News from January 2024


UNM unveils quantum new mexico institute

The University of New Mexico (UNM) has announced the establishment of the Quantum New Mexico Institute (QNM-I), a new research center developed through a collaboration with Sandia National Laboratories. The partnership is intended to advance quantum research and innovation in New Mexico.


Nobel laureate John Mather to discuss early findings from James Webb Space Telescope at UNM

The University of New Mexico (UNM) has announced that John Mather, renowned for his pioneering contributions to our understanding of the Big Bang, is set to return to the university. He will discuss the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and its preliminary results. Mather was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2006 for his involvement with the Cosmic Background Explorer Satellite (COBE).


Sandia advances resilient microgrid algorithms

Sandia National Laboratories recently announced a collaborative study with New Mexico State University. The partnership aims to develop algorithms that can be coded into grid relays, enhancing the resilience of the grid. The joint project by Sandia enables microgrids to recover autonomously from damage, fostering connectivity among them to share power and maximize customer service.


Los Alamos scientists explore topological phases for quantum device advances

Scientists at Los Alamos National Laboratory, as part of a collaborative team, have embarked on the exploration of topological phases of matter. This venture aims to drive advancements in innovative quantum devices. The team employed a novel strain engineering approach to transform hafnium pentatelluride (HfTe5) into a robust topological insulator, thereby increasing bulk electrical resistance while simultaneously reducing surface resistance.


Albuquerque job training recognized as workforce champion of the year

The city of Albuquerque has announced that its Job Training Albuquerque program (JTA) has been recognized by The Associated General Contractors of New Mexico (AGC NM) for its significant contributions to the current construction industry workforce. This recognition applauds JTA's commitment to providing free training to small businesses.


Albuquerque secures $1 million grant for climate pollution reduction

The city of Albuquerque has announced that it has received a $1 million grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for climate pollution reduction planning in the metropolitan area. Over the next four years, the sustainability office of the city will manage this grant in two stages.


New Mexico State Rep. Jim Townsend: ‘This decision is meant for elected representatives to discuss and debate’

New Mexico State Representatives Jim Townsend, Larry Scott, and Rod Montoya recently wrote a letter to Governor Michelle Lujan-Grisham (D-N.M.) urging her to consider adding House Bill 76. This bill seeks to repeal a recent rule implemented by the New Mexico Environmental Improvement Board. The rule mandates that a certain percentage of vehicles sold in New Mexico in 2026 must be zero-emission. According to Townsend, this is not the type of decision that an unelected body should have the authority to make.


NMSU faculty recognized for scholarly work and community outreach in spring 2024 convocation

New Mexico State University (NMSU) recently announced its plans for the spring convocation, an event aimed at marking the beginning of the new semester and recognizing the achievements of award recipients. The gathering, which took place at NMSU's Atkinson Recital Hall on the Las Cruces campus, attracted 100 attendees.


NMSU Business Model Sprint accepting tech startup applications

New Mexico State University (NMSU) has announced the extension of its online accelerator, the Business Model Sprint, under the Scale Up New Mexico program. The initiative is targeted at tech startups in the state and is aimed at enhancing their business models to ensure sustainable success in the marketplace.


Sandia engineer receives national award

Sandia National Laboratories has announced that one of its engineers, Anthony Louis Garcia, has been awarded the 2023 Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers STAR of Today award for technical achievement. This esteemed accolade, which acknowledges exceptional performance in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), underscores Garcia's contributions to his profession and his significant work in research and community outreach.


Sandia study reveals insights into arctic warming trends

Sandia National Laboratories has revealed that its researchers are currently studying the acceleration of Arctic warming, a phenomenon driven by the reduction in sunlight reflectivity, also known as albedo. The research team has leveraged data from GPS satellite radiometers to capture sunlight reflections off the Arctic, providing new insights into this alarming trend.


Los Alamos unveils enhanced permafrost mapping with new ai technology

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) has revealed that researchers, in partnership with Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, have used supervised machine learning, a form of artificial intelligence (AI), to evaluate the precision of three AI methodologies. The trials incorporated data from three watersheds with sporadic permafrost on Alaska's Seward Peninsula.


City of Santa Fe Public Library Board met Dec. 19

City of Santa Fe Public Library Board met Tuesday, Dec. 19


Santa Fe River Commission met Dec. 14

Santa Fe River Commission met Thursday, Dec. 14


City of Santa Fe Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee met Dec. 14

City of Santa Fe Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee met Thursday, Dec. 14


City of Santa Fe Governing Body met Dec. 13

City of Santa Fe Governing Body met Wednesday, Dec. 13


City of Santa Fe Governing Body met Dec. 11

City of Santa Fe Governing Body met Monday, Dec. 11


City of Albuquerque Land Use, Planning, and Zoning Committee met Dec. 13

City of Albuquerque Land Use, Planning, and Zoning Committee met Wednesday, Dec. 13


City of Albuquerque Finance & Government Operations Committee met Dec. 11

City of Albuquerque Finance & Government Operations Committee met Monday, Dec. 11


City of Santa Fe Community Development Commission met Jan. 17

City of Santa Fe Community Development Commission met Wednesday, Jan. 17