SW New Mexico News

Andrea Coleman has been part of New Mexico State University since 2005, following her graduation with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the same institution. Raised in Alamogordo, she was drawn to NMSU after visiting the campus and meeting faculty members from the chemistry and biochemistry department.

The impact of that visit was significant, as Coleman now serves as the lab manager in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry within the College of Arts and Sciences.

“I am responsible for facilitating the overall operation of the chemistry stockrooms,” Coleman explained. “This includes providing help to technical staff and faculty that are involved with research and teaching. I oversee the daily operation of lab facilities and equipment used in the teaching labs.”

Coleman's routine begins with preparing and setting up labs for various chemistry classes. This involves coordinating with the organic stockroom manager to ensure that organic chemistry and biochemistry classes are ready for the week. She also ensures that waste areas in teaching labs are clean and properly labeled. Her responsibilities extend to assisting students, teaching assistants, and faculty throughout her day.

Coleman values most the relationships she has developed with staff and faculty members, finding these interactions to be a rewarding aspect of her role.

“Once you get the faculty talking about the research they are doing or what type of experiments they have lined up for the class they are teaching for the semester, they get this little spark in their eyes and excitement in their voice,” Coleman shared. “You can't help but get excited yourself!”