SOCORRO, N.M. -- The Office of Admission organized a special luncheon for high school girls on Saturday, Feb. 9, at the Fidel Center. About a dozen prospective students from around the state visited NMT for a special luncheon and tour the campus.

(Pictured: NMT professors field questions from high school girls at a special luncheon).

The event coincided with International Day of Women and Girls in Science, which is Monday, February 11, 2019. Saturday's panel was the first event of its kind at New Mexico Tech. 

Melissa Jaramillo, the V.P. of Student and University Relations championed the event and served as moderator for a Q&A session. Professors from across campus talked about their experiences in STEM, obstacles and challenges, mentorship, and career opportunities.

(Pictured at right: Melissa Jaramillo Fleming fields questions from high school girls and their parents).

Professors on the panel included Sue Bilek (geology), Amy Knowles (computer science), Sally Pias (chemistry), Sharon Sessions (physics), Michaelann Tartis (chemical engineering), Snezna Rogelj (biology), Chelsea Hargather (materials engineering), and Claudia Wilson (civil engineering).  Biomedical doctoral student Danielle Turner also participated on the panel.

Visiting high schoolers and their parents asked for advice about college and careers. Professors talked about their experiences from high school through university and into their careers.  They said the hope the luncheon and tours can become an annual event, serving as an effective recruiting tool for young women interested in studying science and engineering.

-- NMT --