Posted: 2/19/16

TAMIU Signs Agreement with Mexican Petroleum Institute to Expand Technical, Educational Exchanges

Globe at TAMIU Entrance — Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Mexican Petroleum Institute. This agreement will allow TAMIU and the Mexican Petroleum Institute to cooperate and collaborate in research, educational programs and jointly develop programs of mutual interest. Pictured from left to right are: Dr. Paul Arenaz, TAMIU provost and vice president for Academic Affairs; Dr. Ray Keck, TAMIU president; and Rafael Palmero Ramos, director of Talent Development for the Mexican Petroleum Institute.

Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) signed an agreement with the Mexican Petroleum Institute (IMP) this week that will expand technical and educational exchanges between the two institutions.

Rafael Ramos Palmeros, director of Talent Development for the Mexican Petroleum Institute, signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with TAMIU President Dr. Ray Keck and TAMIU Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Pablo Arenaz. The two institutions will sign several specific agreements at a later date to formalize the collaboration.

The IMP is a public research organization dedicated to developing technical solutions, conducting basic and applied research as well as providing specialized training to Petróleos Mexicanos (PEMEX).

Dr. Guillermo Domínguez, TAMIU director of the School of Engineering, said that the Agreement presents significant advantages for both institutions as TAMIU prepares to launch its Petroleum Engineering Program this Fall and IMP plans to work closer to Texas oil and gas fields.

“IMP is keenly interested in having an office here at TAMIU to learn more about Eagle Ford Shale gas and oil,” Dr. Domínguez said, “We, at TAMIU, are interested in increasing the oil recovery factors in Texas fields. So, working together, we may be able to accomplish this through this agreement.”

Activities described under the agreement include exchange of academic and scientific staff; collaborative research; exchange of scientific, educational materials and databases; and participation in joint development conference and symposia.

“This MOA will also help TAMIU and its students because we may be able to use IMP facilities in Mexico City such as labs and research equipment,” Domínguez said. “As early as mid March, TAMIU and IMP will discuss next steps to sign a more specific agreement and to initiate this closer relationship.”

For more information, please contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at 326.2180, e-mail prmis@tamiu.edu or visit offices in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, room 268.

University office hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.