ABQ Times

Matthew Concho, originally from Albuquerque but raised in Missouri, had initially planned a straightforward path: complete high school, obtain a welding certificate, and enter the workforce. His work at his father's landscaping business solidified his preference for hands-on work over office environments. However, unexpected events redirected his journey.

In high school, Concho developed a heart condition that ended his cross-country running activities. Simultaneously, he faced transportation challenges when his car broke down due to an engine block issue. This lack of mobility in small-town Missouri sparked an interest in understanding limited transportation access.

A scholarship offer from The University of New Mexico prompted Concho to return to Albuquerque and pursue a degree in Construction Management. This move also reconnected him with his Native American heritage linked to the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna, and Zuni.

“It was a struggle for a long time to view myself as Native and to explain Native issues when I had grown up as the only Native person in a predominantly white community," Concho shared about his earlier experiences.

At UNM, Concho engaged with organizations like American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) and Kiva Club. He realized he was not alone in feeling disconnected from Indigenous communities.

An internship with First Nations Development Institute brought further challenges related to transportation without personal vehicle access. “It sucks to be poor and without a car,” Concho remarked about relying on public transit options.

As a third-year student focusing on Construction Management within UNM's Gerald May Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, Concho has found an interest in transportation systems while navigating town by bike or motorcycle. His role as treasurer for AISES allowed him travel opportunities that expanded his perspective on city design.

Conversations within AISES emphasize maintaining Indigenous values within STEM fields. “How do we not lose ourselves as Indigenous people?” is one such topic discussed among members.

Attending the AISES national conference provided exposure to numerous companies interested in Native students pursuing STEM careers. “I got to experience new spaces,” said Concho about this networking opportunity facilitated by sponsorships from major entities like Google and NASA.

Concho aims for positive impacts on rural and tribal transportation systems post-graduation. Faculty members Lisa Losada Rojas and Carlos Rivera Gonzalez have influenced him through their research on resilient transport systems emphasizing public health concerns.

“It’s so cool seeing their work at the School of Engineering," noted Concho regarding faculty influence on his interests toward future urban designs encouraging connectivity across regions including Indigenous communities facing isolation due partly due geographic distances creating social divides which he believes could potentially diminish through improved infrastructure fostering unity amongst diverse populations residing throughout America today ultimately strengthening communal bonds nationwide over time according Matthew's vision based upon lived experiences growing up away from ancestral roots until recently reconnecting back home once again now embarking upon new endeavors towards building better tomorrow together alongside peers sharing similar aspirations globally speaking too alike himself looking forward optimistically hopeful indeed indeed!