
By New Mexico Sun | Mar 30, 2024
On March 30, 2024, Ashley Machado, a graduate student in the UNM Department of Nuclear Engineering, was announced as the recipient of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme.Machado, who is a master’s student at UNM, expressed her enthusiasm for the field by stating, "Once being in the program, I loved all it entailed wholly and desired to grow to become a great nuclear engineer."Having previously been a UNM Presidential Scholarship recipient and earning her bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering in 2023, Machado is...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 30, 2024
The Department of Defense (DOD) has allocated $232,320 in funding to The University of New Mexico’s Department of Chemistry & Chemical Biology and Principal Investigator Terefe Habteyes, as part of the Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP). This funding will support the purchase of essential equipment to enhance research capabilities at the university.According to Bindu Nair, director of basic research in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, the DURIP awards play a crucial role in advancing research...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 30, 2024
The University Libraries at the leading research institute in New Mexico, UNM, recently announced the recipients of the 2024 Jim and Mary Lois Friday Hulsman Undergraduate Library Research Awards. The prestigious award aims to highlight outstanding research conducted by undergraduate students at the university.Leo Lo, dean of College of University Libraries and Learning Sciences, expressed the institution's commitment to supporting students throughout their college careers, stating, "We pride ourselves in supporting students throughout their entire college career through...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 29, 2024
Nella Domenici, a U.S. Senate candidate for the state of New Mexico, stated in a post on X that the southern border is "lawless and out of control." This comment was made in response to a video depicting a group of individuals illegally entering El Paso and subsequently knocking down several Texas National Guard soldiers.

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 29, 2024
The ABQ BioPark Zoo is gearing up to celebrate Great Ape-ril, an annual event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for great apes conservation. Since 2016, the zoo has been hosting Great Ape-ril, which focuses on species such as gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, and humans, raising over $45,000 for great ape conservation so far."Great Ape-ril is all about helping our guests make connections with great apes," said Josephine Frentzel, assistant curator of primates. "We get to spend every day with these amazing animals, and this event helps us bring you a little closer,...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 29, 2024
Professor of Practice Gwyneth Doland, a Statehouse Faculty Champion, is leading the way in training a new generation of statehouse reporters at the University of New Mexico's Department of Communication & Journalism. Doland's program aims to engage students in reporting on state government, legislation, and politics, with the goal of eventually offering their stories to other news organizations.During a recent legislative session, Doland took her Advanced Multimedia Journalism class to the State Capitol, providing students with hands-on experience in covering important...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 29, 2024
Albuquerque, N.M. – Nikki Bunch, Senior Vice President of Member Experience at Nusenda Credit Union, has been named a 40 Under 40 Honoree by Albuquerque Business First. Michelle Dearholt, Nusenda’s Executive Vice President of Operations, highlighted Nikki's dedication to member relationships, stating, “Nikki is dedicated to cultivating a relationship-based experience for the Credit Union’s more than 260,000 members." Dearholt expressed pride in Nikki's achievements, emphasizing her positive impact on members, employees, and communities.Nikki's journey at Nusenda began...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 29, 2024
The University of New Mexico has proudly announced that three of its students have been named as 2024-2025 Goldwater Scholars. Mia Baca, Victoria Nisoli, and Ariana Pritha have been selected for this prestigious honor from a competitive pool of candidates.In response to the news, Honors College Scholarship Coordinator Kiyoko Simmons expressed her congratulations to the three scholars, emphasizing the significance of their achievement. Simmons remarked, “Earning this prestigious award not only validates their academic excellence but also underscores their potential to make...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 29, 2024
The Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board has issued a notice regarding a possible quorum at the upcoming Citizen Police Academy training session. The event is scheduled to take place on April 2, 2024, at the Albuquerque Police Academy located at 5412 2nd Street NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87107.According to the notice, "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 Board clarifies that no official business will be conducted...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 28, 2024
NMSU Board of Regents has selected Mónica Torres, chancellor of NMSU system community colleges, as the next interim president of the NMSU system. Torres will take over the position from current Interim President Jay Gogue on May 1. Regents Chair Ammu Devasthali expressed confidence in Torres, stating, “Dr. Torres is an accomplished and visionary leader with a deep commitment to student success and a wealth of institutional knowledge of the NMSU system.”Devasthali also acknowledged Gogue's service, thanking him for his leadership over the past year and noting that he will...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 28, 2024
The New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science (NMMNHS) has proudly announced that it has been awarded reaccreditation from the American Alliance of Museums (AAM), a prestigious recognition that only a small fraction of museums across the country achieve.In a statement, NMDCA Cabinet Secretary Debra Garcia y Griego expressed her excitement, stating, “Visitors to New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science know the museum is one of our state’s crown jewels, and we’re thrilled to see the institution recognized at the national level.”The accreditation from AAM,...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 28, 2024
The National Orientation Directors Association (NODA) named two New Mexico State University students as its Undergraduate and Graduate Outstanding Student Leaders of 2024 at its Regional Conference on March 16. Nevaeh Smith and Ishtiaq Ahmed were awarded for their exceptional leadership skills and contributions to NMSU's orientation programs.Nevaeh Smith expressed her gratitude for the recognition, stating, “Earning the Outstanding Undergraduate Award was an unexpected, but well appreciated, surprise... makes the hard work I’ve put into NMSU’s orientation program worth...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 28, 2024
The Scale Up New Mexico program recently celebrated the completion of its Business Model Sprint business acceleration program by its first 2024 cohort. The initiative, aimed at supporting founders of tech startups in New Mexico, helped startups advance in understanding their customer base, achieving product-market fit, and developing efficient sales tactics.Carlos Murguia, the Scale Up NM program manager, expressed his excitement about the progress made by the startups, stating, “We are incredibly thrilled with the remarkable progress our startups have made throughout the...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 28, 2024
A researcher from The University of New Mexico's Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Jamie Gomez, is part of a team that has secured $36.3 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy for clean-energy projects. Gomez is involved in OxEon’s project focused on advancing electrolysis technologies to improve manufacturing and recycling capabilities for clean hydrogen systems and components.According to Gomez, "Techno-economic analysis is crucial for the advancement of early and very early-stage engineering projects, especially those that aim for...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 28, 2024
New Mexico State University has been awarded a $4.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Environmental Management to enhance research and workforce skills in the field of radioactive tank waste management. The grant, which spans over three years, will benefit various departments within NMSU and collaborating institutions.Leading the project is NMSU Chemical and Materials Engineering Associate Professor Catherine Brewer, who expressed the goal of the initiative, stating, "The goal of this project is to give students the knowledge, experiences and...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 28, 2024
Santa Fe, NM - In a collaborative effort, various organizations have come together to provide Santa Fe County residents with a safe ride option during the upcoming Good Friday-Easter celebrations in 2024.The program, named "Take A Ride on Us," aims to discourage driving under the influence by offering residents a convenient alternative. Residents can avail themselves of this service from 10 am on March 29th through 2 am on April 1st by using a special code on the Uber app."Take A Ride on Us” empowers Santa Fe County residents with the choice to take a safe ride option...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 28, 2024
Doctors at The University of New Mexico Health System shared their personal stories and experiences in honor of Doctors’ Day, shedding light on the dedication and passion they bring to their work.Dr. Miranda Aragon, an assistant professor and associate residency program director in Family Medicine at UNM Hospital, emphasized the importance of serving patients in all stages of life. She shared, “I get to take care of newborn babies, and I get to take care of people who are dying, who are much older and have lived really beautiful lives, and are near the end of their life.”...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 28, 2024
The Middle Rio Grande Housing Collaborative (MRGHC) recently held its first meeting, marking an important step in addressing the pressing need for affordable housing in the region. The collaborative, established through a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) between the city and county, aims to tackle the housing crisis by implementing strategic initiatives outlined in the agreement.The MRGHC, comprised of members including Talia Freedman, Dan Majewski, Serge Martinez, and Lawrence Rael, convened on Thursday, March 28th at the Mid Region Council of Governments to kick off their...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 28, 2024
Architecture student Ian Tibbetts from the University of New Mexico School of Architecture + Planning has emerged as the winner of the 2023 Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) Student Design Competition. His project, Harmony Nature Center, which focuses on the balance between nature, agriculture, and urbanization along the Rio Grande River, secured him first place in the graduate division.Tibbetts expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating, "I am honored that I was selected for this award. The inspiration for the Harmony Nature Center is rooted in...

By New Mexico Sun | Mar 27, 2024
More than 463,000 people are sexually assaulted in the United States every year, according to RAINN.To shed light on this shocking statistic, the LoboRESPECT Advocacy Center at The University of New Mexico will create an art installation titled “Sole Survivor.” More than 460 pairs of shoes, each representing 1,000 survivors of sexual assault, will be displayed in Smith Plaza on April 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to create a visualization of the issue’s prevalence. A campus advocate will also be present to offer support for anyone personally impacted by sexual violence.“It’s...