News from April 2024
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 10, 2024
A suspect has been arrested for the February beating death of Mark Lavine in front of a homeless service provider in Downtown Albuquerque. According to witnesses and surveillance video, the suspect, Jose Gracia, approached Lavine in front of Hope Village and attacked him."Gracia maneuvered his wheelchair close to Lavine, reached up with his left hand, grabbed Lavine by the shirt near his neckline, and lunged at Lavine with force. He struck Lavine in the face with his right hand, blindsiding him while Lavine was looking in another direction," stated the report.Following...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 10, 2024
Doña Ana County International Jetport at Santa Teresa is looking to fill three vacancies on its Airport Advisory Board. The board plays a crucial role in overseeing various aspects of the airport's operations. The selected applicants will serve a three-year term, starting from July 1 through June 20, 2027. They will work closely with key personnel to address safety, growth, development, and administration issues relevant to the airport.Applicants are required to have an interest in serving, knowledge of aviation and airport issues, and qualifications suitable for the...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 10, 2024
Several graduate programs at New Mexico State University’s College of Health, Education and Social Transformation have secured places in the prestigious “2024 Best Graduate Schools” list. Among these programs are social work, public health, and speech-language pathology, with rankings of tied 94, tied 136, and tied 170, respectively.Stacy Gherardi, interim co-director of the School of Social Work, expressed pride in the recognition received, stating, “The School of Social Work is extremely proud of our recognition as one of the Best Graduate Programs in 2024. We look...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 10, 2024
"Borderland Storytellers, Stahmann Farms: A Legacy" is set to be taped at the KRWG Public Media studios on April 19, inviting community members, students, faculty, and staff at New Mexico State University to join the studio audience. The program will feature a moderated question-and-answer session with guests sharing their stories.Blanca Araujo, a professor in NMSU’s College of Health, Education and Social Transformation, who lived at Stahmann Farms during her childhood, will be the featured speaker. Araujo, along with a team of colleagues, conducted an oral history...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 10, 2024
Sandia National Laboratories electrical engineer Michael Ropp has been named a Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers for his groundbreaking research in improving the resiliency of the electrical grid. Ropp's work focuses on developing algorithms to enhance grid resiliency, especially with the integration of renewable energy sources like solar panels and wind turbines.Ropp's expertise lies in creating small "islands" of power, known as microgrids, around critical infrastructure to maintain energy supply during grid failures. His research on...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 10, 2024
New Mexico State University art professor Brita d’Agostino expressed gratitude for the seed grant funding that enabled her to secure an artist residency in Italy. She stated, “The seed grant funding played a pivotal role in securing my artist residency in Italy. It provided dedicated time for professional growth and mentorship in proposal development and research, enabling me to explore fresh opportunities and new possibilities in my work.”According to art history professor and department head Margaret Goehring, d’Agostino used her previous seed funding to prepare for her...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 9, 2024
The Bosque Redondo Memorial at Fort Sumner Historic Site will host a Fiber Fair on Saturday, May 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 9, 2024
The University of New Mexico College of Nursing's Master of Science in Nursing Nurse-Midwifery program has been recognized as the 11th best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report's 2025 edition of America’s Best Graduate Schools. Felina Ortiz, DNP, RN, CNM, FACNM, interim Nurse-Midwifery program coordinator, expressed her pride in the program, stating, “This ranking for the Nurse-Midwifery program is a testament to the dedication, scholarly curiosity, and passion for community modeled by UNM’s nurse-midwives and midwifery students.”The College's commitment to...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 9, 2024
Club Sports at the University of New Mexico (UNM) are thriving, offering a plethora of options for students who wish to stay active and engaged in athletics while balancing their academic and personal lives. These sports programs, under the umbrella of UNM Recreational Services, cater to both competitive and recreational athletes.Jessica Bennett, Club Sports Project Assistant and Sport and Recreational Club Council President, expressed her dedication to the program, stating, "I like to see everyone in action. It reminds me why I keep coming back to Club Sports and...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 9, 2024
U.S. News & World Report has unveiled its 2024 Best Graduate Schools rankings, highlighting several programs at The University of New Mexico. Nursing Midwifery at UNM has secured the 11th spot, with a total of 15 colleges/schools and programs ranking in the top 100.Speaking about the rankings, a spokesperson for the publication mentioned, "The rankings focus only on graduate programs, as opposed to other rankings released from U.S. News and World Report that focus on undergraduate and online programs. The publication releases rankings every year but focuses on different...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 9, 2024
The Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department is expecting hundreds of orphaned kittens and puppies anytime now and throughout the summer season. The department has put out a call for support from the community as they prepare to care for these new arrivals."When the new arrivals come to the shelter, we will need certain items to take care of these bundles of joy," expressed the Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department. They have set up a baby registry on Amazon.com under the name Kennel Kompadres to make it easy for those who wish to donate."You can help save these fragile...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 9, 2024
The Santa Fe County Board of County Commissioners was forced to continue its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, due to technical difficulties that would have hindered public participation. As reported, the continuation was necessary to ensure that members of the public who had planned to participate remotely would not be excluded.In a statement, the Board announced that the meeting will resume on Monday, April 15, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. The Continued Meeting is set to take place in the Commission Chambers at 102 Grant Avenue Santa Fe NM. Those interested...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 9, 2024
The upcoming Fiber Fair at Bosque Redondo Memorial at Fort Sumner Historic Site is set to offer visitors a unique and educational experience on Saturday, May 4, 2024. The event will showcase the rich history of New Mexico through various wool-related activities and demonstrations.Aaron Roth, the Bosque Redondo Memorial Site Manager, expressed his excitement for the event, stating, "Let this event be a celebration and appreciation of the centuries-old weaving traditions that have flourished in the beautiful state of New Mexico.”Attendees of all ages will have the...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 9, 2024
Arrowhead Center at New Mexico State University is making strides in driving energy funding in New Mexico through its NM FAST program. The program, which supports regional technology-focused startups in securing research and development funding, has been instrumental in aiding businesses in accessing federal investment opportunities.Dana Catron, deputy director of Arrowhead Center and director of the NM Clean Energy Resilience and Growth Cluster, highlighted the significance of New Mexico's energy technology ecosystem, stating, “New Mexico’s energy tech ecosystem stands...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 9, 2024
New Mexico State University’s Model United Nations team once again showcased their excellence at the 2024 MUN conference in New York City, where they were awarded the prestigious Outstanding Delegation award. The team has a remarkable track record, having achieved top honors in 17 out of the last 18 years.Neil Harvey, the government professor and department head who accompanied the students as their advisor, expressed his pride in the team, stating, “I am very proud of each member of our team for their hard work in preparation for this conference and for their ability to...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 9, 2024
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Scientists at Sandia National Laboratories are exploring the potential of using depleted oil and natural gas reservoirs for storing hydrogen, a carbon-free fuel with various clean energy applications. Led by Sandia chemical engineer Tuan Ho, the research aims to investigate the feasibility of underground hydrogen storage as a means of addressing energy needs and decarbonizing the energy sector.In a recent paper published in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Ho's team shared their findings on the underground storage of hydrogen. The study...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 9, 2024
Alina Chircu, Ph.D., has officially joined The University of New Mexico as dean of the Anderson School of Management. Chircu comes to UNM Anderson from Bentley University in Waltham, Mass., where she served in a number of capacities. Her posts included interim dean of business, associate dean followed by senior associate dean of business for graduate programs and chair of the Information and Process Management department, where she was also a faculty member.UNM Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs James Holloway praised her expertise and talents. “Dr....
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 8, 2024
In light of the recent return of Swainson’s hawks to NMSU, students and faculty are being advised to be cautious as the nesting hawks settle in around campus. The hawks, protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, have been known to exhibit aggressive behavior in defense of their nests.According to NMSU officials, the hawks, though typically docile, can become aggressive towards perceived threats to their nests. This has resulted in instances where the hawks have swooped down and struck pedestrians on the head and arms. To ensure safety, individuals are urged to...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 8, 2024
The Albuquerque Police Department's Traffic Division conducted a citywide illegal street racing operation over the weekend, resulting in officers breaking up three separate events. Kathryn Edmiston, 21, was arrested after officers noticed her vehicle in a parking stall of the Maverick gas station located at 5001 Jefferson Street N.E. Edmiston fled from officers on March 30, when they were conducting a similar operation and was booked into MDC on a warrant for Reckless Driving and Aggravated Fleeing Law Enforcement (2 counts).According to the report, the three racing...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 8, 2024
The New Mexico Arts Commission and the New Mexico Arts Division have announced that nominations are open for the 2024 Governor’s Awards for Excellence in the Arts. The awards, which celebrate the significant role of arts in the economic and cultural lives of New Mexicans, will accept nominations until April 24, 2024."We are incredibly fortunate to live in a state where arts and culture are so deeply embedded in our everyday lives, so much so in fact, that we are at risk of taking them for granted," said Michelle Laflamme-Childs, New Mexico Arts Executive Director.The...
