Tech Adding Laboratory Building for Thriving Engineering Programs

by Thomas Guengerich

SOCORRO – Three ever-expanding engineering departments at New Mexico Tech will have new laboratory space in the fall.

The Board of Regents approved a $422,600 contract at a special meeting July 3, 2008, with Facility Build Inc., of Albuquerque, to construct and equip the metal building.

The mechanical, civil and chemical engineering departments have experienced unprecedented growth over the past five years, according to Vice President of Academic Affairs Peter Gerity.

“We are flat out of space,” Gerity said. “The mechanical engineering department enrollment is at 270 and we expect another 70 students in the fall. It's just moving like crazy.”

The civil engineering department is the newest on campus. From no students three years ago, the department has grown to 75 students – not counting any incoming freshman, Gerity said. The chemical engineering department is also growing.

In preparation for re-accreditation in 2010, the university is striving to provide more space for each of the engineering departments, Gerity said. Construction will begin by July 11. The building should be ready for instruction by January 2009.

The new building will be partitioned into three equal size laboratories – one for each department. The building will include these labs:

• Aerospace laboratory for mechanical engineering;
• Structural laboratory for civil engineering; and
• Unit operations laboratory for chemical engineering.

The building was previously purchased under a separate contract. The 3,600 square-foot building will be constructed in the parking lot west of Workman Center and east of the Kelly Building.

– NMT –