Joshua Kamas
Josh Kamas obtained his B.S. in Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering in May of 2005.
Prior to graduation he accepted a position with Marathon Oil Company in Houston, TX,
as a Drilling Engineer. While taking on assignments in the Gulf of Mexico, West Africa
and the continental US, Josh put to work skills gained from the Petroleum Department
at New Mexico Tech. He is currently working as a drilling engineer for Marathon's
Rockies Gas Asset.
Josh has remained an active member of the SPE, IADC (International Association of
Drilling Contractors) and the AADE (American Association of Drilling Engineers). Since
leaving NMT, he has worked with AADE board members to provide funding for continuing
education classes at NMT. These classes provide the opportunity for NMT students to
gain practical training that will give attendees "real world" insight before they
enter the work force. Josh continues to work with NMT industry liaisons in an effort
to establish a self sufficient, AADE student chapter.
Josh recalls, "My first day at NMT when I approached my advisor for a schedule approval
in August of 2001. I signed up for a 22hr semester, with 3 lab classes, which was
not approved. I was given the wise advice to "drop a class and pick up the golf class."
So I did, and with a schedule approval I began my career as a Petroleum Engineer.
Not only did I learn how to hit a chip shot, but I also built a fundamental knowledge
base of oil and gas operations while developing an ability to bring common sense,
practical ideas into a team environment. I am excited to learn that the number of
students in the Petroleum department is continuing to grow. I will do my best to give
back to an institution that I know will lead students towards a fun and fulfilling
career."
We are lucky to have another alumnus, like Josh, willing to help the department and
students. Josh was the primary driving force in obtaining the remaining funding, from
Marathon Oil and the AADE, we needed for last year's Wild Well Control School. The
school is a weekend-long instruction and hands-on experience for the students. They
receive certification at the end of the course.