New Mexico Sun

Erinna “Erin” Atkins, a 2009 graduate of The University of New Mexico School of Law, has assumed the role of President of the State Bar of New Mexico, making her the first woman from Southern New Mexico to hold this position. Atkins, who practices law with her father at the Law Office of S. Bert Atkins, specializes in representing children in abuse and neglect cases, as well as handling custody, divorce, and criminal defense cases. She also serves as a special prosecutor for the City of Alamogordo.Atkins expressed her pride in representing rural areas and emphasized the...

City Prioritizes Development for Permanent Housing in Downtown Center

ALBUQUERQUE – Yesterday, City Council passed R-24-22, which establishes a two-year policy for prioritizing site plan approvals and construction permitting of development projects that will result in permanent housing within the Downtown Center.The current procedure for site plan approvals and construction permitting is “first come, first served”, which means wait times can vary depending on workload and staff capacity. The Planning Department does have an optional fee-based construction permitting program called “FasTrax” to expedite plan review with guaranteed plan...

El Palacio Magazine Hosts Reading Panel and Q&A Event

El Palacio magazine is set to host a reading panel and Q&A event featuring three contributors to the spring 2024 issue. The event will be moderated by the editor of El Palacio, Emily Withnall.The announcement invites the public to "Please join us for a reading panel and Q&A with three contributors to the spring 2024 issue of El Palacio magazine." The event will provide attendees with the opportunity to engage with the writers and gain insight into their work.Following the readings, Emily Withnall will facilitate a Q&A session, allowing audience members to ask questions...

Animal Control Officers Recognized During Appreciation Week

National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week is currently underway in Albuquerque, shining a light on the vital work carried out by the City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department Animal Protection Services Division. The week serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about the services provided to the community.The role of an Animal Protection Services Officer (APSO) is often misunderstood, with some mistakenly labeling it as simply being a "dog catcher." However, APSOs play a crucial role in ensuring public and animal safety by enforcing the City's Humane and...

NMSU Aggie Fashion Club to host 2024 Sustainable Fashion Show

Students with New Mexico State University’s Aggie Fashion Club are ready to showcase their creativity at the upcoming Sustainable Fashion Show. The event, taking place on April 18 at the Aggie Lounge in Corbett Center Student Union, aims to promote sustainability through upcycled and recycled designs inspired by literature. Maxine Lucero, fashion merchandising and design program assistant in Family & Consumer Sciences, highlighted the importance of the event, stating, “The fashion industry has a history of neglecting the environment with the increase of fast fashion, which...

UNM School of Architecture + Planning, Thornburg Foundation announce 2024 Jeff Harnar Awards

The University of New Mexico School of Architecture + Planning (SA+P) and the Thornburg Foundation recently revealed the winners of the 2024 Jeff Harnar Awards. The awards, established by Garrett Thornburg in 2007, commemorate the legacy of the late local architect Jeff Harnar and his pioneering work in contemporary design.During the awards ceremony held at the School of Architecture + Planning's George Pearl Hall, renowned architect Benjamin Gilmartin of Diller Scofidio + Renfro delivered a lecture.SA+P Dean Robert Alexander González expressed his admiration for this...

APD Charges 70 Offenders with Firearm Related Offenses in March

During the month of March, the Albuquerque Police Department took action against 70 individuals for firearm related offenses and successfully recovered 86 firearms. Chief Harold Medina expressed concern over the situation, stating, "These statistics are a clear indicator that criminals in our community continue to get their hands on firearms, and are continuing to re-offend."Among those charged last month, 24 individuals were identified as felons, with nine of them being out on pretrial release. Chief Medina emphasized the importance of accountability for such...

Wiley Fun Awaits at the Balloon Museum's STEAM Night Event

Albuquerque, Apr 15 2024 - Get ready for an evening filled with curiosity and creativity as the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum gears up to host a captivating STEAM Night on Saturday, April 20 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.The event promises an engaging exploration into the realms of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics, all through the lens of animation and cartooning. The Balloon Museum will present an immersive experience that celebrates the iconic characters of Looney Toons®, particularly the beloved Roadrunner and Coyote, who have...

Familiar Face Announced as New ABQ BioPark Director

The City of Albuquerque's Department of Arts & Culture (DAC) has announced the hiring of Brandon Gibson as the new director of the ABQ BioPark. Gibson, with over 25 years of experience in programming, youth education, conservation, and project management, will oversee the BioPark's diverse attractions to enhance guest experience, facilities, and conservation efforts.DAC Director Shelle Sanchez commended Gibson's dedication to conservation, stating, "Brandon has demonstrated his commitment to conservation throughout his career with the City of Albuquerque." Sanchez...

Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board to Attend Citizen Police Academy Training

The Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board has announced their potential presence at the upcoming Citizen Police Academy training session. According to the board, "A quorum of the Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board may be in attendance at the Albuquerque Police Academy, 5412 2nd Street NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87107, regarding the Citizen Police Academy." The training is scheduled to take place on Thursday, April 18, 2024, starting at 6:00 p.m.The board clarified that despite their attendance, "No board business will be discussed at the Citizen Police Academy training...

NMSU Receives 5-Year NIH Grant to Train Undergraduate Researchers

New Mexico State University has been awarded a $1.6 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to support the training of undergraduate researchers over the next five years. The grant, provided by the NIH National Institute of General Medical Sciences, will specifically fund NMSU’s Undergraduate Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (U-RISE) Program.Graciela Unguez, NMSU Regents professor in biology and principal investigator for the project, explained the program's mission, stating, “The mission is to recruit students from underrepresented communities,...

NMSU Researcher Co-Authors Comprehensive Book on New Mexico's Wild Carnivores

A New Mexico State University researcher, Jennifer K. Frey, has teamed up with Jean-Luc E. Cartron to co-author a comprehensive book titled “Wild Carnivores of New Mexico,” which was published earlier this year by the University of New Mexico Press. Frey, a professor of mammalian ecology at NMSU, has more than 30 years of experience conducting research on the ecology and conservation of mammals in New Mexico. She has published over 100 scientific articles and focuses on rare and poorly studied species to inform conservation and management efforts.The book, a 1,148-page...

NMSU Partners with TimelyCare to Expand Mental Health Resources for Students

New Mexico State University has partnered with TimelyCare to enhance healthcare resources available to students, with a particular focus on mental health support. Ann Goodman, dean of students at NMSU, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We are extremely excited to embark on a journey where student health care meets convenience and innovation."Through TimelyCare, NMSU students can access a variety of virtual care options at no cost, including medical care and mental health support. Amanda Blair, assistant director of the Aggie Health and Wellness Center,...

UNM Alum Research Explores Impact of Climate Change on Bee Communities

By New Mexico Sun | Apr 14, 2024

On April 14, 2024, a recent study by The University of New Mexico alumna, Melanie Kazenel, and her colleagues delves into the potential effects of climate change on bee populations in the Southwest United States. The research, titled "Heat and desiccation tolerances predict bee abundance under climate change," was published in the prestigious journal, Nature.Kazenel, who completed her Ph.D. in Biology at UNM and is currently a visiting assistant professor of Biology at Earlham College in Indiana, expressed, "I study how native bees are responding to climate change." She...

UNM Anderson School’s EMBA Cohort Explores Japan's Business Landscape

By New Mexico Sun | Apr 13, 2024

The UNM Anderson School of Management’s Executive MBA program recently took its graduating cohort on a transformative trip to Japan, where they had the opportunity to meet with top executives and immerse themselves in the country's business culture.During the trip, the group visited various cities in Japan, including Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, engaging in meetings with high-level managers at companies such as SUMCO and ITOKI. Student Victoria Archuleta expressed her appreciation for the experience at SUMCO's headquarters, highlighting the importance of international...

Microplastics Make Their Way from the Gut to Other Organs, UNM Researchers Find

In a recent study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, researchers at the University of New Mexico have made a concerning discovery regarding the impact of microplastics on the human body. Led by Eliseo Castillo, PhD, an expert in mucosal immunology, the research sheds light on the journey of microplastic particles from the gut to other vital organs.Castillo emphasizes the significance of gut health, stating, "If you don't have a healthy gut, it affects the brain, it affects the liver and so many other tissues." The study revealed that microplastics...

2024 County Student Intern Program Accepting Applications

Doña Ana County Commission Chair Christopher Schaljo-Hernandez expressed the goal of the Summer Enrichment Internship Program, stating, "This summer internship program is not just about investing in our future leaders; it is about empowering them to shape their own futures. Together, we're opening doors, fostering talent, and building a community where every young mind has the opportunity to thrive."The program, now in its fourth year, is a collaboration between Doña Ana County and the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED). It aims to provide high school students...

Staff Spotlight: Kristin Morehead Making Waves at Arrowhead Center

Arrowhead Center at New Mexico State University is making strides in promoting economic development through innovation and entrepreneurship, with one of its economic development officers, Kristin Morehead, standing out for her impactful work not only within the state but also in the region.Recently, Morehead was honored as one of the Borderland Women Tech by Progress 321 and El Paso Matters, in recognition of Women’s History Month in March. Reflecting on her role, Morehead shared, “What I enjoy most about my job is working alongside business owners and entrepreneurs to...

NMSU to host marrow registry drive May 2

New Mexico State University’s Office of Experiential Learning will host the Aggies Cure Drive benefitting the Gift of Life Marrow registry from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, May 2 in Corbett Center Student Union’s Aggie Lounge. Gift of Life’s mission is to cure blood cancer through cellular therapy. The goal for this drive is to add 750 new potential donors to the national marrow registry. The Aggies Cure Drive will provide an opportunity for students, faculty, staff, and community members to potentially save lives by getting swabbed to determine if they are a match for...

Possible Quorum Expected at Citizen Police Academy Training