Establishing Foundations and Paving Paths for Future Engineers

The Frank H. Dotterweich College of Engineering at Texas A&M University-Kingsville is shaping the future of engineering through its transformative General Engineering (GEEN) 1201 course, Engineering as a Career. Designed for freshmen, the course immerses students in the engineering field from day one, emphasizing social responsibility and ethical behavior.

Recognized by the American Association of Colleges and Universities as both a First-Year Seminar and a High-Impact Practice, GEEN 1201 plays a crucial role in the academic journey of aspiring engineers.

“The GEEN 1201 course is specifically designed to immerse freshmen in the engineering field from the outset, providing them with valuable insights into the discipline, with a strong emphasis on social responsibility and ethical behavior,” said Dr. Heidi A. Taboada, professor and dean of the College of Engineering.

For students like Santiago Sterling, an electrical engineering major from Pitalito, Huila in Colombia, and a graduate of H.M. King Early College High School, the course was pivotal in his college experience.

“The GEEN 1201 program was very important to me because it was my first engineering class in college. I’ve always wanted to be an engineer, so I was very happy to take the class,” Sterling said. “It really helped me with my time management skills as well as my project management skills.”

Sterling also highlighted the value of teamwork. “The project my team and I worked on really made us all come together and give it our best. It made everyone connect and unite to get everything done in the best way possible,” he said. “I would like to thank Dean Taboada for approving the program, Dr. Rosales and Mr. Luna for being great teachers with ingenious new ideas, and my high school engineering teacher, Ms. Christina Gonzales, who brilliantly prepared many of us for what college would be like.”

Trinity Hill, a mechanical engineering major from Lyford, Texas, echoed Sterling's sentiments.

“The program brought me out of my shell even more; it gave me the opportunity to learn that I have the leadership skills to bring people together and to help others when they are struggling. Because we are all a team,” Hill said. “And I'd like to recognize Dr. Rosales, Mr. Luna, Mr. Austin McCoy, and Dr. Jeffrey Glick for making this program possible for incoming freshmen.”

By enriching the content of GEEN 1201 with hands-on projects, real-world applications, and increased faculty engagement, the College of Engineering is committed to fostering a strong sense of belonging among its students.

“The course is not just an introduction to engineering; it is a critical step in shaping the engineers we need to positively impact society, equipped with the skills, knowledge, and ethical grounding they need to succeed,” Dr. Taboada added.

Hill encourages incoming students to take full advantage of this opportunity. “If you have the chance to take this class, do it. It will help you spread your wings and discover strengths you didn’t know you had.”