New Mexico Tech Hosts Hanoi University of Mining and Geology

Nov. 8, 2022

Vietnamese university leaders visit Socorro to explore joint research, academic collaborations

HUMG group outside Kelly Hall
Representatives from New Mexico Tech’s administration pose outside Kelly Hall, which houses the Petroleum Recovery Research Center, with the delegation from Hanoi University of Mining and Geology (HUMG) during their daylong visit to the Socorro campus. From left: New Mexico Tech Dean of Students Jennifer Chapman; Dr. Nga Nguyen, head of HUMG’s International Office; NMT President Stephen G. Wells, HUMG Rector Dr. Hai Tran; Dr. Robert Balch, director of the Petroleum Recovery Research Center; Dr. Vinh Nguyen, dean of HUMG’s oil and gas faculty; Dr. Duyen Le, vice dean of HUMG’s oil and gas faculty. 

SOCORRO, N.M. – 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 New Mexico Tech administrators, faculty, staff, and students Monday, Nov. 7, 2022, discussing opportunities to collaborate in the future on research and academic ventures.

Michael Voegerl
Michael Voegerl, director of New Mexico Tech’s Center of Student Leadership and Engagement and International Programs coordinator, discusses student exchanges with a delegation of representatives from Hanoi University of Mining and Geology, who visited Socorro Nov. 7, 2022.

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

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

Dr. Hai Tran, Dr. Stephen G. Wells
Dr. Hai Tran, rector of Hanoi University of Mining and Technology, left, receives a gift from New Mexico Tech President Stephen G. Wells during a daylong visit to the Socorro campus Nov. 7, 2022.

Dr. 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. “There are lots of good opportunities for collaboration. Faculty and researchers can work together to benefit both countries.”

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

The HUMG delegation also received presentations from Academic Affairs, the Office of Research, toured the Petroleum Recovery Research Center and the Mining Department, and learned about opportunities international students have at New Mexico Tech to live, learn, and work on campus. The delegation also met with Vietnamese students currently enrolled at New Mexico Tech and capped their visit with a dinner hosted by President Wells at his official residence.

HUMG delegation
From left: Dr. Vinh Nguyen, dean of the oil and gas faculty; Dr. Nga Nguyen, head of the International Office; Dr. Hai Tran, rector; Dr. Stephen G. Wells, New Mexico Tech president; and Dr. Duyen Le, vice dean of the oil and gas faculty. The delegation from Hanoi University of Mining and Geology toured New Mexico Tech Nov. 7, 2022.