UTA engineering grad shapes future with UTARI research

The University of Texas at Arlington offers students both high-caliber classroom instruction and opportunities to gain real-world, hands-on experience.

Connor Berberek, a mechanical engineering major who will graduate Friday during the College of Engineering’s 7 p.m. commencement ceremony at Globe Life Field, took full advantage of UT Arlington’s undergraduate research opportunities by working alongside researchers at UTA’s Research Institute (UTARI) in Fort Worth this spring. There, he helped fabricate and test composite materials—combinations of two or more substances that result in a stronger, more durable material—an experience that enriched his coursework and affirmed his decision to pursue a career in mechanical engineering.

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Berberek is one of many students drawn to UTA for its strong engineering program and emphasis on applied research. The College of Engineering ranks No. 3 in Texas, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 rankings, behind only UT Austin and Texas A&M, and places among the top 40% of engineering schools nationwide.

“My undergraduate research experience helped me learn more about my area of study and gave me the idea of what I want to specialize in after graduating,” Berberek said. “I hope to keep working on composite materials.”

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Berberek spent a few moments to reflect on his time at UTA, his research project at UTARI and what lies ahead:

Where did you grow up, and what did you study at UTA?

I’m graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering. I’m originally from San Antonio and went to Champion High School in nearby Boerne. Coming to UTA meant moving five hours away from home, which gave me a real sense of independence early on. It also gave me a fresh start in a city full of opportunities for aspiring engineers.

How did you get involved with research at UTARI, and what did you work on?

I started at UTARI in January 2024, working as a research assistant. My primary project was focused on ceramic matrix composites, which combine high-temperature ceramics with carbon fiber reinforcement to make materials that are both heat-resistant and strong, ideal for aerospace applications like hypersonic vehicles. The challenge is that ceramics are notoriously brittle and hard to manufacture, so our work was about figuring out how to make them more viable for real-world use.

Were you involved in other research programs at UTA?

Yes, I participated in UTA’s Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program, which introduced me to research in a structured, supportive environment. Later, I attended a summer program where I worked closely with a graduate student mentor. We focused on electrospinning, a process that creates nanoscale fibers in-house instead of using commercially manufactured carbon fiber. It was intense but rewarding, especially because I got to contribute to every process step, from experimentation to presentation.

How did those experiences shape your academic and career goals?

They gave me clarity. Mechanical engineering is a broad field, and while the degree exposes you to a little bit of everything, it can leave you wondering what to specialize in. Doing research helped me figure that out—I realized I love working with composite materials and want to continue in that space. The hands-on learning also helped me connect what I learned in class to the real world. That confidence is tremendous.

What’s next after graduation?

I plan to continue my work at UTARI while pursuing a Ph.D. here at UTA. My mentors have been incredibly supportive, and we’ve mapped out a path that would let me stay on and keep contributing to the same research while advancing my academic credentials. Unless something changes, that’s the plan.