John Sharp, chancellor of The Texas A&M University System, made his first official visit to the Texas Engineering Experiment Station (TEES) April 24.
The chancellor spent the afternoon learning about TEES’ mission to serve the citizens of Texas through engineering and technology research and education, as well as taking part in hands-on demonstrations of engineering research technologies (including TCAT’s DREAMS Ambulance, pictured right).
Dr. M. Katherine Banks, vice chancellor and dean of engineering and director of TEES, provided the chancellor an overview of the nearly 100-year-old state agency.
"TEES fills a unique role for The Texas A&M University System," Banks said, "one that is complementary to higher education by facilitating engineering and technology-oriented research and development through its laboratories, research capabilities and support of industry and workforce development across the state."
Sharp learned how TEES partners with the universities and agencies of the A&M System to establish unique engineering labs and research; enhance engineering research capacity and workforce development statewide; and support and assist the technology industry in creating the workforce of the future by developing academic and outreach programs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
Sharp heard from several TEES research engineers representing biomedical, computer science and engineering, and industrial and systems engineering divisions within the agency.
"TEES has been fulfilling its land-grant mission in the State of Texas since 1914," Banks said. "Engineering and technology needs in Texas have changed significantly since then, and so has TEES. As we look to a rapidly changing, technology-driven world, TEES is more relevant now, than ever before in its century of service."
About the Texas Engineering Experiment Station (TEES)
As an engineering research agency of Texas, TEES conducts research to provide practical answers to critical state and national needs. TEES partners with academic institutions, governmental agencies, industries, and communities to solve problems to help improve the quality of life, promote economic development, and enhance the educational systems of Texas.