Forward Focus: Get to Know Your New Mexico Tech

I once worked for a globally recognized think tank, and from my first day on the job, I was constantly reminded by mentors that my primary role was to educate—even those who thought they knew us well—about who we are and why we matter. The gap between perception and reality can be vast, and that’s something I’ve seen time and time again.

Now, I find myself at the helm of another premier institution that, sadly, is often called a “hidden gem”—a compliment, but one that implies we’re somehow out of reach or too elusive. So, in thiscolumn, I hope to spark your curiosity and invite deeper conversations about who we are at New Mexico Tech (NMT) and what we represent, even if you think you already know.

Let’s begin with what most people know about us. Yes, we are known as the “geeky” university—the place that trains some of the brightest engineers and scientists. And yes, as a self-proclaimed “geeky” president, I’m proud of our incredible faculty and students who excel not just in science and engineering but in humanities and arts, too.

But here’s what many might not realize: New Mexico Tech isn’t just for super-genius, high-flying students. We’re here for all students. As a first-generation college student, I can tell you that NMT is a welcoming, supportive home to people from all walks of life. Many of our students—just like me—find their way to success through caring teachers who believe in them. No matter your passion, NMT offers the support and resources you need to thrive.

If this were any other university, we would stop here. But NMT is more than that—it’s a place where innovation is at the heart of everything we do. Our work impacts New Mexicans directly; in many ways, there’s no other university like ours in the nation. We may be small, but we’re mighty, and we’re dedicated to solving some of the biggest challenges of our time.

From renewable energy research to breakthroughs in water management and environmental sustainability, NMT’s academic departments—like Petroleum Engineering, Computer Science, Earth and Environmental Science, and Physics, to name a few—are shaping the future of energy, sustainability, and discovery.

But it’s not just our academic departments that make a difference. Take, for example, our Petroleum Recovery Research Center (PRRC), which leads in sustainable energy production, focusing on carbon capture and water management. This research helps protect our planet while boosting New Mexico’s economy.

Similarly, our Bureau of Geology pioneers work in water sustainability and geothermal energy, providing critical insights that shape public policy and drive economic growth.

Our Institute for Complex Additive Systems Analysismay have a title no one understands, but ICASA is a national leader in cybersecurity, safeguarding critical infrastructure like power grids and communication networks while contributing to workforce development.

Lastly, the Energetic Materials Research and Testing Center (EMRTC) is internationally recognized for its expertise in explosives research. EMRTC supports national security and public safety while contributing significantly to Socorro’s economy.

NMT is much more than your average college; it’s a place where we make imagination real and shape the future. But we can’t do it alone. We want to engage with you—the community. Whether you’re a local business owner, a parent seeking the right place for your child to grow, someone exploring career options, or simply curious about what we do, we invite you to connect with us. We are here and ready to build a stronger future together.

Mahyar A. Amouzegar is the President of New Mexico Teach and a writer. His latest novel is “The Hubris of an Empty Hand.”