Education at CHTM

New Students

Welcome to CHTM! You are here to become a world-class researcher, and we will do everything in our power to help you achieve that goal. Your advisor will give you the direction you need in your research work. To help you get set up with all your practical work needs, print out this checklist; as you work through it you will meet others in the CHTM community who will help you throughout your time here. Also check out the Who to Ask link, for sources of further assistance.

You need to register with your department. If you are a foreign national you must also register with the Office of International Programs and Studies. They will help you become familiar with the details of daily life here in America.

Good luck, work hard, and don't forget to have fun!

CHTM's Teaching Role

The world class research environment found at CHTM provides a superb educational opportunity for graduate students who wish to concentrate on photonics or microelectronics. Students gain in-depth experience in their particular research topic and also have ample opportunity for professional development through interaction with peer groups at conferences, meetings with funding agents and internships. This full graduate education gives students a competitive "edge" as they enter the job market. CHTM faculty are regular faculty members of various UNM departments (Electrical and Computer Engineering, Physics & Astronomy, Chemical and Nuclear Engineering ---) at the University of New Mexico, and they teach classes at the new CHTM building and at the main UNM campus.

(Back to top of page)

Graduate Education at CHTM

CHTM draws faculty and students from the departments of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Physics and Astronomy, Chemistry, and Chemical and Nuclear Engineering. Students are employed as research assistants under the supervision of a faculty member.

• Typical stages in the education of a graduate student are:
  • Initial Years (1-2); Concentrate on course work; familiarization with Center research programs/researchers; select faculty research advisor and general area of research
  • Middle Years (2-4); Finish course work; concentrate on and take qualifier examination; learn and develop "research tools"
  • Final Years (3-6); Concentrate on dissertation topic; continue to polish research skills working in a tutor/mentor-like environment with Faculty Advisor
• In addition, students gain valuable communications skills and the opportunity for professional development through:
  • Participation at technical conferences by presenting research results as oral and/or poster papers
  • Participation in both agency and industrial review meetings, where graduate students are often required to present research results
  • Internships in industry or government laboratories

(Back to top of page)

Thesis Titles from CHTM Graduates

CHTM has graduated many Masters and Doctoral students since 1983. More than 50% of these students remain in state where they are helping to grow New Mexico's high technology sector.

(Back to top of page)