---

As Interim Vice President for Research at New Mexico Tech, Dr. Nelia Dunbar is temporarily on leave from her role as Director & State Geologist.  She plans to return to her role as Director of the Bureau of Geology once a new Vice President for Research is selected.

As director of the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, Dr. Dunbar is responsible for overseeing the research and service activities of the state geological survey. She works closely with many of the staff to keep current on their activities, and to provide advice when needed. She reports to the president of New Mexico Tech, who she keeps informed about bureau activities and events. Dr. Dunbar also represents the bureau at the state legislature, to other state agencies, and at national meetings. She serves as the New Mexico representative to the American Association of State Geologists organization.

Dr. Dunbar’s scientific background is in geochemistry, mainly in the study of volcanic rocks, and she received funding for, and previously directed the electron microprobe laboratory, where she now acts as advisor. Dr. Dunbar is also an adjunct faculty member in the Earth and Environmental Science department at New Mexico Tech, where she has taught classes and advised graduate students.