Cecilia Quinto

I'm a current MS student in the Department of Computer Science. I previously completed my BS in Mechatronics Engineering at the University of Engineering and Technology (UTEC) and my MS in Electrical Engineering here at UNM.

Current Program: MS Computer Science

Degrees Held: BS, Mechatronics Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology (UTEC); MS, Electrical Engineering, University of New Mexico

Research Interests: Software Engineering, Cloud Infrastructure and Cybersecurity

Student Organizations & Affiliations: Project for NM Graduates of Color, Graduate Community Mentoring, Hispanic Engineering and Science Organization, Society of Women Engineers, Association of Latino PFA, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers

I've lived in Albuquerque for: 5 years

Favorite thing about Albuquerque: The beautiful mountain views and the great brunch spots!

What I do in my free time: Playing tennis and going to the gym

Fun fact about me: I speak English, Spanish, and Italian, plus a little French!

Sierra Ramirez

Niłdaguute! Hello everyone! I'm Sierra Ramirez (enrolled Mescalero Apache Tribe and European descent) and I am a fifth-year doctoral candidate in the department of history. I research community kinship, mutual aid, and resistance as enacted by girl students at federal Native American boarding schools in the early-20th-century United States West. I engage in interdisciplinary approaches informed by Native American Studies, Intersectionality, and Indigenous Feminisms.

Current Program: PhD History

Degrees Held: BA, History & Secondary Education Certificate in Social Studies, University of Texas at San Antonio; MA, History, University of Texas at San Antonio

Research Interests: Native American History, Gender, Education, Social History, Student/Youth Culture & Resistance

Student Organizations & Affiliations: Project for NM Graduates of Color

Favorite Hidden Gem at UNM: The treadmill desks at Zimmerman Library!

I've lived in Albuquerque for: 5 years

Favorite thing about Albuquerque/NM: The coffee houses in ABQ & the hiking throughout the state!

What I do in my free time: Hiking, yoga, & long conversations with my rescue beagle.

Fun fact about me: I have been knitting for six years! I always carry a project with me wherever I go.

Bre Kappel

My name is Bre Kappel, and across my five years at UNM I've worked at multiple campus museums leading education initiatives and assisting with exhibit design, construction, and collection management. I currently work for both the UNM Art Museum and UNM Pharmacy Museum while I complete interdisciplinary coursework in multiple departments. I'd be happy to talk to you more about designing your own program and learning through employment.

Current Program: MA Museum Studies with a focus on Exhibition Design and Fabrication

Degrees Held: BALA in Science Communication with Museum Studies and Honors Minors, UNM

Research Interests: I'm interested in how design and display choices can help improve educational outcomes and visitor reception of STEM content in fine art museums.

Organizations I’m a part of: United Graduate Workers of UNM - UE Local 1466

Favorite hidden gem at UNM: The ASUNM Craft Studio (UNM's public and affordable ceramics and jewelry studio)

I’ve lived in Albuquerque for: 5 years

Favorite thing about Albuquerque/NM: I love the small town feel with the resources and fun perks of a mid-size city!

What I do in my free time: I go to weekly trivia at a local brewery, and I like to learn new skills like whittling and sewing.

Fun fact about me: Before college, I had a career as an athlete, coach, and bike mechanic, and I originally planned to skip higher ed entirely.

For UNM Academic Programs and Organizations

The Recruitment Ambassadors are available to deliver presentations about graduate school to your department/group. To request a presentation or other recruitment support, email gradrecruit@unm.edu.