Running head: TOPIC PROPOSAL 1

Topic Selection Paper

Mechanical Engineering

Iram D. Hernandez

The University of Texas at El Paso

RWS 1301

Dr. Vierra

September 23, 2019

TOPIC PROPOSAL 2

Abstract

This paper has no abstract.

TOPIC PROPOSAL 3

Topic Proposal:

Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical engineering is the application of math, science and engineering toward

mechanical systems. According to Michigan Tech (2019), this type of engineering involves many

science topics, such as fluid mechanics, materials’ properties, and kinematics (p. 1). Also,

Columbia University in the city of New York (2019) claimed that this field opens job opportunities

in other careers, like electronics, robotics, and aerospace careers (p. 1). This shows that mechanical

engineering is composed of science, math and engineering topics.

Mechanical engineering has had a positive outcome in UTEP student, graduates, and the

community of El Paso. To support this statement, a couple of questions will be created in order to

guide the research, and lead to a definite conclusion. Questions such as:

 “When was it implemented at UTEP”

 “How are Hispanic engineers represented by UTEP?”

 “How has the curriculum changed through-out time?”

 “How is it involved in the community of El Paso?”

 “How has UTEP contributed to this field?”

 “How is it involved in other STEM related careers?”,

 “What is the future if this career in El Paso?”

 “What are the demographics of this field?"

Conclusion

UTEP will help me reach my goal by providing the resources that are necessary towards

achieving a high-level education in Mechanical engineering. According to Chessa, UTEP Alumni

will have research opportunities in areas such as 3D manufacturing, energy engineering, and
TOPIC PROPOSAL 4

aerospace and defense systems (p. 1). Also, Wicker (2000) explains that UTEP has been investing

money in its laboratories focused on certain areas, such as 3D design (p. 1). This evidence proves

that UTEP has resources to aid the accomplishment of a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
TOPIC PROPOSAL 5

References

Chessa, J. F. (n.d.). Message from the Chair. Retrieved from

https://www.utep.edu/engineering/mechanical/about-home/message-from-the-chair.html

Columbia University in the City of New York. (2019). What is Mechanical Engineering?

Retrieved from https://me.columbia.edu/what-mechanical-engineering

Gardea, J., Rios, L., Pal, R., Gardea-Torresdey, J., & Narayan, M. (2011). From folklore to

molecular pharmacophores: Cultivating STEM students among young, first-generation

female mexican-americans. Journal of Chemical Education, 88(1), 41-43. Retrieved

from http://0-

search.ebscohost.com.lib.utep.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&AN=EJ921585&site

=eds-live&scope=site http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/ed100557u

Melissa, V. D. (1997). Overview and significance of 'el Paso accords'. Hispanic Engineer and

Information Technology, 12(2), 32. Retrieved from http://0-

search.ebscohost.com.lib.utep.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsjsr&AN=edsjsr.443234

69&site=eds-live&scope=site

Michigan Tech. (2019). What is Mechanical Engineering? Retrieved from

https://www.mtu.edu/mechanical/engineering/

Orr, M. K. 1., Lord, S. M. 2., Layton, R. A. 3., & Ohland, M. W. (2014). Student demographics

and outcomes in mechanical engineering in the U.S doi:10.7227/IJMEE.42.1.5

University of Texas' engineering school gets $2-million donation. (2011). ENR: Engineering

News-Record, , 2. Retrieved from http://0-

search.ebscohost.com.lib.utep.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=egs&AN=58732245&site

=ehost-live&scope=site
TOPIC PROPOSAL 6

Wicker, R. B., & Loya, H. I. (2000). A Vision-based Experiment for Mechanical Engineering

Laboratory Courses, 1–9. Retrieved from

http://www.ni.com/pdf/academic/us/journals/ijee_06.pdf

Witherspoon, R. (1999). TOP SCHOOLS: UTEP: The border's technology resource. Hispanic

Engineer and Information Technology, 14(2), 40. Retrieved from http://0-

search.ebscohost.com.lib.utep.edu/login.aspx?direct=true&db=edsjsr&AN=edsjsr.438279

88&site=eds-live&scope=site

Yip, H. (2014). Engineering students participate in international off-road extreme challenge. The

Prospector, , 1. Retrieved

from https://www.theprospectordaily.com/2014/04/22/engineering-students-participate-

in-international-off-road-extreme-challenge/

Criteria A B C D F

Working Defines the topic in Defines the topic, Defines the topic, Defines the but No definition given.
Definition of an exceptional citing at least one citing a tertiary does not cite a
Topic manner, citing two secondary sources. source source.
10 pts. or more secondary
sources.

Comments:
Research Provides 5 Provides 5 Provides 5 Fewer than 5 No research
Questions preliminary preliminary preliminary preliminary questions provided.
10 pts. research questions, research questions, research question. research questions
along with a along with a provided.
discussion of how discussion related
the topic will be to their use.
explored.

Comments:
Conclusion Clearly identifies a Clearly identifies a Identifies a possible Possible connection No connections to
10 pts. strong possible strong possible connection to the to UTEP, though UTEP identified.
connection of the connection to UTEP. not well developed.
topic to UTEP UTEP.
through the use of
sources.

Comments:
TOPIC PROPOSAL 7

Criteria A B C D F

References Includes 10 Includes 10 Mostly tertiary Fewer than 10 No sources present.

10 pts. exceptional sources, which are a sources. sources.
secondary academic mixture of mostly
sources. Mastery of secondary and some
RefWorks evident. tertiary sources.

Comments:
Grammar and No grammar or 1 grammar or style 2-3 grammar or 4 to 5 grammar or 6 or more grammar
Academic style errors. error. style errors. style errors. or style errors.
Style
10 pts.

Comments:

Grade: