New Mexico Sun

News from February 2024


Bruised and Bleeding: New Materials Show Where They're Hurt

Sandia National Laboratories has developed a groundbreaking prototype using "bruising" materials that display evidence of tampering with containers of nuclear material. The innovative device, created by engineers at Sandia, goes beyond simply detecting tampering and boldly shows the damage, like battle scars. Heidi Smartt, a Sandia electrical engineer and project lead, explained, "Our first idea was to create a 'bleeding' material where it was extremely obvious that it had been tampered with. Then we made a new device using these materials where the damage is obvious for...


Aramark Collegiate Hospitality selected as UNM’s new dining program partner

The University of New Mexico (UNM) has announced a new partnership with Aramark Collegiate Hospitality as its on-campus dining services provider. This marks the first time in nearly 16 years that UNM has selected a new dining program partner. The decision comes after a rigorous procurement process that lasted almost a year and involved input from students, staff, faculty, and the food services administrative team."We are grateful for Chartwells' collaborative partnership over the years," said Alicia Solano, assistant vice president for Campus Business Services in...


Pulitzer Prize-winner Gretchen Morgenson to speak at NMSU College of Business Feb. 20

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author Gretchen Morgenson will be visiting New Mexico State University (NMSU) on February 20th to discuss and sign her latest book, "These are the Plunderers: How Private Equity Runs and Wrecks America." The event, hosted by NMSU's College of Business and Center for Border Economics, will be held at the Yates Auditorium in Domenici Hall on NMSU's Las Cruces campus.In her book, Morgenson sheds light on a small group of billionaire financiers who prioritize their own wealth at the expense of workers, pensioners, and taxpayers. She aims...


Job Opportunity at the ABQ BioPark: Seasonal Assistant Gardener

The ABQ BioPark is currently seeking candidates for the position of Seasonal Assistant Gardener. The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting with various duties involved in the planning, care, and maintenance of BioPark landscapes and garden exhibits. This position reports to the BioPark Curator of Plants and is part of the Horticulture department.According to the announcement, the Assistant Gardener will perform a variety of tasks related to their assigned areas of responsibility. This includes participating in grounds and plant maintenance duties such as...


NMSU hosts Learn-A-Palooza event

New Mexico State University (NMSU) has announced its forthcoming event, Learn-A-Palooza. The event is designed to inform families about the educational opportunities available at NMSU and engage them in activities related to science, technology, engineering, art, math, and health. Hosted by NMSU’s College of Health, Education, and Social Transformation (HEST), the event is free and open to all.


NMSU wind symphony selected for regional conference performance

New Mexico State University (NMSU) has announced that its wind symphony has been granted the opportunity to perform at the College Band Directors National Association Southwestern regional conference. In preparation for this prestigious event, the wind symphony will present its selected music through two concert performances at the Atkinson Recital Hall on campus.


NMSU to hold its Research and Creativity Week

New Mexico State University (NMSU) has announced its intention to host Research and Creativity Week, a series of public events, some of which require registration.


Film festival honors Golden Globe-winning actor

New Mexico State University (NMSU) has announced that the Las Cruces International Film Festival (LCIFF) will honor Golden Globe-winning actor Ron Perlman with its "Outstanding Achievement in Entertainment" award at this year's festival. Perlman, known for his extensive career spanning over three decades, has displayed his acting prowess in various roles, including memorable performances in Guillermo del Toro's "Hellboy" and FX's "Sons of Anarchy."


NMSU and HSF to host College Camp 2024

New Mexico State University (NMSU) has announced its plans to host the Hispanic Scholarship Fund's College Camp 2024, an event designed specifically for students in grades 6th to 12th and their families. The College Camp, which is organized by NMSU, aims to provide valuable resources and guidance for its participants.


Los Alamos environmental performance report

Los Alamos National Laboratory has released the Annual Site Environmental Report (ASER), a comprehensive document that provides an overview of the laboratory's environmental performance. The report includes data on soil, water, air, animals, and plants, in addition to covering compliance, radiation dose estimates, and waste management.


RDC Fund Supports Manufacturing and Technology Companies in Northern New Mexico with No-Interest Loans

The Santa Fe County Economic Development Division has recently introduced the Regional Development Corporation (RDC) Technology and Manufacturing (TEAM) fund. This initiative aims to provide no-interest loans to manufacturing and technology-based companies in Northern New Mexico. The primary goal of the TEAM Fund is to support the growth of businesses in the region, ultimately leading to job creation, increased revenues, and attracting further funding and investment."The TEAM Fund is a testament to RDC's commitment to sustaining and assisting developing businesses in...


County of Doña Ana to Observe Presidents' Day

Doña Ana County will be observing Presidents' Day on Monday, February 19, 2024. As a result, most administrative offices in the county will be closed on that day. However, it is important to note that first responders in the field will not be affected by the holiday closure.According to county officials, regular business hours for administrative offices will resume at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, February 20. The closure is in line with the observance of the federal holiday which honors two of the most prominent presidents in American history, George Washington and Abraham Lincoln....


Mayor's Creative Youth Corps Seeks Mentors for 2024 Cohort

The City of Albuquerque's Department of Arts & Culture is seeking creative organizations, programs, and leaders to participate in the 2024 cohort of the Mayor's Creative Youth Corps (MCYC). MCYC is a pre-professional paid summer mentorship program aimed at youth interested in pursuing a career in arts and culture."We are looking for organizations and leaders who are interested in serving as host sites and leading professional development sessions for the MCYC," said a spokesperson from the Department of Arts & Culture.As a host site, organizations will be paired with a...


Remodel Project Tees Off at Ladera Golf Course

Construction is underway at Ladera Golf Course as the Parks and Recreation Department (PRD) embarks on a new project to enhance the clubhouse building. The remodel, which spans 1,000 square feet on the west side of the building, aims to create a new lounge area that seamlessly connects to the existing outdoor patio.PRD Director Dave Simon expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "This investment will add value to Ladera for golfers and the entire community. Play is up, customers are happy, and the improvements will take the atmosphere at the course to the next...


Cinelease Chooses New Mexico for Expansion, Boosting State's Film Industry

Cinelease, Inc. and Cinelease Studios have announced their plans for a major expansion in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The entertainment service company has selected Albuquerque as the location for a new investment, which will involve the addition of five soundstages and two ancillary buildings, effectively doubling the current space of their facility. The expansion is expected to bring in hundreds of productions and create job opportunities in construction and film, while also providing a boost to the state's economy.New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham expressed her...


City Staff Earn National Award for Work Focused on Missing and Murdered Indigenous People

Dawn Begay, the City of Albuquerque’s Native American Affairs Coordinator, and Commander Gerard Bartlett of the Albuquerque Police Department have been honored with the national Attorney General’s Award for Outstanding Contributions to Community Partnerships for Public Safety. Their recognition stems from their efforts in coordinating agencies for a massive Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons initiative.Albuquerque’s Office of Native Affairs, a part of the City’s larger Office of Equity and Inclusion (OEI), has been instrumental in this initiative. Established by Mayor...


NMSU Art Museum to Screen Award-Winning Documentary "Madan Sara" with Director Q&A

New Mexico State University will be showcasing the inspiring documentary "Madan Sara" in Las Cruces on February 15th. Directed by Etant Dupain, the film sheds light on the remarkable lives of Haitian women known as "madan sara," who play a vital role in Haiti's economy.Despite facing immense hardships and social stigma, these women demonstrate the power of Black women in a global economy. They work tirelessly to buy, distribute, and sell essential items in markets throughout the country, providing for their families and striving to establish a better future for...


Understanding the Use of Technology by Low-Income Entrepreneurs

An assistant professor at The University of New Mexico's Anderson School of Management, Xaver Neumeyer, has conducted research on the processes employed by economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs and their use of technology. Through his study, Neumeyer aims to gain a deeper understanding of how these entrepreneurs manage and grow their businesses, as well as their impact on their communities.According to Neumeyer, these entrepreneurs, despite facing economic challenges, contribute significantly to their communities by creating job opportunities and providing essential...


City of Las Cruces Utilities Announces Spring 2024 Lush and Lean Workshops

The City of Las Cruces Utilities Water Conservation program has announced the schedule for its 2024 Spring Lush and Lean Program. The workshops, designed to promote water conservation and sustainable landscaping practices, will be held every Thursday in March from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Branigan Library Roadrunner Room, located at 200 E. Picacho Avenue.The presentations, which will begin promptly at 5:45 p.m., will cover a range of topics related to gardening and landscaping in the desert climate of southern New Mexico. Stephanie Walker, Ph.D., Extension Vegetable...


UNM Researchers Create New Way to Test Ski Boot Bindings in a Lab

Researchers at The University of New Mexico Health and Health Sciences are conducting a groundbreaking study to test ski equipment that claims to prevent serious injuries. Led by Christina Salas, PhD, a biomedical engineer and associate professor in the UNM School of Medicine’s Department of Orthopedics, the team is using a hand-built machine, cadaver limbs, and real ski equipment to determine if these ski bindings can actually prevent ACL injuries.In an interview, Dustin Richter, MD, an associate professor in Sports Medicine at the UNM School of Medicine, emphasized the...