Alumni Success Stories

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Name: Ty Trammell

Hometown: Tularosa, NM

Job Title: Director, & Power Delivery

Company: Westwood Professional Services

Degree: B.S. Surveying Engineering

Contact: ty44trammell@yahoo.com

” Almost by accident, I landed in the Surveying Engineering department in 2006. At the time, I just thought to myself what an amazing fit for my lifestyle and career goals. Little did I know, it would be the best decision I would ever make during my many years of schooling. ”

 

How did NMSU prepare you:
NMSU’s Surveying Engineering Program (now Geomatics) is no doubt one of the very best in the United States and during my tenure had amazing professors that, for me, remain life coaches. Prior to graduation, I was recruited by Leica Geo-systems to help build western market share. Then, working as a Senior Land Surveyor for Xcel Energy, I supported electric infrastructure expansion in Texas, New Mexico and Colorado. My start to professional licencor in numerous states was completing my NMSU degree. I’ve had many successes in my life and currently am pretty happy with where my career has taken me. It is so difficult to explain how much this degree, program, professors and profession as a whole has positively impacted my life. I have a very fruitful life and everything in my life is enriched because of this decision I made several years ago at a critical time in my life.

Advice:
As future/current Engineering Technology students I would recommend pursuing career options that you find the most intriguing. Always say yes to any opportunities that come your way.

Responsibilites and Success:
Currently, as Director, Power Delivery at Westwood Professional Services, we create solutions for companies expanding our nation’s power grid, all over the nation. These opportunities have come my way because of a rare specialty in today’s world called the Professional Land Surveyor, notably being the true land professional.

  


 

Name: Jessie Nichols

 

Hometown: Carlsbad, NM

 

Job Title: Test Research & Development Engineer

 

Company: Los Alamos National Laboratory

 

Degree: B.S. Mechanical Engineering Technology (Minor: Manufacturing) 2000

 

Contact: nichols@lanl.gov | (505) 665-7288

 

” Even if it takes numerous attempts or changes in your major….either at NMSU or elsewhere (vocational schools included) seek at least one level higher in education than High School. Accomplishing this advanced educational step will offer the most life enhancing opportunity for you and your family

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How did NMSU prepare you:
Education and problem solving skills:
A degree from the program resulted in 6 job offers upon graduation and continuous full time employment since then, a testament to the program.

   Networking and character:
  Transitioning with a few Carlsbad High School peers helped the college transition process and making new friends with students/staff from other regions expanded my    network; I remain in contact with many friendships grown while at NMSU. The dorm, class, and lab environment developed a better sense on team building and how to work    with others.

   Internships:
  Many employers hire NMSU engineering students midway through the program; My 7 month paid internship at Cummins Diesel offered insight into industry’s evolution from 2D to 3D design and the industry experience gained undoubtedly increase jobs offered at graduation.

   Time Management & Responsibility:
   Coming from a low-income household, working while attending NMSU was necessary to minimize student loan debt. The reasonable tuition at NMSU ensured I didn’t have to work a 40 hour work week while being a full time student. Managing classes, study, work, & budget required many adjustments. Having Access to inexpensive dorm and meal plan options early on, along with on campus student services, greatly helped the transition… essentially into adulthood.

Advice:
Your career and life outside your career are largely influenced by relationships which is influenced by your communication skills with others. It may be outside of your comfort zone, but find opportunities to improve communication skills… network, and build comradery with others.

Minimize student debt and pay off debt acquired early after graduation, it will be more challenging to do so once mortgages and family enters the picture

Give back something to society… Think of the difference of those who have helped you along the way. This doesn’t need to be financial…a little of your time goes along way and is most rewarding!

Responsibilites and Success:
Responsibilities include leading multidiscipline design and development efforts throughout my career at Raytheon and LANL, lately in the area of systems engineering. Have been fortunate to work with subject matter experts in many areas including mechanical/electrical/software/optics engineering, material scientists, physicists, and production agencies. A broad systems understanding and policy awareness has led to increased interactions with senior management within and external to LANL, to include Washington DC policy makers at the national level. Have been fortunate to receive 25 honors and awards, including:

   Five National Nuclear Security Administration Defense Programs Excellence Awards from NNSA Deputy Administrator(s)…One of NNSA’s most prestigious award

   “Oscar of Invention” R&D 100 Award by the nationally prominent R&D 100 awards committee for valveless laser processing technology

   A United States Patent, # 7,047,801 for the design of a Guidance Assembly Test Station

   Raytheon Excellence Award from the president of Raytheon, the most prestigious award offered by the company

Clubs, Competitions, and Extracurriculars:
Employed as an Engineering Assistant at (then) NMSU’s Advanced Manufacturing Center

 


 

Name: Ethan Spellbring

 

Hometown: Farmington, NM

 

Job Title: Wellwork Supervisor / Project Engineer

 

Company: ExxonMobil

 

Degree: B.S. Mechanical Engineering Technology (2018)

 

Contact Info: ethanspellbring@gmail.com | (505) 320-9365

 

” As future/current Engineering Technology students I would recommend pursuing career options that you find the most intriguing.  Always say yes to any opportunities that come your way. 

 


 

Name: Waleed Malek

 

Hometown: State of Kuwait

 

Job Title: Mechanical Expert

 

Company: Ministry of Justice

 

Degree: B.S. Mechanical Engineering Technology (2013)

 

Contact Info: mrwaleedmalek@hotmail.com | (+965)66085703

 

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Name: Sam Gifford

 

Hometown: Deming, NM

 

Job Title: Tooling Engineer

 

Company: Raytheon Missile Systems

 

Degree: B.S. Mechanical Engineering Technology

 

Contact Info: Samuel.gifford@raytheon.com

 

“You get out of your education what you put into it” 

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Name: Concepcion Mendoza

 

Job Title: Quality Manager

 

Company: Wanzek Construction, Inc.

 

Degree: B.S. Civil Engineering Technology

 

Contact Info: cmendoza@wanzek.com | (915) 204-2174

 

“From the moment you step on the University, start building up your resume.” 

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Name: Matti Sokoll

 

Job Title: Project Engineer

 

Company: Bradbury Stamm Construction

 

Degree: B.S. Civil Engineering Technology (2015)

 

” Use your time in school to make mistakes, ask questions, learn as much as possible, and don’t forget to enjoy life!” 

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Name: Leandro Montoya III, PE

 

Job Title: Engineering Manager III

 

Company: NMDOT

 

Degree: B.S. Civil Engineering Technology (2005)

 

Contact Info: (575) 640-6806

 

” Use your time in school to make mistakes, ask questions, learn as much as possible, and don’t forget to enjoy life!” 

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Name: Landon Balok

 

Job Title: Engineering Manger – Boeing Global Services

 

Company: The Boeing Company

 

Degree: B.S. Mechanical Engineering Technology (2001)

 

Contact Info: Landonbalok@gmail.com

 

“Learn to recognize that the engineers of the past are why you are here today. ” 

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