The Department of Multidisciplinary Engineering welcomes Dr. Mario Medina '87, '88, and '92 as the new program director for the Architectural Engineering (AREN) program at Texas A&M University.
"Dr. Medina is the best fit for our architectural engineering program," said Dr. Timothy Jacobs, department head of multidisciplinary engineering. "He brings decades of academic and leadership experience that will enable us to develop a world-class program. His collegial and 'can do' persona are the perfect combination for the AREN program's goal of nurturing technically capable and sophisticated engineers for the future of the built environment."
Jacobs said he admires Medina's excitement when working with students.
"Like many of his colleagues at Texas A&M who truly embody the educator spirit, he embraces every opportunity to engage with students and generate a genuine excitement for their field of study and future career,” Jacobs said.
Medina was previously a faculty member and associate department chair in the Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering Department at the University of Kansas He also served as the associate dean for academic affairs for the School of Engineering, where he oversaw recruitment and outreach, admissions, academic services, graduation and career services for engineering undergraduate and graduate students.
Medina holds a bachelor's and master's in mechanical engineering from Texas A&M University-Kingsville and a doctorate in mechanical engineering with a specialization in building energy systems from Texas A&M. A licensed professional engineer, his field of research and teaching falls within architectural engineering.
In addition to his program director role, Medina will teach courses on architectural engineering systems, thermal analysis of buildings, building energy efficiency and building emerging technologies.
Reflecting on his career, Medina is proudest to lead the architectural program here in Aggieland.
"Texas A&M holds an exceptional place among universities around the world," he said. "Its reputation for teaching, discoveries and preparing new professionals to join the workforce is considered world-class. To be a member of such a distinguished group of accomplished faculty brings me a genuine sense of pride. You feel you are in great company."
The Importance of Architectural Engineering
The College of Engineering established the AREN program in 2019 to equip Aggies to design, engineer and build the future.
Architectural engineering is the discipline that uses engineering principles for the planning, analysis, design, construction, operation and maintenance of building-engineered systems.
The AREN program offers a Bachelor of Science in architectural engineering to prepare students to effectively design building systems (mechanical, structural, electrical and lighting) and construction management.
This interdisciplinary degree teaches engineers to seamlessly integrate these systems, providing creative solutions to modern and emerging challenges. Accredited by ABET in 2023, the degree offers two concentration tracks: mechanical building systems and structural building systems.
Medina advises interdisciplinary engineering students in the AREN program to take every course seriously.
"Even when you think the course will not be useful later in your career—believe me, it will," he said. "The engineering curricula have evolved for hundreds of years. Much like a symphony, where each note exists for a specific reason, every course in our engineering curriculum has a purpose."
A Vision for the Future
Dr. David Claridge, a professor in the J. Mike Walker '66 Department of Mechanical Engineering, served as the AREN program interim director from 2019 to April 2023.
"I am delighted that Dr. Medina has joined Texas A&M to lead our AREN program," he said. "He has the perfect background for this position, having been an architectural engineering faculty member for 25 years in one of the original five AREN programs in the country. His experience directing that program and his time as an associate dean is invaluable. On top of that, he is an Aggie! What more could we ask for?"
Filza Walters, a professor of practice in the architectural engineering program, is thrilled by Medina's arrival during a pivotal time of growth in the program's development.
"As colleagues for many years, I have had the chance to work with Dr. Medina through the Architectural Engineering Institute (AEI)," she said. "He has a great passion for our profession, students and the university. I am confident his experience, engineering leadership, research interests and vision are just what the program needs. It's great to have him back home at Texas A&M, his alma mater!"