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¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ engineering students, all CTIS undergraduate researchers, delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 Asphalt Road-eo Competition, held April 10–11 in Buda, Texas, earning second place and a Top 5 finish among universities from across the state, including The University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M University, and Texas Tech University. The Asphalt Road-eo is a hands-on competition that challenges teams to design and construct innovative asphalt mixtures using the same materials, evaluated through performance tests focused on durability, safety, and innovation.

After months of preparation, experimentation, and refinement, two ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ teams stood out. Team End the Streak earned second place with their project Coffee and Polyester Asphalt, an innovative mix design that explored the use of alternative materials to enhance performance. The team—Paul Alvidrez (Civil Engineering, Spring 2027), Ángel Salinas (Electrical Engineering, Spring 2027), César Arreola (Civil Engineering, Fall 2026), and Sergio Valles (Civil Engineering, Spring 2026)—approached the project with a highly collaborative mindset, working more like a research lab than a traditional team with fixed roles. Preparation involved extensive research, multiple trial mixes, and continuous adjustments to balance the effects of coffee grounds, which absorbed binder, and polyester fibers, which affected stiffness and compaction. What started as an idea turned into a carefully engineered solution through persistence, communication, and hands-on testing. For several team members nearing graduation, this achievement represented more than a competition—it was a defining moment that reflected years of growth, long hours in the lab, and the transition from student to practicing engineer. Each member was awarded a $1,000 USD prize in recognition of their achievement.

Team Pave Force also delivered an impressive performance, securing a Top 5 finish with their project Pecan Shell Fines. The team—Tatiana Téllez (Electrical Engineering), Karime León (Civil Engineering, Spring 2028), Jorge Meléndez (Civil Engineering, Spring 2026), and Fernando Castro (Civil Engineering, Spring 2027)—combined research and experimentation to work with a material that has little existing data in asphalt design. One of their biggest challenges was processing pecan shells into fine particles that met engineering specifications, requiring patience and repeated testing. Responsibilities ranged from material preparation and compaction to performance testing, but the team emphasized that their success came from shared effort and constant collaboration. For students like Jorge, who is approaching graduation, the experience was especially meaningful, offering exposure to a new area of civil engineering beyond his previous focus and reinforcing the value of teamwork and persistence. Even without a podium finish, the experience stood out as a milestone that will carry into their professional careers.

A defining factor in the success of both teams was their interdisciplinary and collaborative approach. By integrating perspectives from civil and electrical engineering, students were able to approach challenges more holistically—combining material design, testing, and performance evaluation with broader problem-solving strategies. This flexibility allowed team members to step outside their comfort zones, learn from one another, and adapt quickly under pressure. Beyond technical skills, the experience emphasized communication, resilience, and the ability to translate theory into real-world application.

More than just a competition, the Asphalt Road-eo provided a moment of reflection for many of the students involved. As several participants prepare to graduate, the experience marked both an achievement and a turning point—proof that they are ready to contribute to the field as engineers. It also highlighted the importance of taking risks, exploring interdisciplinary opportunities, and embracing challenges that go beyond the classroom.

Notably, while several competing universities included graduate and Ph.D. students, ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ’s participants were composed entirely of undergraduate researchers affiliated with CTIS, making their achievements especially significant. The success of both teams highlights the strength of undergraduate research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the impact of hands-on learning within ¶¶Òõ¶ÌÊÓƵ’s engineering community.