PORTALES, NM – October 3, 2025 – Eastern New Mexico University is proud to announce that Dr. Eduardo Ceh-Varela, assistant professor of Computer Science, has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 New Mexico Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) Mentor Award. Ceh-Varela was nominated by his students and is recognized for his deeply personal, empathetic, and impactful guidance in STEM research and education.
"ENMU is very proud of the work of Dr. Ceh-Varela and adds our congratulations on receiving this recognition," said Dr. James Johnston, ENMU Chancellor. "Dr. Ceh-Varela is an outstanding example of what it means to be a teacher-scholar. He conducts outstanding research of his own and simultaneously mentors the next generation of researchers and innovators."
The NM EPSCoR Mentor Award celebrates exceptional faculty across New Mexico who demonstrate excellence in academic guidance, student support, and leadership. Dr. Ceh-Varela was one of only three professors statewide to receive this honor, underscoring his commitment to advancing student success.
Student nominations highlighted Dr. Ceh-Varela's accessible and compassionate approach, describing him as "accessible, honest, empathetic, and deeply invested in his mentees' growth."
His mentoring philosophy is rooted in his own experience balancing education and family, which allows him to help students reframe their personal responsibilities not as obstacles, but as unique strengths.
"He listened patiently, encouraged candid conversations about obstacles, and never allowed me to see my responsibilities as limitations, but rather as unique strengths that shaped my perspective and resilience," shared one mentee.
Dr. Ceh-Varela implements individualized guidance that helps students align their research interests—such as sustainable energy and machine learning—with national career opportunities, including the competitive Break Through Tech AI Fellowship. He also founded the ENMU EMMA Lab, providing students with a hands-on environment to explore new topics and build confidence in practical computer science applications.
His consistent and sincere support fosters determination and hope, particularly during challenging academic periods. The genuine impact of his guidance is perhaps best summarized by a student nominator: "Because of Dr. Ceh-Varela, I no longer view my goals with hesitation but with excitement for what lies ahead."
ENMU congratulates Dr. Ceh-Varela on this well-deserved recognition of his outstanding commitment to the next generation of STEM leaders.
