News from April 2024
Emergency Manager Stephen Lopez named interim county manager
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 24, 2024
Doña Ana County, NM - The Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners has announced Stephen Lopez as interim county manager, effective May 1. Lopez brings over three decades of extensive experience in law enforcement, emergency management, and academia to his new role.Lopez, who began his career in law enforcement at New Mexico State University (NMSU) in 1987, worked there for 33 years, with the last eight years as Chief of Police. He also served as adjunct faculty for 14 years, teaching courses in public health and criminal justice. In January 2021, Lopez joined the County as...
Fulbright funding awarded to four UNM students
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 24, 2024
The University of New Mexico has announced the selection of four students and recent graduates to participate in Fulbright programs this year, providing them with the opportunity to further their studies with funding assistance from the Fulbright U.S. Student Program.Kiyoko Simmons, UNM Honors College Fulbright Coordinator, expressed her anticipation for the awardees' journeys, highlighting the program's aim to promote mutual understanding between nations. She stated, "As these four awardees begin their journeys, I anticipate they will develop a profound appreciation for...
Celebrating Culture and Wellness on Día de Salud!
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 24, 2024
The University of New Mexico Health System, in collaboration with the National Hispanic Cultural Center Foundation (NHCCF), is gearing up for the second annual Día de Salud, a "Day of Health" event aimed at connecting community members with health education and resources. Jamie Silva-Steele, President of UNM Sandoval Regional Medical Center, expressed excitement about the event's cultural approach, stating, "What is really exciting about Día de Salud is it is an opportunity to reach the Hispanic community in a way that embraces our cultural background and allows them to...
NMSU College of Business student Alan Aguilar excels ahead of graduation
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 23, 2024
Alan Aguilar, a senior at New Mexico State University’s College of Business, is set to graduate with a bachelor's degree in supply chain management this spring. Aguilar expressed his initial uncertainty about the supply chain management major, noting that it has gained prominence in the last two decades. He credited the program for its excellence, highlighting the shift from industrial engineers to professionals in the manufacturing industry.Reflecting on his academic journey, Aguilar praised Dr. Pimentel, his favorite professor, for imparting practical knowledge...
Major Milestone Reached for Key Weapons Component
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 23, 2024
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Sandia National Laboratories and the Kansas City National Security Campus have achieved a significant milestone in the development of a crucial weapons component. The Mark 21 Replacement Fuze, designed to interface with the W87-0 warhead for deployment onto strategic missiles, has completed its first production unit approval process.Brad Boswell, a director at Sandia, emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, “Sandia’s role is to deliver a fuze that meets the Air Force’s requirements. Completing the first production unit is a visible...
Importance of Vaccination Highlighted During National Infant Immunization Week
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 23, 2024
SANTA FE – The New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) is emphasizing the significance of infant immunizations during National Infant Immunization Week, which runs from April 22 to 29, 2024. Andrea Romero, Immunization Program Manager at NMHealth, stressed the importance of families keeping their children up to date on vaccinations. Romero stated, "NMHealth encourages families to discuss staying up to date on childhood vaccinations with a health professional. Together we can raise awareness and spread the importance of timely immunization. On-schedule vaccinations play a...
UNM Social Work Interns to host Well-Being Workshop
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 23, 2024
Miquela Ortiz Upston, a social worker for the Dean of Students Office, announced that the social work internship team will be hosting two Well-Being Workshops focused on starting careers and accessing affordable food. The workshops are scheduled for this Thursday at 1 p.m. in the DOS Conference Room at the University Advisement and Enrichment Center."The Well-Being Workshops were developed by the social work internship team in the Dean of Students Office to address different topics related to basic needs to help support our students so that they can be successful...
UNM Health Recognized Among Top Places to Work in Health Care
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 23, 2024
The University of New Mexico Health system has been named among the 150+ Top Places to Work in Healthcare in 2024 by Becker's Hospital Review. This recognition underscores UNM Health's commitment to its employees and the community it serves.Doug Ziedonis, MD, MPH, Executive Vice President of UNM Health Sciences and CEO of the UNM Health System, expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thanks to all our leaders, employees, students, learners, and volunteers who are working to make a difference, use their creativity and innovation, be mission-focused, work collaboratively, and...
Undergrad delves into the ancient legend of La Llorona
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 23, 2024
Karina Bolaños, a third-year student at The University of New Mexico, is immersing herself in the ancient legend of La Llorona, a haunting figure deeply rooted in Latin American folklore. Bolaños, majoring in English and Religious Studies, is conducting research to explore the various narratives and backgrounds surrounding the wailing woman.Bolaños expressed her deep gratitude towards El Puente and its administrators for their unwavering support in her research endeavors, stating, “There are honestly no words to describe how much El Puente and the administrators have...
NMSU Hosted Inaugural NM Technology Student Association State Leadership Conference
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 23, 2024
The New Mexico Technology Student Association, managed through New Mexico State University’s College of Engineering, is the STEM career technical student organization for the state of New Mexico, and NMSU hosted the inaugural NM TSA state leadership conference April 12-13 in Las Cruces. More than 200 students from middle and high school chapters across the state showcased their projects and practiced leadership through more than 55 different science, technology, engineering and mathematics competitions. Volcano Vista High School was named this year’s state champion....
ABQ BioPark Unveils Facility Plan Update to Enhance Animal Wellbeing and Conservation Efforts
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 23, 2024
The ABQ BioPark, in collaboration with Mayor Tim Keller, has released an updated Facility Plan outlining projects scheduled until the end of the funding cycle in 2031. This plan aims to maximize the community's investment for the benefit of animal wellbeing, conservation, and guest experience.According to BioPark Director Brandon Gibson, "The Facility Plan maximizes our community’s investment to realize the greatest effects on animal wellbeing, conservation and guest experience." The plan prioritizes projects based on criteria such as safety, mission alignment, and...
UNM Psychology Professor Recognized for Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 22, 2024
The Project for New Mexico Graduates of Color (PNMGC) recently honored UNM Psychology Professor Steven Verney for his dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion in New Mexico and the Albuquerque community. Verney was awarded the “All-Around Support Award” at the annual Faculty of Color Awards (FoCA) ceremony held at the University Club on April 18, 2024.Expressing his gratitude for the recognition, Verney stated, “I am honored and humbled to be nominated by graduate students. Rewards in Academia are few and far between, so I am thrilled to receive this award! I would...
Updates from Doña Ana County District 5
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 22, 2024
Doña Ana County's District 5 has been abuzz with various programs and projects aimed at improving the community's well-being and infrastructure.The Community Centers in the district have been hosting informative sessions as part of the "Topic of the Month" program. One such program is "Diabetes Conversations," focusing on diabetes management and occurring monthly with a new topic each time.Regarding the strategic direction of the county, a county representative emphasized, "The True Purpose of Our Plan is to See Our County Thrive as a County, there are Vital Conditions...
NMSU's Hunt Center, SWHEA Collaborate on Healthcare Consumer Needs and Angel Investing
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 22, 2024
The Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship, located at New Mexico State University's Arrowhead Center, is teaming up with SunCruces Angels and the Southwest Healthcare Executives Association (SHEA) to host an event focused on "Meeting the Needs of Today's Healthcare Consumer.""This partnership not only highlights the vibrant potential of the Borderplex region, but also sets the stage for a dynamic fusion of healthcare, innovation, and investment," expressed Carlos Murguia, director of the Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship.A panel of distinguished healthcare experts, including...
April is Alcohol Awareness Month: New Mexico Takes Action to Address Alcohol Misuse
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 22, 2024
SANTA FE — In light of April being national Alcohol Awareness Month, Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has approved $2 million to establish the Office of Alcohol Misuse Prevention (OAMP) within the New Mexico Department of Health. The OAMP is aimed at mitigating alcohol-related harms through coordinated prevention efforts across state agencies, promoting FDA-approved treatments for alcohol use disorder, and supporting communities in reducing excessive alcohol consumption.NMHealth Secretary Patrick Allen emphasized the importance of addressing alcohol-related issues,...
City of Albuquerque Gears Up for Summer Youth Programs with Spring Into Summer Event
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 22, 2024
Albuquerque’s annual Spring into Summer event is set to return on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at the Barelas Community Center & Park. The event aims to celebrate the arrival of warm weather and assist families in getting ready for the upcoming summer season. According to Cristin Chavez-Smith, leader of One ABQ: YouthConnect, the event is a platform for the community to enjoy the weather while learning about various youth and family programs offered across the city. Chavez-Smith emphasized the importance of providing safe spaces for children to grow and play, ensuring that...
CPOA Board Notice of Possible Quorum at Citizen Police Academy Training
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 22, 2024
The Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board has issued a notice regarding a possible quorum at the upcoming Citizen Police Academy training session scheduled for April 25, 2024. The training will take place at the Albuquerque Police Academy located at 5412 2nd Street NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87107.According to the advisory 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." However, it was clarified that, "No board business...
UNM Research Examines Government Intervention and COVID-19 Impact in Bolivia
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 21, 2024
UNM Political Science Associate Professor and Chair Jami Nelson-Nuñez recently published a research paper in the journal Scientific Data, analyzing the impact of government interventions on the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly focusing on Bolivia. Nelson-Nuñez and her international team of researchers investigated the cause and effect of policies and politics in Bolivia through months of data.Regarding the study, Nelson-Nuñez highlighted the unique situation in Bolivia, stating, "Bolivia is a really interesting case because they have a system that's mainly decentralized...
Water Science Communication Fellowship lets undergraduates get feet wet in research
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 21, 2024
Undergraduate students at The University of New Mexico recently showcased their innovative projects as part of the 2024 UNM Undergraduate Water Science Communication Fellowship. This program, initiated by Anjali Mulchandani and Sydney Donohue Jobe in 2022, aims to engage undergraduates in research and promote interdisciplinary collaboration.The event, held under the UNM Grand Challenges focus area of sustainable water resources, was a part of the annual Undergraduate Research Opportunity Conference (UROC). Students from various academic backgrounds presented their...
City of Santa Fe Ethics and Campaign Review Board met April 19
By Angelica Saylo Pilo | Apr 21, 2024
City of Santa Fe Ethics and Campaign Review Board met Friday, April 19