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The University of New Mexico

SoE UNITY

School of Engineering Undergrads in the commUNITY

This is the program previously referred to as "EPICS @ UNM."

 

“This internship was my first real experience in a professional environment. I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better introduction...[SoE UNITY] creates great opportunities for students to gain experience they otherwise may not have gotten to gain by doing projects that are intended to help the broader community. It’s great that these projects are mutually beneficial for students and community members, and I hope to see [SoE UNITY] expanded in the years to come!” - Sam Cox

 

"This experience was not just a chance to use what I learned in school but it also helped me comprehend more deeply the crucial part that engineers have in making society better." - Raman Pandey

 

"[SoE UNITY] has been one of the most productive experiences of my Computer Science degree, teaching me not only technical skills but also professional habits that I’ll carry forward. I now appreciate the fact that teamwork, communication, and planning are as critical as programming knowledge."  - Pallav Regmi

 

For Students: this opportunity is available to Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors, as well as Graduate students of ANY MAJOR within the School of Engineering.

For Community Partners: projects with a focus in ANY Engineering and Computing fields are encouraged.

Aim

The University of New Mexico’s School of Engineering launched an EPICS @ UNM program at UNM in the Fall 2020 semester. The program is now SoE UNITY. At the heart of the program, students are given the opportunity to engage with research from the inception of an idea through the execution of the design. This provides them with real-world hands-on experiences which prepare them for their future careers as Engineers and Computer Scientists.

What is the SoE UNITY program?

Download program flyer

Initially, the SoE Engineering Projects In Community Service (EPICS) was based on the nationally award-winning program founded at Purdue University in 1995. As it developed, the SoE UNITY team determined, although many of the aspects overlapped with these other EPICS programs, it was distinct in it's own right. SoE UNITY is an academic program where either individual students or teams of students partner with community organizations to solve real world problems; to implement service-learning design projects to help address human, community, and environmental needs.And, all with a direct and local impact.
 
The deviation of UNM’s program from that of the EPICS program at Purdue University, is a result of adjusting for local culture, student population, and regional needs. The program will utilize both the community partners, and UNM SoE based faculty sponsors. Additionally, the SoE UNITY program will tie closely to Peace Engineering minor, either in concept and aim, or in connection with a Minor study.

 

More information:

  • All options are for School of Engineering Junior and Senior students already admitted into their major (vs pre-majors), as well as graduate students. Students enroll SoE UNITY (prev. EPICS @ UNM; ENG 495: ST: EPICS [UNITY], CRN 56494 [CS499 with the assigned faculty sponsor for CS students]; unless otherwise directed by the program coordinator) for 3 credits for the given semester (~9 - 10 hours per week), rather than a paid position. Projects are open to students of ANY School of Engineering major (with the understanding that projects are Engineering and Computing focused), and students self-select their top engagement options based on Community Partner provided project descriptions.
  • Projects should solve real problems and span the complete design cycle (problem identification, development and conceptual design, detailed design, production, service or maintenance, and retirement, when possible and appropriate). 
  • The main interactions will be between the student and community partner, with support from the course instructor and faculty mentors.

 

 All engagement options are geared towards students already admitted into their major program or who are eligible for upper division courses. For Engineering and Computing students who are earlier in the academic careers, we encourage you to join our Student Research Experience Program.