University of Oklahoma Herb Greene Teaching Fellow Rene Peralta was recently named a finalist in the University of California San Diego’s (UCSD) Border Innovation Challenge. The competition’s final presentations took place on December 1st, 2020. Peralta’s proposal entitled “Tijuana Solar River” received the “Audience Choice” award.
The Border Innovation Challenge, now in its second year, is a business plan competition focused on the challenges presented by the international border. This competition focuses on bringing to the spotlight promising solutions and technologies to meet the efficiency and security challenges of the regions ports of entry among others. Supported by the Smart Border Coalition, the program is presented through a partnership of the Rady School of Management and the Jacobs School of Engineering.
Tijuana Solar River conceptual image, Rene Peralta
Peralta’s proposal, entitled “Tijuana Solar River,” focuses on revitalizing the Tijuana River Channel as a solar power farm and binational water remediation infrastructure. In doing so, it aims to bring access to the river canal back to Tijuana communities by engaging pedestrians and public spaces along an 11-mile channel.
A team of Construction Science and Architecture students from the Gibbs College of Architecture made their mark on the national stage this week, earning third place out of 37 universities competing at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Student Competition, held during the International Builders' Show in Orlando, February 16-18, 2026.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) has elevated Gary Armbruster, FAIA, ALEP to its prestigious College of Fellows—AIA’s highest membership honor—for his exceptional work and sustained contributions to architecture and society. Fellowship recognizes architects who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession and made a significant impact at a national level. Members elevated to this distinction carry the FAIA designation after their name.
Students from the Spring 2026 Graduate 4 Architecture Design Studio, led by Professor Amy Leveno, exhibited their work at the School of Visual Arts. The exhibition, titled Reimagining the OU School of Visual Arts, featured drawings, models, and animations developed throughout the semester's studio project. The show was hosted in The Spotlight, a creative gallery space located on the first floor of the Fred Jones Art Center, and ran from January 20–30, 2026.
