News from April 2024
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 24, 2024
Just call him ‘waterjon’: Undergraduate Ian Kahn has found some creative ways to combine his love of water with passions in computer science, gaming, and even music. Ian Kahn, a senior in computer science at UNM, was born and raised in land-locked New Mexico but has always had an affinity for water. The New Mexico native, who currently holds a part-time job as a lifeguard at UNM’s Johnson Gym, said he always enjoyed when his family would vacation in beach locales, scuba diving in places such as Antigua, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. This summer, Kahn will get in a lot...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 24, 2024
The University of New Mexico recently held its annual Undergraduate Research Opportunity Conference (UROC), where undergraduate students showcased their innovative research projects to a wide audience. The event, which saw a total of 152 abstracts submitted and 184 students participating, provided a platform for students to present their work and engage with the academic community.One of the highlights of UROC is the UROC 180 Competition, where students have 180 seconds to present their research to a general audience. Benjamin Marwedel took first place with his project on...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 24, 2024
Albuquerque, Apr 24 2024 - On Monday, April 22, 2024, ABQ RIDE celebrated Earth Day by partnering with a 4th grade class from Lew Wallace Elementary School in a special flower planting project at the Alvarado Transportation Center. Transit Director Leslie Keener emphasized the importance of creating a clean and safe environment, stating, “Providing a clean and inviting environment for travelers and commuters who make their way through the Alvarado Transportation Center is a key factor in promoting safety within ABQ RIDE.”Keener also expressed gratitude for the...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 24, 2024
Albuquerque – The City of Albuquerque is taking steps to support the growth of commercial drivers in the area by assisting the CNM Ingenuity Commercial Driver's License (CDL) program. This initiative involves providing a bus for students to use during their training sessions, aiming to enhance the skills and opportunities for aspiring drivers.Chief Financial Officer Kevin Sourisseau highlighted the city's dedication to fostering career pathways in high-demand sectors by stating, "Our collaboration with CNM underscores our commitment to supporting career pathways in...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 24, 2024
Santa Fe, NM- The Santa Fe Film Office has unveiled an exciting opportunity for aspiring Pueblo and Indigenous Director-Writers to partake in the tuition-free NYU Tisch Graduate Film Summer Workshop. As reported by the office, this initiative, in collaboration with Santa Fe Community College and the Institute of American Indian Arts, aims to empower diverse storytellers and elevate Indigenous voices within the film industry.The workshop, scheduled to run for three weeks at Santa Fe Community College, will be led by esteemed faculty members from NYU Tisch's Graduate Film...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 23, 2024
Equality New Mexico has announced its second wave of endorsements for the upcoming primary elections. The organization emphasizes the importance of electing candidates who will support LGBTQ rights, noting that while New Mexico offers strong protections, challenges remain.
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...
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...
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...
By New Mexico Sun | Apr 23, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that New Mexico will receive $156,120,000 through the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund’s Solar For All program.
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...
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....
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...
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...
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...
