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Assayer of Student Opinion.

The Prospector

  • Election day is Nov. 5, 2024.
  • Polls open at 7 a.m.
  • Election day is Nov. 5, 2024.
  • Polls open at 7 a.m.
  • Election day is Nov. 5, 2024.
  • Polls open at 7 a.m.
Assayer of Student Opinion.

The Prospector

Assayer of Student Opinion.

The Prospector

SalmaPaola Baca

SalmaPaola Baca, Photo Editor

SalmaPaola Baca is the photo editor at The Prospector. She is a senior majoring in engineering innovation and leadership with a concentration and minor in civil engineering with an emphasis in computer science. After graduating, she wants to pursue a master’s degree in architecture while simultaneously working on her photography.

All content by SalmaPaola Baca
Crossing the Line: Finding America in the Borderlands by Sarah Towle explores the complex realities of life along the U.S.-Mexico border, highlighting personal stories of migration, resilience, and identity in the region.

[Photo] Hope Border Institute’s election and migration event illuminates deadly immigration policies and community resistance

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter October 28, 2024

Michael DeBruhl, director of Sacred Heart Shelter and former Border Patrol agent, noted that while daily migrant crossings fell from 14,000 to under 400, migrant deaths rose to 175 in fiscal year 2024.

Michael Cosman plays fantasy football because it encourages him to watch more games from teams that aren’t his own.

[Photo] Fantasy football hits hard in reality, how NFL fans pay the price

Alyda Muela, Web Editor October 22, 2024

Michael Cosman, a long-time Eagles fan started playing fantasy football five years ago.

Early voting will take place from Oct. 21 to Nov. 1.

[Photo] Get Ahead of the Game: Make Your Voice Heard with Early Voting

Marco Hinojosa, Audience & Engagement Editor October 17, 2024

Early voting will take place from Oct. 21 to Nov. 1.

Area schools have faced numerous false threats this fall semester.

[Photo] FBI intensifies efforts to combat false school shooting threats amid rising concerns

Marco Hinojosa, Audience & Engagement Editor October 16, 2024

Area schools have faced numerous false threats this fall semester.

Junior Sara Urueta is the Green Fund Chair, leading the campus to a more sustainable environment.

[Photo] UTEP Green Fund in process of creating more sustainable projects, looking for ideas from students

Marco Hinojosa, Audience and Engagement Editor October 11, 2024

UTEP Green Fund greenhouse is located at the Physical Plant Building.

El Paso County propositions total nearly $325 million dollars.

[Photo] El Paso County bond propositions on the 2024 ballot

Sofia Sierra, Sports Editor October 10, 2024

El Paso County propositions total nearly $325 million dollars.

Old Sheepdog Brewery hosts the Presidential debate on Sept. 10.

[Photo] Is El Paso Still Safely Democratic?

Rumi Sevilla, Staff Reporter September 27, 2024

Old Sheepdog Brewery hosts the Presidential debate on Sept. 10.

Banes General Contractors Inc works with El Paso County to renovate the Agua Dulce Skatepark for the community.

[Photo] Renovations coming to Agua Dulce Skatepark and various city parks across El Paso County

Marco Hinojosa, Audience and Engagement Editor September 24, 2024

Banes General Contractors Inc works with El Paso County to renovate the Agua Dulce Skatepark for the community.

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice premiered on September 6, 2024.

[Photo] “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”: A Twisted Revival of the Strange and the Unusual

Rumi Sevilla, Staff Reporter September 23, 2024

Beetlejuice Beetlejuice premiered on September 6, 2024.

Karen Baca believes that students should study what they want and not what their parents want.

[Photo] ‘Follow it and defend it’ The career choices for Hispanic students at UTEP

Avery Escamilla-Wendell, Contributor September 18, 2024

Karen Baca believes that students should study what they want and not what their parents want.

Karen Carrillo is a drum major for the UTEP Marching Miners and part of the UTEP flute choir, wind symphony, and symphony orchestra.

[Photo] Scotty Walden and the Marching Miners help ignite the Miner spirit on campus as football season starts

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter September 17, 2024

Karen Carrillo is a drum major for the UTEP Marching Miners and part of the UTEP flute choir, wind symphony, and symphony orchestra.

Student browses UTEP Handshake to get familiar with the platform.

[Photo] Handshake ‘a success’ according to UTEP Career Center, one year since shift from Job Mine

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Editor-in-Chief September 17, 2024

Student browses UTEP Handshake to get familiar with the platform.

Roman Gomez and Sergio Sanchez representing Phi Delta Theta.

[Photo] ‘Meet the Greeks’ event pathway to lifelong friendships while aiding academic excellence at UTEP

Marco Hinojosa, Audience & Engagement Editor September 16, 2024

Khendra Barton recruiting members for Sigma Gamma Rho.

SalmaPaola Baca is the photo editor for The Prospector.

From Work-Study to Editor

SalmaPaola Baca, Photo Editor September 13, 2024

I never planned to become the Photo Editor of The Prospector, but a passion that sparked in high school unexpectedly guided me here. It all started when I first discovered my love for photography and journalism. I remember the nervous excitement of picking...

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Beach Cowboys playing their set for Battle of the Bands on Sept. 7.

[Photo] 35th annual Minerpalooza marks the end of Miner welcome festivities

Alyda Muela, Web Editor September 12, 2024

Beach Cowboys playing their set for Battle of the Bands on Sept. 7.

Coach Scotty Walden nods, watching the Miners take an early first-quarter lead during the first home game of the season on Sept. 7, 2024.

[Photo] Era of Coach Walden, what the newest UTEP football Head Coach hopes to bring to the program

September 10, 2024

Coach Scotty Walden nods, watching the Miners take an early first-quarter lead during the first home game of the season on Sept. 7, 2024.

Construction site for Texas Western Hall.

[Photo] An update to current, past and future UTEP construction projects.

Marco Hinojosa, Audience and Engagement Editor August 30, 2024

Senior Associate Vice President of Business and Affairs, Guadalupe Valencia shares that both construction projects are on schedule and remaining within budget.

Bud Light partners with UTEP to create the limited edition official beer sponsoring UTEP Athletics.

[Photo] Picks Up? I thought you meant Cans up!: UTEP partners with Bud Light for specialty cans

Sebastian Perez-Navarro, Staff Reporter August 31, 2024

Bud Light partners with UTEP to create the limited edition official beer sponsoring UTEP Athletics.

Movie Party, located at 3803 Frutas Ave., shows classic movies every Friday with free admission.

[Photo] Lights, Coffee, Action; Coffee Party’s Movie Party

Frida Acuna, Arts & Culture Editor July 29, 2024

Movie Party, located at 3803 Frutas Ave., shows classic movies every Friday with free admission.

The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry Lab at UTEP, overseen by Mahesh Narayan.

[Photo] UTEP team leads groundbreaking research in ‘forever chemicals’ found in breast milk formula

Avery Escamilla-Wendell, Contributor/Writer July 23, 2024

Professor Mahesh Narayan and Dr. Afroz Karim showcase their research in nanoplastics.

The Rubin Center invites renowned graphic design and fine arts professionals to jury the exhibition and award prizes in each medium.

[Photo] Glimpsing into the 2024 Annual Juried Student Art Exhibition

Frida Acuna, Arts & Culture Editor July 8, 2024

“Nina” woodworking furniture by Leslie Ulloa-Pollock.

Midfielder Miguel Vásquez receives the pass of the ball.

[Photo] The Borderland welcomes Club America for a historic friendly match

Sofia Sierra, Web Editor June 27, 2024

El Paso police tend to fans entering the field and surrounding Club America athletes.

President Wilson addresses questions after the proposal plan presentation.

[Photo] UTEP plans to ‘uplift’ the Sun Bowl

Nicholas Maes, Sports Editor May 25, 2024

President Wilson addresses questions after the proposal plan presentation.

Alyson graduated on May 11 with her bachelors in multimedia journalism

[Photo] Four years in a flash, thank you Prospy for everything

Alyson Rodriguez, Contributor/Writer May 14, 2024

Alyson graduated on May 11 with her bachelors in multimedia journalism

Eduardo Flores will earn his bachelor's degree in organizational and corporate communication this May.

[Photo] Passing the Pick’s Legacy

Erik Acosta, Editor-in-Chief April 30, 2024

Eduardo Flores will earn his bachelor's degree in organizational and corporate communication this May.

First-generation UTEP student James Rosberg has been navigating UTEP's resources through SSSP as he prepares to graduate this fall.

[Photo] Student Support Services helps students on campus

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter May 1, 2024

Kinley Wanghcuk is a first-generation international student majoring in rehabilitation sciences and a member of the SSSP program.

Gino Ybarra and Michelle Delgado showing off their favorite toys at their Ghost Fox Toy Store.

[Photo] Downtown’s ‘Ghost Fox Toys’ store capture the Sun City

Alyson Rodriguez, Contributor/Writer April 18, 2024

Toys in front window display.

Girl excited to be more than halfway through 3-mile run.

[Photo] The empowering story of Girls Run the 915

Alyson Rodriguez, Contributor/Writer April 17, 2024

Girl excited to be more than halfway through 3-mile run.

Tino Ortega works on upcoming “Amor” mural at 7715 Paseo del Norte Blvd.

‘Inflating Inspiration’: The impact of 3D balloon murals on El Paso’s Community

SalmaPaola Baca, Photographer April 16, 2024

El Paso, Texas, a city steeped in Chicano culture and history, has recently become adorned with vibrant 3D balloon art murals, captivating passersby and residents alike. Among the talented artists behind this unique trend is Albert “Tino” Ortega,...

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Raramuri doll (CE 1980 – 1987) and water jar (CE 1975 – 1977).

[Photo] Dualidad: Embracing the culture

Alyda Muela, Contributor/Writer April 10, 2024

'I Can Not Go Further', hoop dance outfit handmade by Kevin Dakota Duncan in 2017.

Blooming poppies during the Poppies Fest, Mar. 23 at the El Paso Museum of Archeology.

[Photo] Celebrating El Paso’s favorite flower at the 2024 Poppies Festival

Alyson Rodriguez, Contributor/Writer April 5, 2024

Blooming poppies during the Poppies Fest, Mar. 23 at the El Paso Museum of Archeology.

Guest admires “La Familia” tapestry at the Punto de Partida exhibit.

[Photo] Punto de Partida: Sharing the stories of the border through art

Melissa Herrera, Contributor/Writer March 21, 2024

Couple admire paintings of the Punto de Partida exhibit at Centennial Museum.

Matthew Melton playing the guitar.

[Photo] Dream Machine: Psychedelic healing from sounds

Avery Escamilla-Wendell, Arts & Culture Editor March 19, 2024

Matthew Melton playing the guitar.

Prayer wheel found behind Centennial Museum.

Unearthing hidden campus gems

SalmaPaola Baca, Photographer March 12, 2024

Nestled within the heart of El Paso, UTEP stands as a beacon of cultural vibrancy, proudly showcasing Bhutanese culture, beauty, and traditions while celebrating Hispanic culture. From the vivid hues of murals along the Lhakhang temple, to the captivating...

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Beginning in 1963, the men’s basketball team went on a run of NCAA championship appearances.

[Photo] UTEP sports: Building on a legacy

Jorge Guajardo, Staff Reporter March 12, 2024

Beginning in 1963, the men’s basketball team went on a run of NCAA championship appearances.

Hikers admire the view from Mammoth’s Trunk Trail.

[Photo] Peak pursuits: Navigating nature’s trails safely in El Paso

Alyson Rodriguez, Contributor/Writer February 28, 2024

Hikers admire the view from Mammoth’s Trunk Trail.

Junior forward Derick Hamilton attempts a layup.

[Photo] UTEP men’s basketball fights to the end in tough loss against top ranked LA Tech 

Nicholas Maes, Sports Editor February 27, 2024

Junior forward Derick Hamilton attempts a layup.

Little girl admires clownfish at the aquarium.

Jungle Reef touch aquarium unleashes a sea of excitement in El Paso

SalmaPaola Baca, Photographer February 22, 2024

El Paso's groundbreaking interactive aquarium is now one of the newest activities in the borderland. Jungle Reef, developed by the Hepworth brothers is an immersive venture that pledges to captivate and offer visitors engagement with aquatic wonders....

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Junior guard Delma Zita looks to pass the ball.

[Photo] UTEP Women’s basketball fights WKU to the end in triumphant win

H. Catching Marginot, Contributor February 19, 2024

Junior guard Delma Zita looks to pass the ball.

A fluffy furry friend surrounded by Valentine's Day decor brings a wagging tail and heartwarming charm to the holiday season.

Be my ‘fluffy’ Valentine

SalmaPaola Baca, Photographer February 14, 2024

As Valentine’s Day approaches, the focus naturally turns to expressions of love and affection for romantic partners. However, for many, a pet’s unwavering companionship and unconditional love can also holds a special place in  people’s  hearts.     According...

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Junior guard Corey Camper Jr. attempts a shot against NMSU senior guard Femi Odukale.

[Photo] Men’s basketball defeats NMSU Aggies in Battle of I-10 ls

Nicholas Maes, Sports Editor February 13, 2024

Senior guard Tae Hardy attempts a layup against NMSU senior guard Tanahj Pettway.

A Waddle Through Time exhibit at Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens open from Jan 27 through July 27, 2024.

Duck Tales

SalmaPaola Baca, Photographer February 7, 2024

A Waddle Through Time: Ducks, People, and the Conservation Odyssey. With backyard ponds and childhood rhymes, ducks remain a beloved and memorable animal in humans’ lives. Embedded in feathers, woven into history and spread across continents, it is...

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Junior guard Corey Camper attempts a shot against JAX State junior forward Caleb Johnson.

[Photo] UTEP men’s basketball beats out Jax State Gamecocks in first-ever meeting

Emmanuel Rivas Valenzuela, Contributor February 7, 2024

Junior guard Corey Camper attempts a shot against JAX State junior forward Caleb Johnson.

Gypsy Rose was released from Chillicothe Correctional Center in Chillicothe, Missouri, on Dec. 28 and has since grown a large social media platform.

[Photo] Idolized and scandalized: Gypsy Rose Blanchard

Ximena Cordero, Staff Reporter February 2, 2024

Gypsy Rose was released from Chillicothe Correctional Center in Chillicothe, Missouri, on Dec. 28 and has since grown a large social media platform.

Migrants await entry into shelter to escape harsh winter.

[Photo] Where is the empathy? Going inside of El Paso’s homeless culture

Marco Hinojosa, Audience and Engagement Editor January 30, 2024

Migrants await entry into shelter to escape harsh winter.

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SalmaPaola Baca