Dr. Edelmiro Escamilla is an Associate Instructional Professor at Texas A&M University's Construction Science Department and Program Coordinator for the Construction Science program at the Texas A&M University Higher Education Center at McAllen. He's a first generation college graduate and holds degrees in Drafting and Design, Architecture, and a Ph.D. in Architecture, all from Texas A&M University. With eleven years of architectural design and project management experience, he's also the creator and Director of the Construction Academies, focusing on increasing participation in the construction industry. Dr. Escamilla's research includes fifteen peer-reviewed articles and nine conference proceedings, contributing to student success and community engagement.