Laredo Public Health Partners with TAMIU Software Engineering Students to Enhance Community Services
This Spring 2025 Semester, the Laredo Public Health Department has launched an innovative partnership with Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) software engineering students to develop digital solutions that enhance public health services.
This collaboration provides students with real-world experience while equipping the department with modernized tools to streamline operations and improve community engagement.
Each project will leverage existing technology, such as ArcGIS Online, SharePoint, and data analytics tools, to ensure efficiency and sustainability. The collaboration emphasizes user-friendly solutions, automation, and scalability to meet the evolving needs of public health in Laredo.
By working closely with public health professionals, software engineering students will gain hands-on experience developing impactful solutions that contribute to community well-being. Upon completion, the systems will be integrated into the department’s digital infrastructure, ensuring long-term accessibility and minimal maintenance.
Laredo Public Health Assistant Director Erika Martínez noted the partnership underscores the multidisciplinary nature of public health.
“As we continue to elevate our academic public health designation, this cross-sector partnership highlights the multidisciplinary nature of public health. Our collaboration with TAMIU empowers future software engineers to develop innovative solutions that address community health challenges. By integrating technology with public health, we not only strengthen our infrastructure but also provide students with real-world opportunities to serve their community,” Martínez shared.
This initiative represents a significant step in bridging technology and public health, reinforcing the Laredo Public Health Department’s commitment to innovation and service excellence.
TAMIU’S Dr. Mustafa Al Lail, TAMIU School of Engineering associate professor, said the initiative brings theory to life for his students, as they will tackle actual software development.
“Teaming up with the Laredo Public Health Department on hands-on software engineering projects presents an incredible and transformative learning experience for my students! This collaboration brings theory to life, allowing them to dive into real-world software development scenarios. Not only do they get to enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, but they also learn the importance of teamwork while making a positive impact in our community. Tackling actual software development challenges empowers students to gain a rich understanding of best practices and build an impressive portfolio that will grab the attention of future employers. Ever since I joined TAMIU in 2018, I've been eager to create this exciting opportunity for my students—a chance to truly shine and make a difference!, ” Dr. Al Lail said.
The partnership also integrates the core of the University’s new Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP), explained Cihtlalli Perez, TAMIU QEP director.
This partnership with the City of Laredo Health Department provides our students with an amazing learning opportunity with a lasting impact on their academic experience. They’ll learn about the importance of interdisciplinary work alongside dedicated health professionals. I’m especially proud as this initiative integrates the core of TAMIU’s upcoming Quality Enhancement Plan, LEARN, which focuses on experiential learning. Through experiential learning opportunities like this initiative, students actively apply their knowledge and skills and reflect on these unique experiences, deepening and enhancing their academic experience at TAMIU,” Perez said.
For more information please contact the Laredo Public Health Information office at japerez@ci.laredo.tx.us
To learn more about TAMIU’s School of Engineering, call 956.326.2446 or visit offices in the Lamar Bruni Vergara Science Center, room 312. Information is online at https://www.tamiu.edu/coas/soen/index.shtml.
More of the University’s story is at tamiu.edu and on TAMIU’s social channels: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.
Working Together: TAMIU and Laredo Public Health Department
Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) students, faculty, and administrators join with Laredo Public Health Department representatives to celebrate the launch of an innovative partnership that will see TAMIU software engineering students develop digital solutions with Laredo Public Health Department public health professionals to enhance public health services.
