New Mexico Sun News


New Mexico State University Art Professor's Journey of Artistic Evolution Through Teaching

When Craig Cully started teaching at New Mexico State University, his work consisted of mostly meticulous, small-scale paintings of high realism. Galleries across the United States were exhibiting and selling his work. After earning tenure as an art professor at NMSU, he began to rethink his practice.


City of Albuquerque adopts comprehensive Food Safety and Retail Ordinance for enhanced public health and safety

The Albuquerque City Council voted to adopt the updated Food Safety and Retail Ordinance (FSO), replacing existing food safety ordinances. Dr. Mark DiMenna stated, “This will help further our mission to ensure the highest level of food safety protection to our community.” Mayor Tim Keller added, “We’re ensuring that our families can focus on enjoying their meals safely and confidently.” City Councilor Brook Bassan noted, “Bringing our food code in line with state, county, and national standards is a significant step forward.” The new ordinance, effective August 1, 2024,...


American Chemical Society honors Sandia Labs scientist

Sandia National Laboratories materials scientist Dorina Sava Gallis has received the 2024 Women Chemists Committee Rising Star Award from the American Chemical Society. Gallis, known for her expertise in nanoporous materials and her innovative contributions to various fields, expressed gratitude for the recognition and highlighted the importance of collaboration in solving national security challenges. Gallis, who holds numerous patents and has authored numerous publications, emphasized the significance of her work not only for national security but also for the broader...


Title: Local Students Experience Day as NMSU Students Program

Local school children get a glimpse into the lives of NMSU students


New Master’s of Engineering Degree at NMSU Offers Flexibility, Benefits to Students and Working Engineers

The College of Engineering at New Mexico State University provides a new program tailored to help individuals with an engineering bachelor’s degree obtain a professional master’s degree, known as a Master’s of Engineering or M.E.


Albuquerque to host 4th Annual Vehicle for Change Conference

From May 30 to June 2, Albuquerque, New Mexico will host the 4th Annual Vehicle for Change Conference. Spearheaded by City Councilor Klarissa Peña, the Albuquerque Police Department, Bernalillo County, and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, the conference will be held at various locations throughout the city. It will coincide with the Albuquerque Lowrider Supershow on June 2, hosted by local event producer Artemis Productions at the Albuquerque Convention Center.


Albuquerque receives $1.7 million grant for community energy efficiency project

The City of Albuquerque's Community Energy Efficiency (CEE) project has received a $1.7 million grant from The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department. This funding will allow the city to expand its energy efficiency improvement and retrofit work in frontline communities. Through the CEE project, income-qualified homeowners in Albuquerque can avail free energy audits and retrofit plans, thereby achieving significant energy savings and enhancing safety and comfort for homeowners.


Road repair scheduled for northern part of County

The Doña County Road Department will begin chip sealing roads in the northern part of the County from Monday, May 13 to Friday, May 31. The roads will stay open but traffic will be reduced to one lane. Motorists are advised to follow road signs and traffic control. District 5 county roads to be repaired include Knight Rd, Garfield, Fort McRae Rd, Radium Springs, and others. Chip seal is applied to protect the pavement and enhance safety.


Educational Leadership Program celebrates record graduates

UNM’s College of Education & Human Sciences (COEHS) is celebrating an extraordinary achievement with its Educational Leadership Program this May. The 2024 spring cohort has set a remarkable milestone, being one of the largest educational leadership groups in the country, boasting 25 different students achieving various accomplishments from UNM’s Department of Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy (TEELP).Educational Leadership Program Associate Professor Shawn Secatero expressed his pride and admiration for the students, stating, "We are honored and extremely...


College of Education & Human Sciences commended in recent state-sponsored review

The College of Education & Human Sciences at the University of New Mexico has been commended in a recent state-sponsored review for its teacher preparation programs. The review, conducted by two Teacher Preparation Inspection evaluators (TPI-US) in support of the State of New Mexico’s literacy pilot program, highlighted the college's commitment to structured literacy and evidence-based practices.


More on Medical Assistants (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Health Care Workers Week is a chance to recognize health care teams who work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of their fellow community members. A vivid reminder of their dedication happened during the global COVID-19 pandemic, when countless lives and careers were turned upside down, and health care workers’ demands were multiplied in unprecedented ways. It was during that time of uncertainty when UNM Health team member Valerie Miles was determined to press forward in her field, even if it meant shifting to a new role.


Recent UNM Graduate Makes Strides in Physical Education and Diversity

Martin Vasquez, a recent graduate from the University of New Mexico (UNM), is making strides in the field of Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE). Vasquez, who holds a Doctor of Philosophy in PETE, is passionate about teaching and bringing diversity to the education sector.


Inspiring nursing student overcomes challenges to graduate and make a difference

"Ashley McMains is not only a nursing student; she's also a testament to resilience, compassion, and the power of determination. Graduating from The University of New Mexico College of Nursing with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), Ashley's journey has been marked by challenges and triumphs alike, shaping her into an exceptional individual ready to make a profound impact in the health care field. Throughout her academic tenure, McMains’ commitment to excellence and service has been evident. Engaging in various leadership roles, such as serving as the Partnership Chair...


Albuquerque police link 28 recovered guns to other crimes in April

In April, the Albuquerque Police Department reported that they had recovered 75 firearms, with 28 of these linked to other gun crimes. This discovery was part of a comprehensive review initiated by the department in March, focusing on offenders charged with firearm-related offenses and firearms found within the community.


City of Albuquerque Receives $1.7 Million for Energy Efficiency Program Expansion

The City of Albuquerque’s Community Energy Efficiency (CEE) project has been awarded $1.7 million from The New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department to expand its energy efficiency improvement and retrofit work in our frontline communities. Through CEE, income-qualified homeowners in Albuquerque receive free energy audits and retrofit plans to create significant energy savings and increase safety and comfort for homeowners.


Albuquerque Museum Presents 'Focus on Youth

The Albuquerque Museum is currently showcasing "Focus on Youth," an annual juried exhibition featuring photographs and films created by high school students from the Albuquerque Public Schools (APS). Running from now until June 2, the exhibition includes nearly 100 photographs and short films showcasing a variety of techniques such as silver print, digital, and special techniques in photography, art books, and digital film.


May is a time to celebrate New Mexico’s Nurses

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) has officially recognized May as National Nurses Month, with a special emphasis on May 6-12 being National Nurses Week. In a statement, Patrick Allen, NMHealth Secretary, expressed his gratitude towards all nurses, especially those working for the department, saying, "The difference they make every day is incalculable."The theme for this year's Nurses Week is "Nurses Make the Difference," aiming to highlight the significant contributions and positive impact nurses have on communities. Heather Black, Chief Nurse for NMHealth’s...


Critical Approaches to Place focuses student research on community

New Mexico State University graduate student Esperanza Chairez Uriarte recently collaborated with community members in Las Cruces to create a zine titled “A New Zine Atlas of Las Cruces.” The zine, which explores the history and future of the area, was the result of a three-year curriculum funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.Chairez, who is pursuing a master’s degree in geography and environmental studies, emphasized the importance of community collaboration in the project. She explained, “The zine came together as a multi-vocal and creative exploration of...


City Councilor Ken Sanchez Honored with Community Pillar Unveiling

City Councilor Klarissa Peña, City Officials, and the Guardians of the Children Unveil the Ken Sanchez Community Pillar on Civic Plaza


NMSU Honors Public Health Heroes at Ninth Annual Awards Ceremony

New Mexico State University’s Department of Public Health Sciences recently held its ninth annual Public Health Heroes Awards ceremony to recognize individuals making significant contributions to public health. The event, led by Humaira Rahman, assistant professor of public health sciences, coincided with National Public Health Week in early April.One of the honorees, Candyce Luna, an alumna of NMSU and an integrated operational support team manager at Holloman Air Force Base, was awarded the Individual Award for her work in building military health with innovative...