Graduate Spotlight on Val Thomas: Master’s Student, Class of 2025
Meet Val Thomas — Research Compliance Officer at New Mexico Tech and the university’s first graduate
from the new Master’s program in Public Engagement, specializing in Science Communication
and Design. Her story is one of perseverance, passion, and a commitment to education
against the odds.
Achieving a Lifelong Dream
Since she was young, Val dreamed of earning a graduate degree. Growing up with learning
disabilities — including ADHD, dyscalculia (a form of dyslexia involving numbers),
directional dyslexia, and challenges with time management — made traditional education
difficult. "I would do all the math correctly but then invert the numbers when entering
them," she explained. It wasn't until her 30s that formal testing confirmed her learning
disabilities, allowing her to finally receive the accommodations and support she needed.
Val's journey is a powerful message for her children and others: "It’s never too late.
You can always go back and learn more."
A Life Beyond the Classroom
When Val isn't ensuring research compliance or pursuing academic goals, she embraces
a variety of creative passions. She sings, writes music, sews, and even teaches a
sewing class at NMT, promoting self-sustainability through clothing repair and repurposing.
She is also an advocate for the rights of individuals with disabilities. You can often
find Val lending her talents to the Socorro Community Theater, where she helps bring
local productions to life and forms lasting friendships along the way.
Friends describe her in three words: "She is unique" — a nod to her vibrant spirit and infectious energy.
A Surprising Heritage
One thing that often surprises people about Val? She’s a first-generation American
on her father’s side. Her father emigrated from Chile in the 1980s and worked hard
to integrate into American society, even discouraging his daughters from learning
Spanish to avoid potential discrimination. "I understand Spanish well but don’t speak
it," Val shares. Despite this, her heritage remains an important part of her identity.
Coming Home to Tech
Val’s ties to NMT run deep. Married into a Tech legacy family — her father-in-law,
Dave Thomas, is an alumnus — Val had been part of the Socorro community for years
before deciding to join Tech officially. "Working here was like coming home," she
says.
Faculty and Friendships
Throughout her time at NMT, several mentors helped shape Val’s experience. Becci Spruill
(Assistant Professor, CLASS Departement), who taught her in art history and design
classes, became both an academic guide and a friend. "Her structured and clear teaching
style made it so easy to follow," Val said. She also credits her advisor, Dr. Hayley
McCullough (Assistant Professor, CLASS Department), and her boss, Mikell Coleman (Director,
Research Compliance), for their unwavering support, particularly as she balanced work
and study.
Advice to Her Younger Self
What would Val tell herself on her first day at Tech? "Have patience," she laughs.
She emphasizes the importance of double-checking paperwork and processes — a small
but vital tip for new students navigating campus systems.
Pride and Future Plans
Val is eagerly awaiting the moment she can hang her diploma on her wall. She’s also
eyeing the future with plans to pursue a Ph.D., although financing it remains a concern.
In the meantime, she continues to focus on making a difference at Tech.
Her goal? To be remembered as someone "who was helpful, who built bridges of communication,
and who made uncomfortable situations easier for others."
A Champion for Students
Though she didn't participate heavily in traditional student clubs, Val’s presence
on campus has been deeply felt. From volunteering at Midnight Breakfast to offering
guidance to students in need, she has become a trusted "den mom" figure. “Students
recognize me when I walk across campus. I always make a point to ask how they’re doing,”
she says warmly.
Val’s favorite memories include moments of connection — like handing out mountains
of bacon at Midnight Breakfast or helping a struggling student find the right campus
resource.
Research that Matters
For her thesis, Val explored whether research articles on neurodiversity have increased
in language complexity over time. Her work confirmed a noticeable uptick in both the
volume of research and the specificity of language, but without alienating general
academic readers — an important insight for the future of science communication.
Despite facing unexpected hurdles — like navigating STEM-centric formatting standards
for her humanities thesis — Val triumphed, becoming the first graduate of the new
Public Engagement program. "I was the guinea pig," she jokes. "It was hard, but it
was worth it."
Congratulations, Val Thomas — your dedication to your education and the pursuit of
your degree have truly paid off. Welcome to the Techie alumni family!
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Valerie Thomas