Marissa Montoya, an NMSU civil engineering student, had the opportunity to pursue two of her interests this past summer. She traveled to Turkey and co-presented with Associate Research Scientist Jalal Rastegary at the International Conference on Energy, Environment and Storage of Energy at Cappadocia University.
Originally, an undecided business major, Montoya had an interest in environmental issues and changed her major to civil engineering. She started working this past summer with the College of Engineering Office of Outreach and Recruitment on Energy Efficiency and Environmental Assessments which conducts audits and gives businesses a detailed report on areas for improvement environmentally and financially. The program is led by Rastegary and Associate Dean Patricia Sullivan.
Their presentation focused on the program’s goals and details of an energy efficiency and environmental assessment they conducted for a rural steel-rolling mill on the Texas/Mexico border.
“I was leaning toward the environmental fields, and I learned about the program and reached out to get involved. Civil engineering has broad environmental opportunities,” said Montoya. “I hope to finish my degree and continue engaging in work that positively impacts both the environment and humanity.”
Montoya also enjoys travel, and is in NMSU’s Honors College and Education Abroad program. This coming spring 2025, she will be studying in Glasgow, Scotland.
A Los Lunas, NM native, Montoya followed in the footsteps of her Aggie grandfather and aunt, one of whom is a NMSU civil engineering alumni. Although her mother is a Lobo, she is a great supporter of Montoya’s pursuit of education at NMSU.
