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Alumni Profile

Julia Holden – Ideas on a Higher Level

One of the many joys of being an engineer is the continuing opportunity to take on, and conquer, new challenges. Julia Holden is one joyous person.

Julia began her pre-engineering studies in 1978 at Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas, before transferring to UT Austin in 1980. Not convinced that chemical engineering was in her future, she took a break from studies to accept sales training and management positions. She excelled. As the youngest female marketing manager for one firm, she directed a team that achieved the company’s six-month sales goals in just six weeks.

The many aspects of industrial engineering caught Julia’s attention after she began service with American Airlines in 1987. She was fortunate to be assigned a variety of duties: Operations Revenue Management, where she forecast passenger loads at multiple major airports; Airport Operations/Passenger Services, where she developed and implemented passenger services such as ticketing and baggage handling; and International Security, where she conducted search and screening techniques and volunteered, in case of a bomb threat, to search an aircraft’s cabin and cargo.

“My love of travel fueled my passion to do anything I could to improve the security of travelers around the world,” Julia said.

While still with American Airlines, Julia renewed her quest for an engineering degree by enrolling in the College of Engineering in 1994, earning a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering in 1999. Her professors were impressed by her tenacity. “Julia was always a very inquisitive student,” said Associate Professor and Associate Chair Dr. Jamie Rogers, P.E. “She dropped by the office quite often for lively discussions that enabled her to more fully understand the practical applications of theories discussed in class.”

While conducting research for a class presentation, Julia became fascinated with a European reclamation process that could revolutionize the auto salvage industry. Instead of salvaging only the “good” portions of an automobile, this process showed the potential of reclaiming more than 95 percent of a vehicle’s parts and materials. She was so intrigued by the process that she went to Europe for a first-hand look. It was enough to convince her that she introduce the process to the U.S. So, in 2003, Julia became founder and president of Auto Evolve, LLC.

“Before the inspiration of this business concept, I had never asked anyone for a million dollars,” Julia admitted. “Now, I have asked for more than that because I know this concept will revolutionize the entire industry. My journey funding Auto Evolve has led me to some very interesting paths.”

While searching for financial backing to enlarge Auto Evolve, Julia was intrigued by Fountain Quail Water Management, a subsidiary of Canada-based Aqua-Pure Ventures. Aqua-Pure had developed a water reclamation process that would benefit the production of natural gas from the Barnett Shale formation. “Here in Texas, water is often a valuable commodity,” said Julia. “Drillers need a dependable supply of water for use in the hydraulic fracturing, or “fraccing,” process that creates fissures in the shale and frees natural gas flow. Our operation reclaims between 85 and 90 percent of frac water from the well site. And that’s no easy task, because each drilling company uses a proprietary mix of additives.”

Fountain Quail currently conducts operations at multiple well sites in North Central Texas. The one Julia was responsible for as plant manager near Rhome was the first to show a consistent profit. She was authorized by the company to do site audits at all plant and monitor environmental controls.

“While I enjoy what I’m doing now, I would still like to take the Auto Evolve idea to a higher level, say nationwide,” Julia mused. “One of these days I’ll get there.”

We asked Julia for her thoughts about UT Arlington, the College of Engineering and Maverick Spirit.

What does it mean to you to be a Maverick and how does this apply to you?
Mavericks challenge the norm. My Maverick lives in my entrepreneur spirit and in my vision to impact every city I can reach.

What do you know about UT Arlington that others may not?
The Math department is among one of the best in the world.

What is your fondest memory of your time on campus?
Graduation. I had family and friends from all over the world attend. I was teased constantly about running across the stage to shake Dr. Liles’ hand. We had a party afterward that lasted 48 hours. Unfortunately, the hotel where my family and friends stayed was hit by lightning that night and burned down; that’s what they remember.

How has the College of Engineering changed since you were a student?
UT Arlington has embraced building an internal culture. The engineering school is focused on the business side of engineering. Industry has embraced research and development as part of the University experience.

What lessons of life have you discovered, before or since then?
Finishing my engineering degree is the greatest accomplishment of my life. It was the hardest thing I have ever done, but has lead to my belief that now I can do anything.

What is most interesting about being an engineer?
I love being able to speak to anyone about whatever is of interest to them. My training as an engineer with lots of life experience I can relate to just about anyone I meet and have an in-depth conversation. I truly value people who want to know more and are willing to go the extra mile to find knowledge. Being an engineer adds a level of confidence to every conversation, whether it is known you are an engineer or not.

What do you want your legacy to be, both professionally and personally?
I would like to continually challenge others to stay out of their comfort zone…..I constantly encourage others to follow their passions and dreams fearlessly. On my journey to eliminate a few junkyards, and save millions of barrels of water, I hope to build the indoor tennis courts for the UT Arlington campus.