Vietnamese university leaders visit Tech

Hai Tran, rector of Hanoi University of Mining and Geology in Vietnam, left, presents Stephen G. Wells, president of New Mexico Tech, with a vase as a goodwill gesture.
Courtesy photo

New Mexico Tech recently hosted leaders from a Vietnamese university hoping to expand an agreement to work cooperatively on research projects and student and faculty exchanges.

Four representatives from Hanoi University of Mining and Geology (HUMG) visited with Tech administrators, faculty, staff, and students Monday to discuss opportunities to collaborate on research and academic ventures.

Both universities have similar curriculum focused on mining and geology, noted Tech President Stephen G. Wells. Faculty and student exchanges and joint research are fundamental to building a strong, successful relationship between the universities, he said during an overview presentation.

“We believe that we learn from each other — that’s why we like to collaborate,” he said.

Robert Balch, director of the Petroleum Recovery Research Center, said both universities have a role in making important contributions to science and technology by working together.

“Bridges have opened up the door for other relationships,” he said.

The HUMG delegation also received presentations from Academic Affairs and the Office of Research; toured the Petroleum Recovery Research Center and the Mining Department, and learned about opportunities international students have at Tech.

The delegation also met with Vietnamese students enrolled at New Mexico Tech.