Dr. Ahsan Choudhuri is the Associate Vice President of the Aerospace Center at The University of Texas at El Paso. The Aerospace Center has expanded beyond its initial research focus when Dr. Choudhuri founded it in 2009 as the Center for Space Exploration Technology Research. In partnership with NASA, the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy and many industry partners, this premier, minority-serving research center explores new technologies and challenges in space, aeronautics, defense and energy using digital tools and skills that are transforming the way we design, build and test systems. Under Dr. Choudhuri’s leadership, the Aerospace Center has developed an expansive vision to exponentially expand our nation’s talent-force by unleashing new opportunities for students from every background and every zip code through cutting-edge, applied research in aerospace, defense and energy. Fully embracing UTEP’s commitment to access and excellence, the Aerospace Center has developed a student-centered model that is an engine of social and economic mobility for the students who are hired as research assistants.