Research Project Testimonials
NM Tech Navajo Nation Water Purification Research Project
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NMSU-IRD and New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology (NM Tech) partner to offer research opportunities with the Navajo Nation Water Purification Research Project at NM Tech. Taylor Yazzie and Carissa Arthur, undergraduate students at New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, completed a research experience at the Navajo Nation Water Purification Project under Dr. Jianjia Yu and Leonard Garcia. |
UNM Center for Water and the Environment (CWE) Research
Derek's research experience is with the Center for Water and the Environment (CWE) in the Department of Civil Engineering at UNM. Derek works with the CWE team on both hands-on research activities related to Energy-Water components as well as participating in education and outreach activities for CWE. This project integrates laboratory and field experiments to investigate contaminant transport and remediation in Indigenous community sites affected by mining legacy.
“Doing research related to my hometown of Laguna is simply a blessing. It has boosted my confidence, if anything, in which I am learning networking aspects and how to properly go about this process. There is so much advice to take in whether it be from my professors, peers, or my community. I’m thankful for each and every one of them as they continue to present new opportunity and continue to pave a bright future for yours truly.
Through this college journey I am keeping my community in mind. The reason I am here is because of them. I feel it is a privilege to be here, therefore, I feel it is an obligation to give something back. Doing this research provides just that. We as a unit will provide the information collected and inform the community for the sake of their safety. We will determine what is safe and what is not; what actions need to be taken and how we can possibly prepare for change.” – Derek Capitan
UNM Catalyst Lab Research
Under Professor Abhaya Datye, Mariah served as a laboratory assistant in the Catalysis Lab at UNM. Performed several different syntheses of ceria and investigated how to develop high surface area, thermally stable ceria on alumina supports. Also performed presentations and learning how to prepare manuscripts for future publication.
“Last spring, I began conducting research in a catalysis research laboratory. I learned about the many applications catalysts have in the world and more specifically, their impact on reducing carbon emissions. Since then, I have taken my research to the next level by investigating supports that show promise of sustaining catalyst activation. Through this research, I have also been exposed to the environment of engineering researchers, which has greatly contributed to the development of my professional skills.” - Mariah Pioche-Lee
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In collaboration with the University of New Mexico, Indian Resources Development supported research experiences/internships for the following college students: UNM 3D Thermal FEA Study of Pore Structures Utilizing Modeling and Simulation Software Research:“I am a mechanical engineering major who will be graduating in December and have worked diligently with Dr. Nima Fathi over the last two months to successfully complete this research regarding 3D thermal FEA study of pore structures utilizing modeling and simulation software. The main goal was to evaluate the effective thermal conductivity of varying geometrical models. I have thoroughly improved my expertise on 3D model design and thermal finite element analysis for 3D steady state calculations. I also strengthened my working knowledge of heat transfer fundamentals through the repeated calculations of each model. Dr. Fathi was very pleased with the 5 results of the project and extended an invitation to continue this training by enrolling in Undergraduate Study this fall, and potentially into graduate school.” -Noah Fudge, Sioux, Mechanical Engineering UNM Data Acquisition of Bridge Vibrations and Development of Electro-Magnetic Shaker Table Research:“This internship/research experience has been fantastic for my professional experience. Being a research assistant exposed me to the workplace and understanding of responsibilities as well as participating in a team project with professional colleagues. I have learned to operate several data acquisition devices such as a vibration laser, LVDT vibrometer, and an electrodynamic shake table. I have gained knowledge of building sensors and the mechanical design process for designing components for mechanical needs. I gained deeper knowledge and experience of the use of the scientific method through the process of these projects. I became more fluent with gathering data and presenting my findings as well as what I have accomplished to my project team. Throughout, all these projects provided thorough research experiences which will heavily aid me in my future professional career.” -Solomon Atcitty, Navajo, Mechanical Engineering UNM Hybrid Energy Projects- Solar Desalination Research:“Getting the experience to work with professors and students in the field of mechanical engineering has opened my eyes. Since I first met with the graduate student, I have been excited to be learning more about the field I’m going into. I have conducted research on the topic of PT/V systems and thermal membrane desalination. I’ve also done some work with the Star-CCM+ program. I’m really glad that I had the opportunity to work with these great and smart people, I can see that this will be a wonderful choice in the long run as it will give me experience for the future and teaches me the fundamentals of actually working in my field.” - Thur-Shaan Montoya, Isleta Pueblo, Mechanical Engineering |