Alumni Spotlights

Karen Avila (Student)

Sophomore Karen Avila started on her path to STEM while growing up in Roswell. “When I was little I always wanted to go to medical school. But as I grew up -  especially in high school - I became more interested in aerospace engineering, building things, and 3D printing.” 

Peggy Barroll (1985 & 1990)

When Margaret “Peggy” Barroll was shopping for graduate programs, she looked long and hard at schools with support for teaching or research assistants. Additionally, having spent many years back east, she knew she wanted to be in the Southwest to do geoscience or geophysics. In this area, after all, “you can actually see the rocks,” she said with a smile.

Zaid Cazares (2025 Petroleum & National Gas Engineering)

Zaid is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in petroleum and natural gas engineering from New Mexico Tech. But his story is about so much more than a degree. It is about perseverance in the face of invisibility. It is about holding on to hope when the path forward feels uncertain.

Bishop Cervantes (2024 Mathematics)

Soon-to-be graduate Bishop Cervantes’ journey to earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics from New Mexico Tech began when he was a high school student in Belen. “I originally wanted to go out of state for college, but in my sophomore year of high school, we went on a tour of Tech. I saw the Chemistry labs and the campus and loved it here. Coming here is the best decision I ever made.

Veronica Espinoza (2020 & 2023)

Double Alumna, Veronica Espinoza, had a love of STEM from an early age growing up in Sunland Park, NM. But it was her AP Chemistry teacher at St. Teresa High School, Alicia Stevens, who inspired her love of Chemistry, and her parents who encouraged her to pursue her education.  

Jeremy Epstein (1980 Computer Science)

Ken Fagan (1961 Petroleum Engineering)

About halfway through his time at Mesa, however, Ken decided he preferred the field of petroleum engineering. “I went to visit an oil field out in northeast Colorado and I really liked the work they were doing. I also visited several oil companies and decided I would rather work in petroleum.” Ken and Marge eventually traveled to Socorro where Ken met with Dr. William Hume, Director of NMT, and Art Stanton, Registrar and Personnel Manager. 

Haileigh Grubbs (2025 Mechanical Engineering)

Meet Haileigh Grubbs, a vibrant force of leadership, resilience, and hands-on innovation. Originally from Albuquerque, Haileigh came to New Mexico Tech four years ago as a chemical engineering major. But like many students figuring things out, she quickly realized her true passion lay elsewhere.

Josie Hastings (2024 Petroleum Engineering)

For Henderson, Nevada native, Josie Hastings, New Mexico Tech was not on her radar until attending a college fair at her local high school. With a passion for chemistry, she originally aspired to study Chemical Engineering, but a mini online course with the Petroleum Engineering department in her Junior year of high school sparked her interest and love of the subject. “I got to learn from different professors and alumni and talk with them about the program. 

Mike Kelly (1972, 1997, & 2000)

You would be hard pressed to find someone more connected to New Mexico Tech than alum, former Regent, and recently retired Professor, Dr. J. Michael “Mike” Kelly.

Johann Lindig (1984 & 1986)

There is not much Johann Lindig has not done throughout her impressive career. After graduating from New Mexico Tech, Johann got her start in the medical manufacturing of pacemakers. 

Adrian Maez (2025 Electrical Engineering)

Adrian Maez always knew he wanted to build something. As a kid, when asked what he wanted to be, his answer was simple: “An inventor.” That dream stuck with him and evolved into a passion for engineering. 

Hannah Morgan Smith Meyers (2023)

Hannah Morgan Smith Meyers’ journey to earning two Materials Engineering degrees from New Mexico Tech began as a child growing up in Albuquerque. “I always liked tinkering and inventing, and I liked understanding how things worked.

Macie Niles (2025 Psychology)

When Macie Niles first came to New Mexico Tech, she didn’t picture herself as a psychology major. But one class, experimental psychology taken to fulfill a biology elective, completely changed her path. "I ended up switching majors after that," Macie says. "I really love working with people, and helping others makes me happy. Psychology just felt right."

Victor Schiller (2025 Chemistry)

Victor first arrived at Tech five years ago, a self-described "uptight" 18-year-old from Belen, New Mexico. Back then, college wasn’t a carefully plotted choice — it was more about following his friends, most of whom eventually transferred or moved on. But Victor stayed. He grew. And he thrived.

Valerie Thomas (2025)

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.

Scott Williams  (1972, 1984, & 1985)

2022 Techie of the Year, Scott Williams (1972 BS Basic Sciences,1984 Mining Engineering, & 1985 Master of Science for Teachers)