New Mexico Sun

News from March 2024


Staff Spotlight: Michelle Gavin, Office of Research Integrity and Compliance

Michelle Gavin, a research integrity coordinator at the Office of Research Integrity and Compliance at NMSU, has been an integral part of the university's research support system since 2011. With a background spanning various sectors like corporate business, government, higher education, and national defense security, Gavin's expertise has been crucial in ensuring research compliance and protecting human participants.Gavin, who joined NMSU in 2003, has been actively involved in STEM-related outreach and education programs, as well as serving on various university...


Exciting Job Opportunity at ABQ BioPark for Volunteer Facilitator

The ABQ BioPark is currently offering a unique job opportunity for individuals interested in nature and conservation. The position of Volunteer Facilitator involves assisting with the planning, coordination, and execution of the BioPark Volunteer Program. According to the job description, the Volunteer Facilitator will work at various BioPark facilities, including the Aquarium, Botanic Garden, Zoo, and Tingley Beach as needed.Rebecca Cervantes, the Volunteer Coordinator at ABQ BioPark, outlined the responsibilities of the Volunteer Facilitator, which include assisting...


Staff Spotlight: Michelle Gavin, NMSU Research Integrity Coordinator

Michelle Gavin, a research integrity coordinator at NMSU, has been a key player in ensuring that research at the university is conducted ethically and in compliance with regulations. Her role involves supporting researchers in navigating the complex world of research guidelines and protocols.Gavin's expertise and experience in the computing industry have been invaluable in her position, which she has held since 2011. She has a background that spans from corporate business to government sectors, including higher education and national defense security projects. Her...


APD Charges Gabriel Valenzuela-Greene Jr For Two Recent murders, Suspect in Third Murder, 2 Kidnappings, Carjacking

The Albuquerque Police Department (APD) has made significant progress in solving recent murders by charging and arresting Gabriel Valenzuela Green, Jr., for two murders and identifying him as a suspect in a third murder. The cases, all related to narcotics trafficking, occurred over a 9-day span.Valenzuela-Greene, known by the street name "Memphis," was linked to the shootings through diligent investigative work. Detectives utilized various resources such as ShotSpotter, the NIBIN ballistics tracing program, APD’s Digital Video Recovery Team, and Digital Intel Teams to...


NMSU, Nebraska Extension to host virtual food manufacturers workshop in April

New Mexico State University’s Cooperative Extension Service and University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension will be hosting a virtual certification course for food manufacturing industry professionals in April. The course, titled “Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points For Food Manufacturers,” will take place over four days from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on April 9, 11, 16, and 18.According to the announcement, the $495 registration fee covers electronic materials and a certificate bearing the seal of the International HACCP Alliance. Luis Sabillón from NMSU can be contacted...


Annual Folk Art Flea to Support Museum of International Folk Art

The 13th annual Folk Art Flea, organized by the Museum of International Folk Art (MOIFA) and the Friends of Folk Art (FOFA), is set to take place on Saturday, May 4 at the Santa Fe County Fairgrounds. The event aims to support MOIFA's education programs and exhibitions, such as La Cartonería Mexicana / The Mexican Art of Paper and Paste, Staff Picks: Favorites from the Collection, and Between the Lines: Prison Art & Advocacy.According to Marcia Lenihan, co-chair of the Flea, "The Folk Art Flea is a Santa Fe favorite; people come back year after year for the great...


Redefining Downtown Albuquerque

ALBUQUERQUE – The Metropolitan Redevelopment Agency (MRA) in Albuquerque is set to revamp the existing Downtown Redevelopment Plan to align with the changing needs and vision of the neighborhood. Mayor Tim Keller emphasized the importance of downtown, stating, "Downtown Albuquerque plays a central role in our city's identity and economic success."MRA Director Terry Brunner highlighted the goal of the modernization efforts, saying, "By modernizing our Downtown Redevelopment Plan, we aim to spur growth, attract investment, and create a downtown that reflects the needs of...


State’s Family Connects home visiting program achieves national certification

The New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) and New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (ECECD) proudly announced the certification of their Family Connects New Mexico (FCNM) program by Family Connects International. This achievement comes just a year after the program's launch and marks a significant milestone in providing support for caregivers and their babies during the crucial first 12 weeks of life.DOH Secretary Patrick Allen emphasized the program's commitment to equitable healthcare access, stating, "Family Connects embodies our commitment to...


ABQ BioPark Partners with the Center for Plant Conservation to Save Endangered Species

The ABQ BioPark has announced its acceptance as a Participating Institution with the Center for Plant Conservation (CPC), showcasing its dedication to saving endangered plant species regionally and nationally. The CPC, a network of 75 institutions focused on conserving North America's rarest plants, plays a vital role in caring for over half of the continent's 4,400 endangered plant species while upholding strict standards to ensure genetic diversity.New Mexico, the fourth most botanically diverse state in the United States, is a key focus for the BioPark's plant...


Sandia Collaboration Leads to Improved Microneedle Technology

Sandia National Laboratories in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is making significant strides in microneedle technology, with a focus on improving healthcare monitoring and diagnostics. Ronen Polsky, who heads the microneedle research at Sandia, explained that the goal is to develop microneedles as wearable sensors for real-time and continuous measurements of biomarkers. Polsky highlighted the potential of microneedles beyond blood sugar measurements, stating, "We want to expand this to a whole range of other conditions to take advantage of this minimally invasive sampling using...


Santa Fe County to Host Virtual Community Meeting on FY 2026-2030 Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP)

Santa Fe County is set to host a virtual community meeting on the FY 2026-2030 Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan (ICIP) on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. The meeting aims to provide community members the opportunity to submit capital project requests and gain insights into the prioritization of essential projects for the future development of Santa Fe County.According to the announcement, all proposed projects, including public infrastructure like roads and facilities, will undergo meticulous review as part of the County's comprehensive...


Albuquerque City Council Supports Radiation Exposure Compensation Act for the People of New Mexico

ALBUQUERQUE – The Albuquerque City Council has issued a proclamation in support of extending and expanding the nation’s Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA).Albuquerque City Councilor for District 7 Tammy Fiebelkorn crafted the proclamation in support of extending the act which is scheduled to expire this year on June 7. Fiebelkorn highlighted the importance of extending compensation to cover New Mexicans, stating, "It has been nearly 80 years since the first nuclear bomb was detonated in New Mexico and since then over one thousand atomic tests have been conducted...


UNM OSE Program Commemorates 40 Years of Optical Science Education in New Mexico

The University of New Mexico’s Optical Science and Engineering program recently marked its 40th anniversary with a series of events celebrating its contributions to the field of optics. The program, jointly administered by the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the Department of Physics and Astronomy, offers graduate degrees in optical science, photonics, quantum optics, and imaging.Daniel Feezell, professor and general chair of the OSE Program, highlighted the uniqueness of the program, stating, “The OSE Program is unique because it is a cross-college...


Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board to Attend Citizen Police Academy Training

The Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board has announced its potential attendance at the Citizen Police Academy training session scheduled for March 21, 2024. The event 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, regarding the Citizen Police Academy." Additionally, they clarified that "No Board business will be discussed at the Citizen Police Academy training on...


21st CENTURY MEETS THE 14th CENTURY AT CORONADO HISTORIC SITE

Albuquerque’s 21st Century Academy students recently had the opportunity to immerse themselves in history at the Coronado Historic Site. On March 14, 2024, the students explored the beauty of the location and visited Kuaua Pueblo, which was constructed by the Tiwa People over 700 years ago.During their visit, the students actively participated in various activities. As mentioned in the press release, they "ground corn, learned about traditional gardening methods, and toured the painted kiva."In addition to the educational experience, the Coronado Historic Site is...


APD Downtown Police Enhance Patrols with New E-Powered Police Cycles

Albuquerque, NM – Officers with the Downtown Police Command have extra tools to increase their visibility and community presence with two new e-powered police bikes.Albuquerque City Councilor for District 2 Joaquín Baca and APD were listening when Downtown businesses and residents requested more foot patrols in the area. Through meetings with APD Downtown Command, Councilor Baca learned that officers on foot patrol downtown needed to be able to respond more quickly to calls for service. The councilor asked the patrol officers what they thought would help. The APD...


City of Albuquerque Finance & Government Operations Committee met Feb. 12

City of Albuquerque Finance & Government Operations Committee met Monday, Feb. 12


City of Albuquerque Finance & Government Operations Committee met March 11

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


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

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


City of Santa Fe Airport Advisory Board met Feb. 8

City of Santa Fe Airport Advisory Board met Thursday, Feb. 8