Jaime Cantu, Ph.D.

Service Learning Course(s):

• Project Management (IE 4340)

“Service Learning is important because at the macro level, it will not just give back to UTA but to the Metroplex."

Dr. Jaime Cantu became interested in service learning when he considered how he could apply his knowledge of engineering to the nonprofit sector. This curiosity has led Dr. Cantu to partner with the Tarrant Area Food Bank, where his project management class helps improve logistics and processes in order to increase efficiency.

Dr. Cantu is a firm believer in service learning and strongly believes that there is more to being an engineer than working with industry. Dr. Cantu sees Industrial engineering and service learning as a perfect match as almost all community partners deal with the logistics of people and processes. His favorite part of being in the Faculty Fellows Program is the Partner Breakfast, which gives him the opportunity to meet and mingle with a diverse range of community partners.

Dr. Cantu advises those looking to make their community better to take the toolsets they’ve acquired and apply them directly to the community. He advises faculty looking to implement service learning into their coursework to join the Fellowship, as they will undoubtedly get a lot of ideas by meeting with people who are implementing service learning in a variety of different ways.