PhD Transdisciplinary Cybersecurity
Advisor
Dr. Lorie Liebrock
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Justin Vermillion is pursuing his PhD in Transdisciplinary Cybersecurity at New Mexico Tech, where he has been a student since Fall 2019. His current research focuses on advancing the security capabilities of generative AI, with his dissertation work intended to explore innovative approaches to training Large Language Models (LLMs) to produce more secure code. This research direction builds upon his previous work at Los Alamos National Laboratory, where he contributed to the development of Expert Systems for Static Application Security Testing (SAST) and natural language processing tools for social media attribution analysis.
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As a non-traditional student balancing full-time employment with academic pursuits, Justin brings a unique perspective to his cybersecurity research. His diverse academic background, including an undergraduate degree in cultural anthropology with a focus on the intersection of religion, ritual, and food culture, along with an MBA specializing in information security management, provides him with a distinctive lens through which to approach cybersecurity challenges. In 2018, he presented his research on AI-driven code security assessment at the Ai4Cybersecurity conference in New York.
Justin's journey at NMT began through a chance encounter with his advisor, Dr. Lorie Liebrock, during his time at Los Alamos National Laboratory. Despite being based in the National Capital Region, he has found NMT's commitment to distance education invaluable, allowing him to pursue advanced studies while maintaining his professional career. Looking ahead, Justin aims to continue contributing to the secure implementation of emerging technologies, whether in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, or future technological innovations. While he jokes about pursuing those coveted "DR." credentials in his email signature, his dedication to cybersecurity research reflects a deeper commitment to shaping how emerging technologies can be implemented securely in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
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Elham Rahimi awarded the Raja V. and Geetha V. Ramani Graduate Students Award
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Elham Rahimi, New Mexico Tech alumni
Credit: David Kubarek / Penn State. Creative Commons
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Elham Rahimi, a former New Mexico Tech graduate student in geotechnical engineering, has been honored with the prestigious Raja V. and Geetha V. Ramani Graduate Student Award by the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration. This award recognizes outstanding graduate students in mining, mineral processing, and related fields. Now pursuing her Ph.D. at Penn State in the John and Willie Leone Family Department of Energy and Mineral Engineering, Rahimi’s research explores innovative ways to generate renewable energy from waste resources through sustainable mining practices.
We congratulate Rahimi on this well-deserved recognition and commend her dedication to advancing energy and mining sustainability!
To read more, click here!
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Time/Space to work on your thesis/dissertation
The Office of Graduate Studies will weekly announce on our website times when graduate students can come and work in our conference room on their thesis/dissertation. During this time you can focus on writing and you can ask questions as they come up whether about formatting, completion, copyright, plagiarism, etc. This is in addition to the services offered by the Writing & Communication Lab (WCL). If you are looking for writing support the WCL would be a much better resource. Please see below.
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Writing & Communication Lab (WCL)
This is a tutoring resource committed to helping students become better writers and communicators through tailored and individual consultations. Tutors are experienced in STEM writing and offer consultations both in person and online, to undergraduate and graduate students. These resources are also available to our Distance Students as well so please take advantage.
Find the service's descriptions by visiting the following link
https://www.nmt.edu/academics/class/center.php
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April 3rd
Graduate Student Spring Picnic and Barbecue
Mark your calendars! Join the Graduate Student Association (GSA) for a relaxing afternoon at the Spring Picnic and Barbecue on April 3, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM MST, at the side of the Workman Building.
As the spring semester picks up speed, the Graduate Student Association (GSA) and the Graduate Office invite all graduate students to take a well-deserved break at the Spring Picnic and Barbecue. The event is open to all graduate students looking to unwind, connect, and enjoy some delicious food.
Come hungry, bring your friends, and don’t miss out on this chance to celebrate the spring season with good food and great company. We look forward to seeing you there!
To bring a side dish or participate in grilling for this event click here!
Sign up for the event via TechConnect
Volunteer to set up for this event here!
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April 28th (updated date*)
Spring 2025 - Completion Paperwork
For Spring graduation to be eligible to participate in Commencement and have your degree conferred at the end of Spring semester in the month of May
The completed report of the advisory committee, iThenticate report from academic advisor, and ProQuest submission of the final thesis/dissertation must be submitted by April 28th, 2025 to the Center for Graduate Studies or one final copy of an accepted independent study paper must be submitted to the student’s advisor and advisory committee. Please refer to the Completion Guideline on the CGS website.
Must have submit your intent to graduate form prior to the beginning of the Spring 2025 semester.
Must submit your Diploma and Intent to Walk to the Registrar by March 31st, 2025 by 5:00 PM.
Student degrees are not complete until final materials have been approved by the Center for Graduate Studies and the student receives final acceptance via email from the ProQuest system. Students are encouraged to submit their thesis/dissertation drafts earlier to ensure that it will be accepted by the Registrar's deadline.
*If the updated deadline of April 28th affects your ability to submit the Spring completion paperwork, please reach out to us at graduate.dept@nmt.edu for assistance.
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Scholarships and Other Opportunities
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Graduate Student Association (GSA)
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Center for Graduate Studies
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