Faculty Mentor of the Week Mariantonieta Gutierrez Soto College of Engineering, Civil Engineering
Dr. Mariantonieta Gutierrez Soto is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering. Her field of specialization is Structural Engineering. Dr. Gutierrez Soto is also the director of the Multidisciplinary Smart Structures Knowledge Research Lab at the University of Kentucky. Her specific research interests include sustainable and humanitarian engineering, smart structures, multi-hazard resilience, vibration control, game theory, and green engineering to name a few.
While this is her first year at UK, Dr. Gutierrez Soto has already mentored five undergraduate students and two graduate students. When asked about her role as a research mentor, she explained, "I find it rewarding to be a mentor, because I had great mentors in my life that influenced the person I am today. Working with my mentees opened new avenues and viewpoints to solve an interesting problem. We are working together to make a difference in protecting structures from natural disasters." When looking for an undergraduate research mentee, Dr. Gutierrez Soto looks for "an undergraduate that is self-motivated. Someone that not only has the drive to carry on the tasks at hand, but also comes to the meetings with creative new ideas to take the project to the next level."
Dr. Mariantonieta Gutierrez Soto values research and supports the undergraduate research experience at UK. When asked about the value of an undergraduate student engaging in research, she replied, "Research experience is one way to learn more about oneself and see the adventure that lies in the unknown. Research can be challenging and is supposed to be, because you are in the path of creating new knowledge; no matter how small, you are contributing and impacting the field."
Thank you Dr. Gutierrez Soto for your continued support and encouragement of undergraduate research. Your dedication makes a profound difference to students at the University of Kentucky. We are pleased to recognize you as this week's research Faculty Mentor of the Week.
Dr. Mariantonieta Gutierrez Soto - College of Engineering, Civil Engineering