Category Archives: Technology

STC Introduces Cutting-Edge Resources in Solar Energy

Students begin to dismantle STC’s new solar panels they installed during the semester on a simulated roof structure built at the college’s Technology Campus. (photo STC)

South Texas College Electrician Technology students are the first in the Valley to use to utilize a newly completed composite-shingled roof structure to simulate real-world residential solar panel installations. Built last summer at STC’s Technology Campus, the simulated roof structure enables students to utilize a new solar grid system that provides the same experience as working on an actual solar roof installation at residential job sites. The structure and equipment…

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UTRGV Researcher Warns Against Excessive Smartphone Use

Dr. Murad Moqbel, assistant professor in the UTRGV Department of Information Systems

Smartphones have evolved into all-in-one devices, replacing calendars, navigation systems, music players and entertainment consoles. But UTRGV’s Dr. Murad Moqbel warns there can be harmful effects as excessive smartphone use becomes normalized. “The first thing many people do when they wake up is get on their phone, and they’re on it until the last moment that they go to bed,” said Moqbel, assistant professor in the UTRGV Department of Information Systems. “Excessive, or…

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Wind Energy Gives Students New Challenges

Dolores Delgado has left behind being a dental assistant for new opportunities in the wind energy industry.

Andrew Garza spent over a decade in the fast-food industry, rising to management positions at Chick-fil-A and Pizza Hut. He enjoys working in teams and helping to lead them. Garza figured there was another industry where his experience would prove valuable. “The green energy field is growing, here in the Valley and around the world,” Garza said. “I see really good opportunities in wind energy technology. Hopefully, at some point,…

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SpaceX Aims For Launch Amid Reviews

Eighty percent of Starbase’s workforce at Boca Chica Beach are Rio Grande Valley natives. (Courtesy)

SpaceX has completed a months-long process it says shows compliance with federal requirements that would authorize the second launch of the Starship rocket. The nearly 400-foot rocket currently sits on its launch pad on the shores of Boca Chica Beach. The initial Starship launch occurred on April 20. The rocket, which is described as the largest and most powerful ever built, got off the ground in spectacular fashion. Thousands of…

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SpaceX Readies Starship For Second Launch

Starship lifts off on April 20 before disintegrating over the Gulf of Mexico. (Courtesy)

SpaceX‘s Starship rocket is ready for its second launch, awaiting federal approvals, and eager to improve over an April launch that successfully lifted off but disintegrated over the Gulf of Mexico four minutes into flight. Kathryn Lueders, the new executive general manager at Starbase on Boca Chica Beach, gave that assessment on Thursday at an event hosted by the South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce at the Holiday Inn Resort.…

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STC Receives Millions To Break Digital Barriers

South Texas College, with funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce Connecting Minority Communities Pilot Program and awarded by U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar, received a $2.8 million National Institute of Standards and Technology grant to increase digital capabilities for its students. “Thanks to this grant and Henry Cuellar, it is possible for South Texas College to continue upgrading and transforming the college to be in the 21st century in terms…

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Platform Seeks To Boost Dialogue On Issues

William Steele, Jorge Valenzuela and Jack Sawyer are collaborating on a startup company in Brownsville that seeks to connect citizens to their elected officials.

William Steele imagined a better way of communication beyond the chatter and noise of social media that vents anger but leads nowhere when it comes to solutions and collaboration. He began to form the outlines of a civic media platform that could link citizens to their elected officials in discussing and analyzing issues. Steele’s wishes soared with ambition and with an idealism he wanted to apply to a new kind…

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TSC Cybersecurity Program Begins in Spring

cybersecurity

To fill a gap in cybersecurity and promote the importance of cyber safety, Texas Southmost College will introduce a new Cybersecurity program in spring 2022.  “We are excited to kick off this program,” said Murad Abusalim, TSC dean of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. “This program will produce graduates highly sought after by industry. Job opportunities in this field are numerous and the demand for cybersecurity professionals will only continue…

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VTX1 Expands Service With Acquisition

VTX1

VTX1 Companies has acquired TISD Inc., a wireless internet service provider headquartered in Victoria, Texas. TISD’s service area consists of more than 3,000  square miles with a subscriber base of 9,900 customers. The acquisition increases VTX1’s existing subscriber count to approximately 34,000 subscribers in the South Texas Region. This elevates them to become one of the largest independently-owned internet service providers in Texas.  “TISD is happy and excited to be…

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SWG Engineering Goes Solar

SWG Engineering aerial view

SWG Engineering held a grand opening Sept. 30 for its new solar-powered office building off International Boulevard in Weslaco. The engineering firm specializes in innovating municipal infrastructures. On hand to help celebrate were representatives from the Weslaco Chamber of Commerce, Valley Baptist Micro Hospital, Frost Bank and Smith Security & Fire. Daniel Montez, campus administrator of South Texas College Mid-Valley, attended the event due to his interest in learning more…

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