New Mexico Sun

News from February 2024


University of New Mexico Hosts Symposium to Promote New Undergraduate Certificate Program

The University of New Mexico (UNM) is hosting a symposium to raise awareness of its newly created Certificate in Interdisciplinary Design program. The symposium aims to inform undergraduates about the certificate program as well as the various design opportunities and career trajectories available to them.The program's faculty includes prominent experts in the field, such as Professor Tim Castillo from the School of Architecture and Planning, Professor Mary Tsiongas from the Department of Art, Vanessa Svihla from Organization and Information and Library Sciences, Leah...


Museum of Indian Arts & Culture hires new educator to boost visitor experience

Santa Fe, NM – The Museum of Indian Arts & Culture is excited to announce the appointment of Emily Berkes as its new family and programs educator. With a strong background in art history and contemporary art, Emily brings a wealth of experience and fresh ideas to enhance the museum's educational programs. She officially assumed her role on January 20.As the museum's new family and programs educator, Emily will be responsible for developing and implementing engaging programs to connect children, families, teachers, and other adults with the exhibits at the Museum of Indian...


Sandia recognized for excellence in technology transfer

Sandia National Laboratories has announced that its employees have received recognition from the Federal Laboratory Consortium (FLC) for their outstanding success in commercializing technology. The FLC serves as a hub, fostering partnerships and pathways to connect laboratory innovations with commercial markets.


UNM computer scientist secures NSF CAREER award

The University of New Mexico (UNM) has announced that Amanda Bienz, an assistant professor in the department of computer science, has secured a National Science Foundation CAREER Award for her project. The project aims to align parallel computer application performance with hardware capabilities and is funded by the NSF's Software and Hardware Foundations Program and EPSCoR. Its focus is on optimizing supercomputer performance.


UNM and Ithaka S+R request faculty input for study on AI

The University of New Mexico (UNM) has announced a partnership with research and consulting service Ithaka S+R to undertake a comprehensive study on the impact of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies on teaching, learning, and research practices. The university's collaborative initiative aims to evaluate how advancements in AI are influencing educational and research methodologies across its academic spectrum.


NMSU Global introduces Apple Vision Pro microlearning

New Mexico State University (NMSU) has announced that its Global Campus is introducing two state-of-the-art microlearning courses, coinciding with the launch of the Apple Vision Pro. Participants in these courses will delve into the practical applications of Virtual Reality (VR) in instructional design, sharpening their skills to create immersive e-learning experiences and build a robust portfolio.


Light-powered nanoscale tech advancements by Los Alamos scientists

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has announced that its scientists are at the forefront of developing nanometer-scale light-based systems, a revolutionary step in ultrafast microelectronics and room-temperature infrared detection. This new metasurface architecture could lead to significant advancements in ultrafast information processing and the development of versatile terahertz sources, overcoming the current limitations of integrated circuits in terms of speed and adaptability.


Los Alamos unveils 2024 fellows for 'deep tech' entrepreneurs

Los Alamos National Laboratory has unveiled the 2024 cohort of The New Mexico Lab-Embedded Entrepreneur Program (New Mexico LEEP). The selected fellows will collaborate with lab scientists to refine their innovative projects.


UNM Anderson School Announces the 35th Hall of Fame Honorees

The University of New Mexico's Anderson School of Management has revealed the names of this year's Hall of Fame and Young Alumni honorees. The Hall of Fame, which recognizes outstanding achievements and contributions of alumni, is celebrating its 35th class.The 2024 Hall of Fame inductees are Stephen Griego, CEO and president of DMC Logistics, LLC; Kathryn Lueders, Starbase general manager at SpaceX; and Shannon Rainosek, CEO of Frontier Restaurant. These individuals have been chosen for their professional success, commitment to their community, and dedication to...


Safety Tips: Crosswalks

Crosswalk safety is of utmost importance when navigating the New Mexico State University campus. The NMSU Emergency Planning Committee provides guidelines and tips to ensure the safety of pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers.Pedestrians are advised to always cross at marked crosswalks and obey pedestrian signals. They should also remember to look left, right, and left again before crossing the road. It is crucial for pedestrians to make eye contact with drivers to ensure that they are seen. Additionally, pedestrians should exercise caution when walking past stopped...


Safety Tip: Crosswalk guidelines

New Mexico State University (NMSU) is emphasizing the importance of crosswalk safety on campus. The NMSU Emergency Planning Committee has provided guidelines for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers to ensure the safety of all individuals on campus.Pedestrians are advised to always use marked crosswalks and obey pedestrian signals. It is crucial to look left, right, and left again to ensure the road is clear before crossing. Additionally, pedestrians are encouraged to make eye contact with drivers to ensure they are seen before crossing. It is also important to exercise...


APD Detectives Arrest Potential Serial Sex Offender

APD detectives have arrested Dominic Ivan Martinez, 51, on multiple charges related to the sexual assault of minors. Martinez was apprehended on February 3, 2024, and since then, the APD Sex Crimes Unit has been actively investigating other potential cases linked to him.In light of these developments, the Albuquerque Police Department wants to remind the community that reporting sexual assault is crucial, even in cases of delayed reporting. They urge anyone who has been a victim of sexual assault or knows someone who has to reach out for help.According to the APD, there...


APD Investigating Shooting Death at Pat Hurley Park

APD homicide detectives are currently investigating a shooting death that occurred at Pat Hurley park on Albuquerque's West Side. The incident took place shortly before midnight on Friday, February 9, 2024. Officers from the Southwest Area Command responded to reports of a shooting at the park, which is located at 420 Yucca Dr., N.W. Upon arrival, they discovered an adult male who had sustained gunshot wounds. Despite the efforts of both officers and medical personnel to save his life, the man tragically passed away at the scene.The investigation into this unfortunate...


New Mexico legislative session focuses on key bills amid final deliberations

As the 2024 legislative session nears its conclusion, discussions on crime bills have slowed amid doubts about their effectiveness. However, movement is still expected on gun safety measures. The session will continue until Thursday, February 15 at noon, with daily committee floor sessions anticipated.


Senator Heinrich Honored as National Heritage Champion

Senator Heinrich was honored as a Heritage Champion by the Alliance of National Heritage Areas (ANHA) at their annual Congressional Breakfast and Awards Reception. The senator, who represents the Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area (NRGNHA), has been a strong advocate for National Heritage Areas and played a crucial role in ensuring the passage of the National Heritage Area Act.In his acceptance speech, Senator Heinrich highlighted the importance of National Heritage Areas in supporting arts, cultural organizations, and historic sites, particularly in Hispanic and...


NMSU Wind Symphony Selected to Perform at Regional Conference

The New Mexico State University (NMSU) Wind Symphony has been chosen to perform at the upcoming College Band Directors National Association (CBDNA) Southwestern regional conference. This marks the first time since 2010 that an NMSU band has been selected for this prestigious event. The CBDNA conference, which will be held in Kansas City from February 28 to March 2, features college concert bands from the Southwest region.NMSU's Wind Symphony is considered the top instrumental ensemble in the music department. According to Michael Mapp, director of bands at NMSU and...


NMSU to host Learn-A-Palooza March 2

New Mexico State University (NMSU) is gearing up to host the highly anticipated NMSU Learn-A-Palooza, a fun and educational event aimed at engaging families in a variety of disciplines. Formerly known as STEM Fest, this multi-disciplinary block party is designed to showcase the educational offerings of NMSU and provide families with an opportunity to participate in activities related to science, technology, engineering, art, math, health, and more.The event, which will take place on March 2 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., is a collaboration between NMSU's College of Health,...


City of Albuquerque to Host Fix It Clinic

The City of Albuquerque is set to host a Fix It Clinic, where residents can bring their broken household items and learn how to repair them. The event, called the "Fixit Clinic," will take place on February 24 at the Quelab Makerspace from 9 a.m. to noon. According to organizers, the Fixit Clinic aims to teach people how to fix their belongings rather than throwing them away. Experienced coaches will be on hand to guide participants through the repair process. The event is open to all ages and is free of charge."We want to encourage people to think twice before...


UNM Hospital Nears Completion of Critical Care Tower's Adult Emergency Department

The University of New Mexico Hospital's highly anticipated critical care tower (CCT) is reaching a significant milestone as the construction of the new adult emergency department (ED) nears completion. This state-of-the-art facility has been designed with the safety and needs of New Mexico patients in mind.The recent updates on the development of the new ED highlight the dedication and hard work of the construction teams. As of the end of 2023, the elevators serving the ED have been installed, and the concrete paving, walls, and ceilings in the new ambulance bay and...


APD Proactive Officers and Organized Crime Unit Partner with AG’s Office in Shoplifting Operation

In a joint operation conducted this week, the Albuquerque Police Department's (APD) Northeast Proactive Response Team and Organized Crime Unit partnered with agents from the Attorney General's Office to combat shoplifting in the Uptown and San Mateo Blvd/Cutler Ave. shopping districts. The operation resulted in 7 felony arrests, including a repeat offender who continues to violate her conditions of release.APD officers worked closely with loss prevention staff from multiple businesses, maintaining constant and real-time communication during the operation. Undercover...