Her Story
About Patricia
Patricia Nava is a Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), where she has served on the faculty since 1996. With approximately 40 years of experience in electrical and computer engineering and three decades at UTEP, she has built a career encompassing teaching, research, academic administration, and student mentorship. Her leadership experience at UTEP includes serving as Chair/Program Head of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Affairs in the College of Engineering, and Interim Dean of the College of Engineering. She previously held academic positions at New Mexico State University, California State University, Los Angeles, and Northern Arizona University, as well as an engineering position at White Sands Missile Range.
Her academic and research interests include artificial intelligence, digital design, computer architectures for deep learning networks, and decision-support systems. Patricia earned her M.S.E.E. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from New Mexico State University, with a minor in Computer Science as part of her doctoral studies. Throughout her academic career, she has remained committed to preparing future engineers and researchers, mentoring 46 students through the completion of graduate degrees in electrical and computer engineering. Her work in education has been recognized through teaching effectiveness awards, the Regents Award for Teaching Effectiveness, recognition as a distinguished faculty member and teacher at UTEP, and the El Paso Electric Professorship in Engineering Education.
Mentorship and expanding opportunities for women in engineering have been central to Patricia's professional contributions. Following her participation in the ELATE leadership program at Drexel University, she helped establish a Women in Engineering program at UTEP and supported student initiatives for women pursuing engineering careers. She is a lifetime member of IEEE and a member of Phi Kappa Phi, with earlier affiliations including Tau Beta Pi, Eta Kappa Nu, and Blue Key. Beyond her professional work, Patricia maintains a strong connection to the arts, playing both piano and cello and performing with a local orchestra. Her career reflects a sustained commitment to engineering education, technological innovation, mentorship, and creating opportunities for the next generation of engineers.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Patricia
01What do you attribute your success to?
My success is grounded in education, mentorship, continuous learning, and a willingness to develop my ideas independently. One of the most influential factors in my career was the support of my Ph.D. advisor, Dr. Javin Taylor, who gave me the freedom to explore my ideas while serving as an intelligent and encouraging sounding board. His mentorship demonstrated the importance of having someone who believes in your potential and provides both professional and personal support. I have tried to carry that same spirit of mentorship into my own career by supporting and encouraging the students I work with.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
One of the most meaningful lessons I received through mentorship was the value of having the freedom and encouragement to develop my own ideas. My Ph.D. advisor, Dr. Javin Taylor, supported me even though his area of expertise was different from my work in artificial neural networks. His willingness to listen, challenge my thinking, and give me the independence to pursue my ideas had a lasting influence on my career.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering engineering is to recognize that they belong in the field and to pursue opportunities that allow them to grow. Women should seek mentors who will encourage their development, provide honest guidance, and support them through challenges. My own experiences have shown me how meaningful mentorship can be, which is why I have made supporting women in engineering and mentoring students an important part of my career.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Engineering and higher education continue to evolve rapidly, particularly with advances in artificial intelligence, deep learning, digital design, and computer architecture. These developments create significant opportunities for research, innovation, and preparing students for emerging technologies. At the same time, there remains an important challenge in encouraging more women to enter and remain in engineering and other technical disciplines. Creating supportive educational environments, strengthening mentorship, and demonstrating that women have an important place in engineering are areas where continued progress is needed.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Mentorship, intellectual curiosity, independence, education, and supporting others are important values in my professional life. I believe in creating opportunities for students to develop their abilities and encouraging people to recognize their own potential. I also value perseverance and the importance of providing meaningful support to others, both professionally and personally. These values have shaped my approach to teaching, research, leadership, and mentoring throughout my career.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.