News from May 2024


NMSU faculty aid national climate change research initiative

NMSU faculty aid national climate change research initiative

Two New Mexico State University researchers in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences were part of an interdisciplinary team of scientists, led by Colorado State University, who contributed to the National Climate Change Roadmap. This collaborative document is designed to serve as a framework for future investments in climate-science research.


Equality New Mexico addresses controversy over House District 18 election messaging

Equality New Mexico addresses controversy over House District 18 election messaging

Equality New Mexico (EQNM) has issued a statement addressing the controversy surrounding its recent messaging related to the 2024 election for House District 18. The organization has received feedback from individuals who have expressed concerns about EQNM's stance, particularly regarding text messages sent out that contrasted candidates running for the district.


NMSU’s student information systems chapter wins national recognition

NMSU’s student information systems chapter wins national recognition

A student organization at New Mexico State University dedicated to promoting the study, application, and advancement of information systems has earned two national awards.


Albuquerque breaks ground on new northwest multigenerational center

Albuquerque breaks ground on new northwest multigenerational center

The City of Albuquerque held a groundbreaking ceremony today for a new multigenerational center in northwest Albuquerque, near Cibola Loop and Cuba Rd NW. The center aims to provide access to city services and programs for residents of all ages, including youth, seniors, and families. It is the first of several planned amenities at the site.


Semaglutide overdoses prompt warnings from poison control centers

Semaglutide overdoses prompt warnings from poison control centers

Ozempic and Wegovy have gained significant popularity for their weight loss benefits. However, Poison Control Centers nationwide are raising concerns over an increasing trend of semaglutide overdoses and improper use.


City seeks foster parents for special-needs pets

City seeks foster parents for special-needs pets

The City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department (AWD) is seeking foster parents to provide temporary homes for special-needs pets. In 2023, AWD admitted 3,257 kittens and 2,136 puppies into the shelter. The department anticipates an even higher number during the 2024 kitten season.


Mother-son duo lead separate departments at UNM School of Medicine

Mother-son duo lead separate departments at UNM School of Medicine

Within The University of New Mexico Health and Health Sciences community, there are thousands of people with diverse personal reasons for entering health care. For two UNM leaders, their journey into medicine began as mother and son.


Possible quorum of oversight board at Citizen Police Academy on May 23

Possible quorum of oversight board at Citizen Police Academy on May 23

A quorum of the Civilian Police Oversight Advisory Board may be present at the Albuquerque Police Academy on May 23, 2024. The gathering is in relation to the Citizen Police Academy and will take place at 5412 2nd Street NW, Albuquerque, NM, 87107.


City Council amends budget to enhance transparency in Albuquerque government

City Council amends budget to enhance transparency in Albuquerque government

On May 21, 2024, the Albuquerque City Council approved a balanced city budget after incorporating an amendment aimed at enhancing accountability and transparency within city government operations.


NMSU Professor Awarded Grant for Aerodynamics Research in Aviation

NMSU Professor Awarded Grant for Aerodynamics Research in Aviation

Qiong Liu, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at New Mexico State University (NMSU), has been awarded a grant to study aerodynamics applications in aviation. Liu, who joined the NMSU College of Engineering faculty in January 2023, is leading the Flow Lab team in their quest to advance fluid mechanics through innovative research and development.


New Mexico mayors unveil special shape Zozobra hot air balloon design

New Mexico mayors unveil special shape Zozobra hot air balloon design

Today at the Balloon Museum, Albuquerque Mayor Tim Keller and Santa Fe Mayor Alan Webber unveiled the design of the Zozobra special shape hot air balloon. The Zozobra hot air balloon is sponsored by the City of Albuquerque’s Department of Arts & Culture and Tourism Santa Fe, in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe.


NMSU to host annual onion research workshop on June 5

NMSU to host annual onion research workshop on June 5

As fields across New Mexico become peppered with the sights and smells of onions, it's an opportune time to delve deeper into one of the state's top vegetable crops. New Mexico State University’s Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) is set to host its annual onion research workshop, previously known as onion field day. The event will take place from 8 a.m. to noon on June 5 at the Fabián García Research Center, located at 113 W. University Ave. in Las Cruces.


Albuquerque begins construction on first BMX pump track

Albuquerque begins construction on first BMX pump track

Today, Mayor Keller, the Parks & Recreation Department (PRD), the Department of Municipal Development (DMD), local lawmakers, and the community celebrated the commencement of Phase 2 of the Los Altos Park renovation. This phase will introduce Albuquerque’s first BMX pump track, capable of hosting regional and national competitions. Additional improvements include a dog park, completion of the central pedestrian walkway, road and access upgrades, landscaping, and other enhancements.


Albuquerque offers free pet microchipping and custom tags in June

Albuquerque offers free pet microchipping and custom tags in June

The City of Albuquerque Animal Welfare Department (AWD) is offering free microchips and custom pet tags for dogs and cats to all Albuquerque residents. The service will be available from June 1 through July 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Westside and Eastside shelters. No appointment is necessary.


Albuquerque City Council approves $1.4 billion balanced budget focusing on public safety

Albuquerque City Council approves $1.4 billion balanced budget focusing on public safety

The Albuquerque City Council passed a balanced $1.4 billion budget Monday evening, focusing on public safety, maintaining low fees, and creating a new pilot program to address mental health.


UNM Center for Memory & Aging secures $21.7 million NIH grant

UNM Center for Memory & Aging secures $21.7 million NIH grant

The University of New Mexico’s Center for Memory & Aging has been awarded a five-year $21.7 million program grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support its Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC). The funding, provided through the National Institute on Aging's P30 grant, follows a three-year exploratory grant that UNM previously received in its bid to join the network of 35 research universities within the ADRC network.


New Mexico Department of Health urges preparedness for wildfire season

New Mexico Department of Health urges preparedness for wildfire season

As May is Wildfire Awareness Month, the New Mexico Department of Health (NMHealth) is encouraging New Mexicans to be prepared for potential wildfires. Climate change has significantly affected New Mexico, leading to increased and persistent heat along with strong winds. These conditions have heightened the risk of wildfires, which pose a direct threat to human health.


Dona Ana County announces details for the upcoming primary elections in June

Dona Ana County announces details for the upcoming primary elections in June

The Primary Election Day for 2024 has been scheduled for Tuesday, June 4. Polling stations will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 42 Voting Convenience Centers throughout Dona Ana County.


Two engineering students receive National Science Foundation research fellowships

Two engineering students receive National Science Foundation research fellowships

Two students from the School of Engineering have been awarded the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship (NSF GRFP). Ashley Apodaca-Sparks, a master’s student in the Gerald May Department of Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, and Mega Frost, a Ph.D. student in the Optical Science and Engineering Program, are the recipients of these prestigious awards.


NMSU hosts Mesilla Valley Water Management Seminar on June 7

NMSU hosts Mesilla Valley Water Management Seminar on June 7

The Department of Civil Engineering at New Mexico State University (NMSU) is set to host the Mesilla Valley Water Management Seminar, titled “Wells, Water and Pecans,” on Friday, June 7. The seminar will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Hernandez Hall, Room 103.