News from September 2023


Project ECHO partners with WHO to create first collaborating center for digital learning in health emergencies

In a groundbreaking collaboration, Project ECHO has partnered with the World Health Organization (WHO) to establish the WHO Collaborating Center for Digital Learning in Health Emergencies. This center, located at an academic institution in New Mexico, aims to enhance emergency preparedness and response through digital learning. It is the first of its kind, dedicated to this specific area of focus.


NMSU introduces Teacher Pipeline program

NMSU Introduces Teacher Pipeline Program


Sandia National Laboratories’ center for cyber defenders has a two-decade legacy of nurturing cybersecurity talent

Sandia National Laboratories has recently launched its Center for Cyber Defenders, an internship institute focused on cybersecurity. This program has been actively involving college students from all over the United States in critical national security issues for over two decades. Since its inception in 2021, the program has provided participants with networking opportunities, training, mentorship, and research experiences.


New Los Alamos National Laboratory's Documentary on J. Robert Oppenheimer and the Manhattan Project

Los Alamos National Laboratory has recently released a new documentary titled "Oppenheimer: Science, Mission, Legacy," which is now available for public viewing online. Produced by the Lab's National Security Research Center (NSRC) and Multimedia Production Group, this documentary consists of three episodes, each lasting one and a half hours. It features expert interviews and previously unreleased materials from the NSRC's unclassified collections, providing insights into the enduring legacy of J. Robert Oppenheimer and its relevance to the Lab's current mission.


Albuquerque city councilor advocates for California's AB 436 which would repeal anti-cruising regulations

Albuquerque City Councilor, Klarissa Peña, is advocating for California's AB 436, a bill that aims to repeal anti-cruising regulations. In a letter addressed to California Governor Gavin Newsom, Councilor Peña urged his endorsement and signature on the legislation, emphasizing the potential for communities to strengthen local cruising events and their economic impact.


CNM Excutive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion earns fellowship and principal investigator role for NSF grant

Felecia Caton-Garcia, the Executive Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Central New Mexico Community College (CNM), has recently been recognized for her outstanding work in the field. On September 21, 2023, Caton-Garcia was announced as a fellow by the Hispanic Association of College and Universities (HACU). This prestigious fellowship will allow her to take part in leadership development activities and receive mentorship, among other opportunities.


Sandia National Laboratories researchers to mentor student minorities through Grande CARES program

Sandia National Laboratories has recently announced its participation in the Rio Grande Consortium for Advanced Research on Exascale Simulation (Grande CARES), a government-funded program aimed at providing science and technology learning opportunities to student minorities. The initiative, supported by the National Nuclear Security Administration's Minority-Serving Institute Partnership Program, seeks to address the underrepresentation of minorities in the workforce at national laboratories.


NMSU Cooperative Extension Service offers emergency preparedness resources, trainings

The New Mexico State University (NMSU) Cooperative Extension Service has recently announced that it will be offering emergency preparedness resources and training opportunities to residents of New Mexico. As a member of the Southwest Border Food Protection and Emergency Preparedness Center, the Cooperative Extension Service is well-equipped to respond to complex crises, according to a press release from NMSU.


Grand opening of Luna County Public Health Office in Deming, New Mexico, celebrated by DOH and County Officials

The grand opening of the Luna County Public Health Office in Deming, New Mexico was celebrated by the New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) and Luna County Government. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place on September 22, 2023, and was attended by representatives from both organizations, as well as the Deming-Luna County Chamber of Commerce.


DOE, U.S. said DOE allocates almost $48 million to advance clean hydrogen technologies

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has recently announced an allocation of $47.7 million in funding for 16 projects aimed at advancing clean hydrogen technologies. These initiatives, managed by the DOE's Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Technologies Office, will be conducted across 13 states and will contribute to the ongoing efforts to reduce the production cost of clean hydrogen. The projects will focus on various aspects, such as developing fuel cells for zero-emission trucks, capturing lost hydrogen during transfers, designing composite tanks for hydrogen transport, and developing...


City of Santa Fe Quality of Life Committee met Aug. 2

City of Santa Fe Quality of Life Committee met Wednesday, Aug. 2


City of Santa Fe MPO Transportation Policy Board met Aug. 24

City of Santa Fe MPO Transportation Policy Board met Thursday, Aug. 24


Simulation on Los Alamos supercomputer targets drug-resistant bacteria challenge

Los Alamos National Laboratory has made an exciting breakthrough in the fight against drug-resistant bacteria. The laboratory announced on September 19, 2023, that its supercomputer simulation has provided insights into the molecular processes within living cells, specifically how antibiotics eliminate bacteria at the atomic level. This research not only paves the way for enhanced antibiotics but also offers novel solutions against drug-resistant bacteria and the development of vaccines for viruses such as SARS-CoV-2.


Albuquerque Public Schools Monte Vista Elementary School earns Blue Ribbon School designation

Albuquerque Public Schools proudly announced that Monte Vista Elementary School has been recognized as a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. The prestigious Blue Ribbon School designation was awarded to Monte Vista on September 19, 2023, making it one of only three schools in New Mexico and 353 schools nationwide to receive this honor in 2023.


Bernalillo County Commissioners grant approval for the request of industrial revenue bonds to fund a storage facility

Bernalillo County Commissioners have granted approval for an industrial revenue bonds (IRBs) request to fund the construction of a storage facility. The request, made by Johnson Storage & Moving Co., LLC, was given unanimous approval with a 4-0 vote. The facility, which will be located at 118th Street and Central Ave., NW, aims to provide moving and storage services to both local residents and individuals from out of state.


The Economic Development Department in Albuquerque has earned six international awards

The Economic Development Department (EDD) in Albuquerque has recently received six international awards for their outstanding efforts in workforce development, small business support, and the film industry. These honors were bestowed upon the EDD by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) on September 20, 2023, according to a press release from the City of Albuquerque.


CNM Ingenuity introduces the new President and Vice President

CNM Ingenuity, the economic development branch of Central New Mexico Community College, has announced the appointment of Mark J. Fidel as the new President of its Board of Directors and Henry South as Vice President. The news was released on September 20, 2023. CNM Ingenuity offers accelerated educational and training programs, support for entrepreneurs, and collaborative initiatives.


DOE Career Skills Training program to allocate $10 million for energy efficiency workforce training grants"

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has recently announced that it will be providing up to $10 million in grants through the Career Skills Training program (CST) to expand energy efficiency workforce training programs. These grants will support both classroom instruction and on-the-job training for individuals seeking certifications in clean energy installations. The announcement comes during climate week 2023, highlighting the government's commitment to addressing climate change through the development of a skilled and diverse workforce.


City of Santa Fe Public Works and Utilities Committee met July 24

City of Santa Fe Public Works and Utilities Committee met Monday, July 24


New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority's Restoring Our Communities Program aims to foster affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization

The New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) has launched the Restoring Our Communities (ROC) Program to address the need for affordable housing in the state. The program, which began on September 1, 2023, aims to restore vacant houses and provide affordable housing opportunities. This initiative not only helps individuals and families find affordable homes but also revitalizes neighborhoods by eliminating vacant and deteriorating houses that lower property values and increase insurance costs for nearby homeowners.