineering degree is arduous. To ensure her math skills were rock solid, she opted to take UTSA's "Just in Time Math" during her freshman year. The course is offered by the UTSA Center for Excellence in Engineering Education (CE3) to freshman engineering majors. It teaches mathematics principles and shows students how those principals apply to engineering problems.

George also took a part-time position in the Environmental Engineering Laboratory run by Professor Heather Shipley. Her research team is studying how nanoparticles can be used to remove metal pollutants from drinking water sources.

"Engineering is more than just math and science," said Shipley. "It takes well-rounded individuals like Jessica to solve our current problems. Students with a liberal arts background add a different perspective. Through engineering support programs like 'Just in Time Math,' students who initially did not think they could pursue STEM disciplines can become successful and well-rounded engineers."

George expects to graduate with her bachelor's degree in December 2013.

 

 

Events



Spotlight

UTSA Bold Promise CTA

UTSA’s Mission

The University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.

UTSA’s Vision

To be a premier public research university, providing access to educational excellence and preparing citizen leaders for the global environment.

UTSA’s Core Values

We encourage an environment of dialogue and discovery, where integrity, excellence, inclusiveness, respect, collaboration and innovation are fostered.

UTSA’S Destinations

UTSA is a proud Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) as designated by the U.S. Department of Education .

Our Commitment to Inclusivity

The University of Texas at San Antonio, a Hispanic Serving Institution situated in a global city that has been a crossroads of peoples and cultures for centuries, values diversity and inclusion in all aspects of university life. As an institution expressly founded to advance the education of Mexican Americans and other underserved communities, our university is committed to promoting access for all. UTSA, a premier public research university, fosters academic excellence through a community of dialogue, discovery and innovation that embraces the uniqueness of each voice.