Federal, industry leaders convene at UTRGV for National Manufacturing Expo

By Maria Gonzalez

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS – MAY 29, 2026 – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (IAM) hosted the 2026 National Manufacturing Exhibition & Expo this spring, bringing together federal officials, national laboratory leaders, industry partners and regional stakeholders for two days focused on advanced manufacturing, energy strategy and workforce development.

More than 500 participants attended events held across the Brownsville and Edinburg campuses on March 26-27. The event opened in Brownsville with a symposium centered on autonomous manufacturing, future mobility and energy systems. Representatives from the U.S. Department of Energy joined leaders from national laboratories and industry to examine nuclear energy, artificial intelligence and digital transformation in manufacturing.

Speakers and panelists included Robert Wagner, associate laboratory director at Oak Ridge National Laboratory; Dr. Joseph Dumont and Tommy Rockward, scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory; Dr. Ilias Belharouak, head of electrification at Oak Ridge; Dr. Bruce Gnade, professor of materials science at The University of Texas at Dallas; and Thomas Kurfess, chief manufacturing officer at the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Additional participants included Dr. Michael Bakas, lead at Army Research Laboratory South; Dr. Cindy Waters, senior science and technology manager at NSWC Carderock; Andres A. Bujanda, research engineer at Army Research Laboratory; and Fabian Alefeld of EOS North America.

Roundtable discussions followed, addressing workforce development needs in South Texas, readiness for AI-driven manufacturing systems, business incubation strategies and the regional implications of critical minerals and rare earth production.

Dr. Jianzhi Li, professor of manufacturing engineering and director of the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, presents during the 2026 National Manufacturing Exhibition & Expo. (UTRGV Photo by José Cortez)

Participants also toured the Port of Brownsville and SpaceX facilities, reinforcing the region’s growing role in manufacturing and energy development.

“This event reflects the role UTRGV plays in advancing research, strengthening industry collaboration, and preparing the next generation of engineers and innovators,” said Dr. Can Saygin, senior vice president for research and dean of the Graduate College. “Bringing federal leaders, industry partners, faculty and students together with local and regional leadership strengthens our research enterprise, builds sustainable workforce development capability, and leads to economic impact across the region.”

The expo continued on the Edinburg Campus with a focus on student engagement and industry exposure. About 200 middle and high school students from across the Rio Grane Valley participated in hands-on activities and facility tours at the Engineering Building and the Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility.

Participating schools included:

• Veterans Memorial High School.
• La Joya High School.
• McAllen High School.
• Rio Grande City High School.
• Palmview High School.
• Vernon Middle School.
• Memorial Middle School in Harlingen CISD.
• Vela Middle School in Harlingen CISD.

The expo’s focus on student participation aligned with broader efforts to connect education with industry and research opportunities.

“Manufacturing and energy systems are evolving rapidly,” said Dr. Jianzhi Li, professor of manufacturing engineering and IAM director. “By connecting national laboratories, industry leaders and students in one forum, we are building a coordinated strategy that supports workforce readiness and long-term economic growth in South Texas.”

Monserrat Benitez, a student at Rio Grande City High School, and Patsy Ramos, GEAR UP facilitator at Rio Grande City High School, pose inside the Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility during the 2026 National Manufacturing Exhibition & Expo at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. (UTRGV Photo by Kenneth Durán)

Students attending the expo said the experience provided clearer insight into careers in manufacturing and engineering.

“What I enjoyed most about the manufacturing expo was the engagement,” said Monserrat Benitez, a student at Rio Grande City High School. “The Jenga game that paired humans with robots, and the gallery walk introduced me to local manufacturing companies.”

She said the experience changed how she views manufacturing, showing how employees can gain experience and grow within a company across different fields. “I was especially interested in how engineering is used in the medical field, such as 3D-printed hearts for surgical practice,” Benitez added.

Teachers and program facilitators said the event helped connect classroom learning with real-world applications and career opportunities.

“Hearing from guest speakers and a recent college student was especially impactful for our students,” said Patsy Ramos, GEAR UP facilitator at Rio Grande City High School. “Their experience and insights highlighted the importance of developing adaptable skills and creating a five-year plan for those interested in a STEM career.”

She said the expo also helped students better understand the range of opportunities within the field.

“Students were able to see that manufacturing is not limited to one type of job, but includes many different pathways, from engineering and design to technology, robotics and skilled trades,” Ramos said. “This exposure helped broaden their understanding and showed them there are multiple entry points depending on their interests and strengths.”

Ramos said opportunities like the expo are important for students in the Rio Grande Valley. 

“Opportunities like this help students explore the many career pathways available to them while learning the importance of adaptable skills,” she said. “They also heard valuable advice to create a five-year plan if they want to pursue a STEM career, helping them set goals and envision a future full of possibilities.”