SalmaPaola Baca

SalmaPaola Baca, Staff Photographer

SalmaPaola Baca is a staff photographer at The Prospector. She is a senior majoring in engineering innovation and leadership with a concentration in civil engineering, minor in structural engineering, and 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

[Photo] Cafecito en Socorro: CoCol dedicate their love to family and delicious recipes

Jesie Garcia, Arts & Culture Editor • July 10, 2025

Cocol’s success skyrocketed past Carlos’ initial expectation and is commonly hustling and bustling for brunch hours, especially on weekends.

[Photo] Heart on the head, grad caps tell a story

Jesie Garcia, Staff Reporter • May 17, 2025

A UTEP graduate holds up a custom cap honoring loved ones, highlighting the tradition of personalized messages at graduation.

How Bhutanese architecture shapes UTEP’s identity

SalmaPaola Baca, Staff Photographer • May 17, 2025

UTEP’s campus stands alone with its century-old Bhutanese architecture. The university’s unique design blends tradition, identity, and desert landscape into a living cultural landmark from its earliest buildings to the Lhakhang temple.

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Engineered to capture moments

SalmaPaola Baca, Staff Photographer • May 15, 2025

After three years of balancing engineering and photography at The Prospector, I found more than just experience behind the lens. I found a community, a purpose and a voice I never expected to discover.

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[Photo] UTEP football shows out in Spring Game

Cameron Mason, Contributor/Writer • May 2, 2025

A blue team running back races toward the sideline while defenders close in during UTEP's 2025 Spring Game.

[Photo] UTEP’s Top 10 Seniors and their undying ambition

Jesie Garcia, Staff Reporter • April 30, 2025

Alexa Carranco, a Chicano studies major from the College of Liberal Arts, is recognized as a Top Ten Senior at UTEP for her academic excellence and leadership.

[Photo] From the Himalayas to the high desert Bhutan’s presence at UTEP

Jazmine I Gracia, Contributor/Writer • April 30, 2025

Students and visitors explore the Lhakhang’s vivid murals and architecture, drawing connections between Bhutanese heritage and UTEP’s identity.

[Photo] Redefining pachuco, introducing estrellito

Alyda Muela, Arts & Culture Editor • April 21, 2025

With rings passed down through the family and collected over time, Medina uses fashion as storytelling.

[Photo] Thrift store culture in the midst of fast fashion

Jazmine I Gracia, Contributor/Writer • April 16, 2025

Amaris Juarez peers through layers of thrifted clothes, portraying the challenge of finding authenticity in thrift stores in the age of fast fashion.

[Photo] Good Girl Romance; a sanctuary for love, literature and connection in El Paso

Jazmine I Gracia, Contributor/Writer • April 16, 2025

The architectural identity of El Paso

SalmaPaola Baca, Staff Photographer • April 14, 2025

El Paso's downtown city line reflects a rich architectural legacy shaped by Henry Trost. As historic buildings face neglect or demolition, local architects and residents push to preserve the city's identity through its fading landmarks.

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[Photo] Sun Bowl Association hosts El Paso’s first divisional pickleball tournament

Joseph Ezekiel Montero, Staff Reporter • April 14, 2025

A player leaps to smash the ball during a mixed doubles match at El Paso’s first divisional pickleball tournament.

[Photo] Spirit and thrill: UTEP Cheer’s role in bringing the Miners to victory

Leah Austin, Staff Reporter • April 7, 2025

Members of the UTEP Cheer team practice stunts during a cheerleading session, training year-round.

Are internships really necessary in college?

SalmaPaola Baca, Staff Photographer • April 7, 2025

Internships have become an unofficial requirement for success in today’s job market. At the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP), students are encouraged, if not pressured, to complete one before graduation. While internships can provide career advantages, they are not always accessible, effective or necessary for every major.

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[Photo] To speak your intelligence or forever hold your peace

Jazmine I Gracia, Contributor/Writer • April 2, 2025

Robert Delgadillo, a graduate student and high school teacher, reflects on the transition from undergraduate to graduate studies and the evolving expectations of academic discourse.

[Photo] History of UTEP as a leading Hispanic-serving institution

Leah Austin, Staff Reporter • April 2, 2025

UTEP stands as one of the largest Hispanic-Serving Institutions in the U.S., dedicated to student success and inclusivity.

[Photo] Advice to student from educators who once walked the UTEP campus

Joseph Ezekiel Montero, Staff Reporter • April 2, 2025

Victor Sanchez is a master’s student in business administration currently serving as a teaching assistant in political science.

[Photo] Cafecito en Socorro: Cafecito, Bodega Loya, and their contribution to sweet drinks and local artists

Jesie Garcia, Staff Reporter • March 31, 2025

Marty Loya and Rebecca Ruiz serve customers at Cafecito’s handcrafted coffee bar, located in a repurposed family home that now supports local artists and vendors.

[Photo] Cafecito en Socorro: Owners of Café Piro pass on the legacy of the Piro tribe through food and culture

Jesie Garcia, Staff Reporter • March 19, 2025

The warm and inviting interior of Café Piro reflects the owners' appreciation for indigenous culture, local art and a cozy atmosphere.

[Photo] Celebrating women across the borderland

Avery Escamilla-Wendell, Editor-in-Chief • March 5, 2025

Claudia Rivers, a dedicated archivist, continues her mission to document and preserve the rich history of the borderland for future generations.

[Photo] UTEP outlines response to potential ICE raids on campus

Vianah Vasquez, Contributor/Writer • March 5, 2025

Federal immigration agents have expanded patrols near the U.S.-Mexico border, including areas surrounding UTEP.

[Photo] ‘Monomyth’ using common adversity to create an impactful performance

Jesie Garcia, Staff Reporter • February 26, 2025

A performer reaches out as her fellow dancers hold her back in a scene from "Monomyth", illustrating the struggle between resistance and perseverance.

[Photo] UTEP swats away FIU Panthers for the Win

H. Catching Marginot, Contributor/Writer • February 21, 2025

Senior forward Derick Hamilton attempts to dunk the ball. Hamilton shot a total of 8 points against FIU.

[Photo] Paying kindness forward through the Women’s Volunteer Organization

Jesie Garcia, Staff Reporter • February 19, 2025

An instructor leads participants in a pilates class during the Women’s Volunteer Organization event on Feb. 8.

Tradition of asking, ‘Will you be my Valentine?’

SalmaPaola Baca, Staff Photographer • February 13, 2025

Should couples still ask, “Will you be my Valentine?” Absolutely. This small yet meaningful tradition keeps romance alive, strengthens bonds and reminds partners that love is a choice worth celebrating.

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