Student Denise Zepeda has always wanted to work in a lab. At Lamar University, she managed to do just that and more. “I soon realised that chemical engineering is much more than just lab work,” she shares. “It’s a field that combines science and math to solve real-world problems and create useful products.”

Through Lamar’s hands-on programme, Zepeda built a solid academic foundation, complemented by unique experiential learning opportunities. The unit operations lab, where she now serves as a teaching assistant, has been particularly impactful.

Her research has also stretched beyond traditional boundaries. Working alongside faculty, she explored the application of augmented reality (AR) in refineries to assist operators in emergencies. This interdisciplinary project broadened her technical skills and reinforced the importance of creativity and innovation in engineering. She credits her advisor, Dr. Henry, with inspiring her to push these boundaries.

Beyond campus labs, Zepeda’s internship at BASF, secured through Lamar’s engineering career fair, gave her firsthand experience in a fast-paced industrial environment. Through this opportunity, she sharpened her project management abilities and developed a practical understanding of the chemical engineering profession.

“It helped me visualise and apply the concepts I learned in my junior engineering courses. This practical approach allowed me to understand complex processes better and reinforced my learning,” she says.