ESPOL’s FICT is gearing up for THE FINAL PITCH, an academic event where five finalist Capstone Projects from the Petroleum Engineering, Mining Engineering, and Civil Engineering programs will showcase their ability to communicate innovative proposals that address real-world national challenges. The event aims to strengthen communication, argumentation, and presentation skills, promoting innovation and the comprehensive training of future professionals.
Students of Engineering in Petroleum, Engineering in Mining, and Engineering in Geology from FICT–ESPOL successfully completed the defense of their graduation projects, demonstrating the knowledge and competencies acquired during their academic training. The projects addressed relevant issues in each field, showcasing the integration of theory, applied research, and professional practice, marking a milestone in the completion of their university education.
Master of Civil Engineering students from FICT–ESPOL participated in a technical site visit to the 'La Toma' Raw Water Pumping Station in Guayaquil to study the SAICA Network’s infrastructure and its real-time quality monitoring systems. The visit served to integrate theoretical knowledge with practical application, enhancing technical competencies and exposing students to the operational management of large-scale water supply networks.
FICT researchers from ESPOL presented the results of the Specific Geophysics Agreement to CELEC-SUR in Cuenca, during the seminar commemorating the 15th anniversary of the Mazar Hydroelectric Power Plant. The presentation detailed the application of geoelectrical studies in unstable zones, highlighting their contribution to safety, planning, and risk reduction for the country's strategic hydroelectric infrastructure.
FICT–ESPOL researchers conducted a field trip to the Minas San Francisco Power Plant to carry out geoelectrical studies focused on subsurface characterization and geotechnical risk management. During the visit, electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) tests and vertical electrical soundings (VES) were performed. The results will provide key information for technical decision-making, water seepage control, and the safety of the energy infrastructure.
Geology Engineering students from ESPOL conducted a fieldwork expedition in Santa Elena to apply Hydrogeology and Ecuadorian Geology principles in sites such as Manglaralto and San Vicente. Collaborating with academic experts and the local community, students measured water parameters and analyzed sedimentary environments, linking this practical experience to water sustainability projects and the achievement of SDGs 4 and 6.
As part of their comprehensive training, Petroleum Engineering students from ESPOL conducted a technical field trip to the Pacifpetrol S.A. facilities in Ancón, where they strengthened their knowledge of artificial lift systems, refining, and the innovative use of solar panels in the industry. The activity, led by M.Sc. Christian Sánchez Rodríguez, allowed future engineers to link theory with operational management in mature fields, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4, 7, 9, and 12) by promoting a technical, efficient, and responsible vision of the national energy sector.
FICT-ESPOL successfully hosted the 5MinPitch PAO II 2025 semifinals, where students from Geological Engineering, Mining Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, and Civil Engineering presented their capstone projects in five minutes before a specialized jury. This initiative strengthened communication skills and technical argumentation, leading to the selection of five finalist projects focused on solving real-world engineering challenges.
Petroleum Engineering students from FICT-ESPOL participated in a technical debate analyzing the current reliance on Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESP) versus alternative artificial lift systems in Ecuador's mature fields. The activity integrated environmental, economic, and technological impact assessments, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and strengthening critical thinking applied to real-world challenges in the national energy sector.
FICT researcher Divar Castro Rodas, M.Sc., received the award for Best Oral Presentation at The 2nd International Electronic Conference on Land, organized by MDPI Land magazine. His work presented a comparative analysis of supervised classification algorithms applied to land use and land cover in Guayaquil, highlighting the scientific contribution of FICT and ESPOL in the international academic arena.