Message from the Chair
Welcome to the Department of Manufacturing and Industrial Engineering at UTRGV. At the undergraduate level our department offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Manufacturing Engineering. At the graduate level we offer Master of Science degrees in Manufacturing Engineering and a Master of Science in Engineering Management.
Manufacturing Engineering is a multi-disciplinary field containing important elements of industrial, computer, AI, data, mechanical and management engineering. Manufacturing engineers design and improve systems of people and equipment, especially those smart machines such as Robots using tools such as Industry 4.0, AI and Machine Learning, to provide a better service or manufacture a product. Our graduates work in organizations in the manufacturing, government, financial, health, logistics industries.
Human history is largely determined by how we develop tools to make products and to create wealth, that is manufacturing! Since the Industry Revolution, manufacturing has been the foundation of any global powers; it is the driver of US Research and Innovation, 90% of ALL US Patents coming from Manufacturing; it is the hiring engine and source of growth and opportunities, more than two-thirds of scientists and engineers working in manufacturing. Now, across the nation, there is a strong and monumental movement to strengthen domestic manufacturing and to build resilient domestic supply chains, which are fundamental to our national security and economic prosperity. On February 24, 2021, President Biden signed Executive Order 14017 to secure America’s critical supply chains. “The United States needs resilient, diverse, and secure supply chains to ensure our economic prosperity and national security. Pandemics, … cyber-attacks, climate shocks and extreme weather events, terrorist attacks, geopolitical and economic competition, and other conditions can reduce critical manufacturing capacity and the availability and integrity of critical goods, products, and services. Resilient American supply chains will revitalize and rebuild domestic manufacturing capacity, maintain America’s competitive edge in research and development, and create well-paying jobs … a world-class American manufacturing base and workforce ...”
The road to world-class manufacturing base requires strategically restructured research, education, and workforce development programs, through which we prepare world-class engineers who are acquainted with skills needed to operate, design, develop, and manage the advanced manufacturing processes and systems. For examples, U.S. firms such as Lockheed Martin’s electronic assembly plant in Lufkin TX, are gaining a competitive advantage by investing in Smart Manufacturing, also known as Industry 4.0, which uses AI, Internet of Things, and Data Analytic to coordinate physical and digital processes both in factories and across supply chains to optimize operations. A survey of C-suite executives revealed that 60 percent say digital transformation will be their most critical growth driver in 2022. These “smart, cyber” opportunities can increase competitiveness to enable more manufacturing reshoring and lead us close to the goal of world-class US manufacturing base. U.S. firms could further close the cost gap with low-cost countries by implementing delivery-improving tools, such as lean manufacturing, automation, robotic manufacturing, additive manufacturing, and quick response manufacturing (QRM).
As one of only two Manufacturing Engineering Programs in Texas, UTRGV has a unique position in rebuilding the world-class American manufacturing base and workforce. UTRGV’s manufacturing excellence has been built upon our nationally recognized programs devoted to engineering research and education. UTRGV has been successful in obtaining funding to support manufacturing research with the following large grants awarded (a total of $17 million currently funded projects):
- Additive Manufacturing and Smart Manufacturing for the Defense: DoD I-DREAM4D, ($4 million, ONR, 2019). Through this program, we build a strong national reputation in research, education and exposure of defense manufacturing, focusing on Additive, Convergent and Transformative Manufacturing for Defense Systems. We developed a strong partnership with Army, Navy and Defense Labs/contractors (CRADA with ARL, ABS, and Honeywell)
- Additive Manufacturing for Renewable Energy, ($4 million DOE/NNSA, 2021). Through this project, we lead on a consortium effort to develop renewable energy technologies leveraging Additive Manufacturing. We collaborate with ORNL and LANL and two Research Institutions (University of Arizona, UTSA)
- AI for Rapid Qualification of Metal AM, (NIST, $1 million, 2021). This project brings a team effort to develop rapid qualification of metal AM for Navy and Marine structures. AI, Simulation and Machine Learning based method are being explored by a team of researchers from UTRGV, UT Austin, Virginia Tech and Penn State University.
- Industry 4.0 for Manufacturing Reshoring, Department of Commerce EDA. This grant lays down a foundation of partnership with FUMEC (United Sate Mexico Foundation of Science) to bring Industry 4.0 to manufacturers at the US-Mexico Border region.
- Cyber-Physical System for Cyber Manufacturing, NSF, $5 million, 2021
Our department will provide you with excellent opportunities to participate in challenging research projects at the undergraduate and graduate levels. This research experience will complement and strengthen your educational experience. The department laboratories are equipped with the-state-of-the-art equipment that will give you a hands-on learning experience.
Enrolling in Manufacturing Engineering at UTRGV can be your first step towards a very fulfilling career. I encourage you to apply for admission into our Bachelors or Masters programs. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions regarding the various aspects of our department or careers in Manufacturing Engineering.
Sincerely,
Jianzhi (James) Li, Professor and Interim Chair