VOLUME 2023, ISSUE #13 08/31/2023 |
A MESSAGE FROM OUR DEAN Greetings, The College of ACES is in full swing, with fall semester ongoing. We are extremely happy to have students and faculty back, and to see all so many new programs and projects moving forward. Last night we had the ACES students’ welcome reception in front of our Gerald Thomas Hall, and it was great to see everyone enjoying themselves. At this time of year, we also encourage you to attend field days at our 12 science centers, a chance to explore how the College of ACES impacts New Mexico. The economy in many of those locations greatly benefits from activities of the college in research and at its demonstration centers. There is a lot to celebrate in this newsletter issue. You'll read about prestigious awards our faculty and students have received and about local, national and international collaborations. The prime message is how happy we are about the many activities that faculty, staff and students are carrying forward in the college. Go Aggies! |
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Rolando A. Flores Galarza Dean & Chief Administrative Officer |
EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD |
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NMSU honors faculty for excellence in teaching at fall 2023 convocation As New Mexico State University kicked off a new academic year, nearly 200 faculty and staff members gathered on the Las Cruces campus to honor a group of colleagues for excellence in teaching. NMSU bestowed several prestigious awards during the university’s fall 2023 convocation Tuesday, Aug. 15, at Atkinson Recital Hall. In all, six faculty members from across the NMSU system received awards. “I particularly want to say how much we appreciate those who are being recognized today,” NMSU interim President Jay Gogue said in his opening remarks. “I salute new faculty, those who have been promoted, and those who will be honored today for teaching awards.” In separate remarks, Alan Shoho, NMSU’s provost and chief academic officer, said the turnout for Tuesday’s convocation was the largest in recent memory. The gathering included more than 70 new faculty and newly promoted faculty. “What this further reinforces for me is an excitement that is coming here,” Shoho said. “This is a new dawn for New Mexico State University.” The Westhafer Award for Excellence in Teaching went to Betsy Stringam. Named after Robert L. Westhafer, a professor of mathematical sciences, the award recognizes work that enhances student success and social mobility – the first goal in NMSU’s strategic plan. Stringam, a professor in NMSU’s School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management, has taught at NMSU since 2008. She teaches undergraduate and graduate courses and has become an expert on hotels and resorts. She is also an accomplished researcher and writer, whose work has been published in academic journals and international hospitality industry publications. All award winners received a plaque and a stipend. Media contact, Communications Specialist Carlos Carrillo López. |
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(Pictured: Betsy Stringam, Susana Ibarra Johnson, Paola Bandini, Kim Lopez Gallagher, and Gain Park) |
NMSU Regents professor receives national award for outstanding crop science work
Bernd Leinauer, Regents professor and turfgrass Extension specialist in the College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences, was recently awarded the Fred V. Grau Turfgrass Science Award, which recognizes significant career contributions in turfgrass science during the last 15 years.
“I consider this award as the highlight of my academic career,” Leinauer said. “The award is the highest national research award given by our society. It rewards the efforts our team has put in over 20 years and recognizes the standing we have received nationally and internationally on the topic of turfgrass water conservation.”
The award, which Leinauer will accept at a ceremony in November, includes a $2,000 prize.
Some of the contributions that were evaluated by CSSA for this award include significance and originality of basic and/or applied research; planning and implementation of extension programs; administrative ability and effectiveness; and total impact of contributions of turfgrass science, nationally and internationally.
Leinauer added that the award recognizes the work of his team and is not just the result of his accomplishments.
“While awards are usually given to individuals, it takes a team of graduate students, post-docs, and collaborators to work on projects which lead to publications, presentations, Extension activities, all of which ultimately result in such an award,” he said.
For more information on the CSSA 2023 awards, visit https://www.crops.org/awards/view/.
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Bernd Leinauer, Regents professor and turfgrass Extension specialist (NMSU photo by Josh Bachman) |
NEW ENDOWMENT SCHOLARSHIP |
Local Flower Club Establishes Horticultural Endowment Scholarship The Mesilla Valley Iris Society (MVIS) a 501(c3) affiliate of the American Iris Society (AIS), donated $27,350 to the NMSU Foundation to establish an endowed horticultural scholarship. MVIS celebrated its 50th anniversary last year and hosted the National AIS Convention. Profits from the Annual Iris Rhizome sale and National Convention provided funding for the new Scholarship. Wes Wilson, MVIS President, and Dale Ellis, MVIS Treasurer, presented the check to Dean Rolando Flores, and NMSU Foundation Sr. Director of Development Vernon King. The scholarship should provide approximately $1,000 to NMSU Horticulture Students annually. The mission of the MVIS is to develop the science of horticulture and activities related to the study, propagation and culture of the genus Iris, provide education in the science of horticulture, and encourage scientific research pertaining to the diseases relating to the genus Iris. MVIS hosts an annual Iris Judged Show and annual Rhizome Sale every year. The Iris Rhizome Sale will be September 9 and 10, 2023 at the Mesilla Valley Mall (theater entrance) or till sold out. Thank you for your patronage throughout the years. As always, we recommend that you come early to have the best pick of rhizomes. Your support of our rhizome sale will support additional contributions to this scholars fund. Over 600 new varieties of irises will be available for sale. Please contact Cynthia Wilson, 303-910-7764, for membership or iris sales information. |
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MVIS President Wes Wilson, MVIS Treasurer Dale Ellis, College of ACES Dean Rolando A. Flores Galarza, Sr. Director of Development Vernon King |
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| Sergio Martinez Monteagudo traveled to Ottawa, Canada, to participate in an international conference on Dairy Foods. The American Dairy Society Association organized the meeting, and he was invited to give a plenary lecture within the symposium “Building a resilient dairy sector – circular economies of dairy production and dairy foods.” His participation in the symposium included a 45-minute oral presentation entitled “Upcycling Strategies of Dairy Byproducts and Waste for Value-added Applications” and a 20-minute discussion. In addition, he delivered two oral presentations on ice cream research performed in his lab: 1) Impact of acoustic intensity on melting and meltdown characteristic of ice-cream 2) Modeling the meltdown behavior of ice-cream For more information, contact Sergio Martinez-Monteagudo at sergiomm@nmsu.edu. |
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Groundwater Exploration and Assessment in the Republic of Mauritania August 7, 2023
NMSU ACES recently received an 18-month contract for $4.21 million to collaborate with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) in support of groundwater assessment in Mauritania in northwest Africa. Mostly drier than New Mexico, water scarcity has become one of the most pressing challenges for that country’s growing population.
The NMSU ACES work in Mauritania will: - Identify new sources of groundwater aquifers
- Characterize these identified aquifers
Assess the economic performance capacity of these identified sources of groundwater by posing two questions. - If additional groundwater assets are discovered, how will this discovery augment domestic food production and the domestic water supply for irrigation, household, and commercial use in the country.
- If additional groundwater assets are not discovered, how will that information support plans for adjusting existing water resources to be optimally and sustainably used to promote stability, improve livelihood and promote economic growth and development.
For additional details, please contact Dr. Frank A. Ward at fward@nmsu.edu or 575-646-1220. |
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The 2023-24 New Mexico State 4-H Leadership Team members were selected and elected during State 4-H Conference in July. The new team includes: President – Aubry Putman, Eddy County Vice-President – Kyleigh Stephenson, Roosevelt County Secretary – Nealeigh Burrow, Roosevelt County Reporter – Holly Norsworthy, Doña Ana County Song and Rec Leader – John Castillo, Valencia County Ambassador – Dautry Waller, Doña Ana County Ambassador – Jenna Mendez, Doña Ana County Ambassador – Elaina Mays, Sierra County Ambassador – Dannika Rose, Eddy County Ambassador – Kasi Montoya, Bernalillo County The senior 4-H members selected/elected to serve in this capacity have an integral role in leading and planning statewide leadership events. The events include Senior Leadership Retreat for senior 4-H members (13-18 years old); Youth Get-Away for novice (8-11 years old) and junior members (11-13 years old); and State 4-H Conference for senior 4-H members. Additionally, the youth serve in various leadership capacities as requested by the 4-H and Youth Development Department as well as the county Extension offices. For more information, contact Cheryl Butterfield, State 4-H Agent, Volunteer and Leadership Development at cherylb@nmsu.edu. |
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The College of ACES Academic Programs office, alongside the Sam Steel Alumni Society and New Mexico Department of Agriculture, traveled to Alexandria, VA on August 19th to bring the Official State Aroma of roasted green chile to the area. We were excited to represent agriculture in the Virginia/Washington DC area again. This is an event that the NMSU Alumni Association used to host annually, and we feel very privileged that we were able to revive the event. Together we roasted over 1,200 pounds of fresh green chile provided by Melissa’s Produce and Harris Teeter. We got to visit with many “displaced” New Mexicans and educate locals on why so many were so excited for the sights, smells and tastes our event brought them. We would like to thank the Sam Steel Alumni Society members, New Mexico Department of Agriculture staff, New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau, Coterra Energy, Tactica Strategies and all other alumni that volunteered their time to help with this event. We can’t wait for next year; we hope to roast 2,400 pounds. For more information, contact Shelby Herrera at dancin4h@nmsu.edu. |
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AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION (AES) |
Navajo Peach Project at the Farmington Agricultural Science Center The Agricultural Science Center at Farmington hosted Reagan Wytsalucy from Utah State University twice this summer to discuss “Navajo Peaches” (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch) which have been described in historical texts and more recently in research peer review in HortScience https://journals.ashs.org/hortsci/view/journals/hortsci/54/5/article-p799.xml. The peaches have a story of hope and resilience, and one must understand the history of the Diné people to fully appreciate this story. Ms. Wytsalucy is utilizing space at the ASC Farmington greenhouse to propagate the unique peach genetics for repatriation back to Navajo farms. Staff and interns from the ASC Farmington along with Bud Lopez, NMSU Tribal CES, helped prepare potting soil and “stick” cuttings and sow seed in the greenhouse. ASC Farmington staff are caring for the seedlings on a daily basis. This is the second year of propagation work and we look forward to expanding the nursery in subsequent years. |
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ACES UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH |
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| ACES is excited to announce Dr. Jennifer Hernandez Gifford has accepted the role as the inaugural ACES Undergraduate Research Director. This program will provide an opportunity for undergraduate students to pursue funding for a research project for one full academic year, with the stipend split between the fall and spring semesters. The ACES Undergraduate Research Program will be housed within the Agricultural Experiment Station, with Dr. Hernandez Gifford serving as the Research Director. Dr. Jennifer Hernandez Gifford joined the Department of Animal and Range Sciences at New Mexico State University in July 2016. She earned a B.S. and M.S. at New Mexico State University, and a Ph.D. at Washington State University in Animal Science, followed by post-doctoral research at Washington State University in the School of Molecular Biosciences. Prior to her position at NMSU, she rose through the ranks as a faculty member at Oklahoma State University, where she was involved in teaching and research and served as the Director for the Animal Science Undergraduate Research Scholar program. Dr. Hernandez Gifford has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles as abstracts, proceedings, journal articles, and extension publications. Jennifer has secured over $2 million in external grant funding. She has trained 15 graduate students and over 20 undergraduate research scholars, many of which have conducted their own independent research projects. Please help welcome Dr. Hernandez Gifford to this position and encourage your undergraduate students to apply for this opportunity. You can contact Jennifer Hernandez Gifford at jgifford@nmsu.edu. |
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CENTER OF EXCELLENCE IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD & AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS (CESFAS) |
Working with USDA Rural Development, the Center of Excellence has developed and is coordinating a train-the-trainer meat processing course for Stampede Meats, Inc. The training includes approximately ten hours of online training focusing on the beef industry and beef processing and four hours of “hands-on” training. Stampede employees who will serve as trainers participated in a hands-on training taught by Jacob Painter in the Department of Animal and Range Sciences in July. During the training, these future employee trainers learned how to trim various beef cuts, including brisket, top sirloins, eye rounds, and knuckles. For more information, contact Co-Director Dr. Jay Lillywhite at lillywhi@nmsu.edu. |
FISH, WILDLIFE & CONSERVATION ECOLOGY (FWCE) |
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| The Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Ecology welcomes Dr. Kelly Jones as a new Professor. Dr. Jones is a social scientist, and her research focuses on human-environment interactions and the influence of conservation interventions on social and ecological outcomes. Dr. Jones has worked on forest, water, and wildlife conservation issues in the western US and abroad, and regularly collaborates with ecologists and biologists to bring interdisciplinary perspectives to these topics. Current research projects include advancing knowledge on where and how innovative governance systems emerge to reduce wildfire risks in the southwestern US and measuring pastoralists’ attitudes and behaviors toward cheetah in the Horn of Africa. Dr. Jones will teach courses on the human dimensions of wildlife and conservation for the department. Prior to joining New Mexico State University, Dr. Jones was a faculty member at Colorado State University and the University of Idaho. You can learn more about Dr. Jones’ work here: https://fwce.nmsu.edu/faculty-staff/kelly-jones.html. |
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INNOVATIVE MEDIA RESEARCH & EXTENSION (IMRE) |
Learning Games Lab Summer Think Tanks Technology can be a valuable partner in helping youth develop skills for engaging with peers, while also helping them critically and mindfully use media, tell their own stories, and master tools used for communication and work. In spring and summer 2023, the Learning Games Lab hosted five in-person sessions for youth: June 26–30, June 19–23, June 12–June 16, March 16–17 and March 13–14. Youth (31 middle schoolers in total) played, evaluated, and analyzed games on various gaming platforms, including computer, iPad, and VR, provided feedback on characters of Theme Park Kitchen, a cooking game currently in development, and learned about the transformational game design process. By collaborating with digital tools, producing content with tech, and delivering game proposals and prototypes, youth enhanced their digital fluency and media literacy skills. Surveyed on their experience, 65% of youth (15) ranked the Learning Games Lab experience as "extremely good." Youth came away interested in learning "...more about coding and designing games" and "how to make a [VR] game". Parents (24) saw improvement in "creative process and group work", and "...think[ing] about how to make the world better". Overall, adults reported that skills taught to their child were "extremely" useful. For more information, contact Barbara Chamberlin at bchamber@nmsu.edu. |
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INDIAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT (IRD) |
Native American Sprint – AIBE and IRD From mid-July to mid-August, Arrowhead Center’s American Indian Business Enterprise (AIBE) offered two Native American Sprints for 17 Native American entrepreneurs. The NA Sprint is a 5-week business accelerator program to help Native American entrepreneurs successfully start and grow their businesses. Participants complete specific tasks during the Sprint, such as 20 customer discovery interviews, weekly presentations about assignments, group discussions about topics covered during the accelerator, and a 3 to 5-minute promotional video. Participants who complete the program successfully receive a $500 micro-grant. The NA Sprint focuses on the individual needs of each participant and connects them to essential resources. AIBE’s Native American Sprint is available at no cost through funding from Indian Resources Development (IRD). |
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The NMSU Floral Team had a busy summer traveling to both regional and national competitions this year. The national competition was held in Chicago this year, July 1. There were 34 undergraduate students representing 9 colleges present for the competition. Competition included 4 categories, an overall high point individual, and an overall team score. NMSU placings are as follows: 1st place High Point individual: Maxine Burford 2nd place Wearable flowers: Tyra Trumble 2nd place Bridal Bouquet: Maxine Burford 5th place tie for Tribute flowers: Tyra Trumble and Maxine Burford Students spent 7 days in Chicago at the American Institute of Floral Designers Symposium, including competition day. Design and marketing programs, networking, and hands-on classes were all part of the symposium. NMSU sent 10 students total, 8 competitors and 2 assistant coaches. The regional West Texas-New Mexico Floral design convention and competitions were held August 4 to 6 in Lubbock, Texas. NMSU sent 6 students to the Dorsey and Silver Cup competitions. These particular competitions are against any designers in the industry, not just collegiate teams. Students were in competition with expert floral designers for both of these contests. Dorsey Cup 1st place – Rhiannon Rodriguez Silver Cup 2nd place – Rhiannon Rodriguez 3rd place – Faith Leal |
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Top left to right: Sabine Green, Madison Baker, Maxine Burford, Tyra Trumble, Rhiannon Rodrigues, Alexa Vermillion, Angie Villarreal, Sabrina Montoya, Cristina Benitez, RyLee Kelly |
| Team photo at WTNM regionals Cristina Benitez, Faith Leal, Tyra Trumble, Maxine Burford, Rhiannon Rodriguez, Sabrina Montoya. Absent from the photo Angie Villarreal. |
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NEW MEXICO FFA ASSOCIATION |
Chapter Officer Leadership Training and State Fair Students and teachers in New Mexico are back in school and ready for the year ahead. The beginning of the school year also marks the beginning of the year for New Mexico FFA. The first event on the list is Chapter Officer Leadership Training. Here, district and state officers will train chapter officers on the duties of their positions. Through fun activities, chapter officers will leave with the necessary skills to become better leaders and guide their chapters through the year. Each district will host a training August 28–31st. In addition, the end of the summer marks the beginning of the fair season in New Mexico. Many county fairs have already occurred, but the NM State Fair and Expo, the Eastern NM State Fair, and the Southern NM State Fair are right around the corner. FFA members have worked all summer with their livestock or preparing their other projects. If you get a chance, stop by one of these fairs to see the outcome of their hard work! |
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For more information about NMFFA and pictures from Leadership Camp, visit the website and follow along on our social media pages! Website: http://www.nmffa.org Facebook: New Mexico FFA Instagram: @newmexicoffa |
SCHOOL OF HOTEL, RESTAURANT & TOURISM MANAGEMENT (HRTM) |
The School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management (HRTM) welcomes the opportunity to provide you with outstanding hospitality, food, beverages, and service. The students working these meals and events are from a wide variety of our experiential learning classes and student clubs. This prepares them for their careers and allows them to prove to themselves that they really can “do the job.” These students are the future managers and leaders of all segments of the hospitality industry. The students are taught by our outstanding faculty. Danielle Young supervises the food preparation and service for the 100 West Café lunches. She holds a BS in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management and MA in Teaching Curriculum and Instruction from New Mexico State University. Pete Mitchell teaches the HRTM 413 International Dinner class and organizes the TAP series. He holds a BS degree from Northern Arizona University and an MS in Hospitality Management from University of Houston. For more information on the meals and events click on the following link: 100 West Café Home (nmsu.edu) We greatly appreciate your support of our students! |
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The Marriott Hospitality Futures Center at HRTM introduces the “Coordinator’s Coalition” In an effort to foster greater collaboration and provide support to those at NMSU contributing to outreach, recruitment and student retention, it is our pleasure to establish the Coordinator’s Coalition. Our staff at the Marriott Hospitality Futures Center at HRTM advocates for the benefit and importance of collaboration. It is the coalition’s intention to share strategies for success and problem solving, resources, contacts and mutual support in this type of role across NMSU. The benefits of more awareness and understanding of what NMSU offers as we promote the university, providing a safe space to get feedback and support when faced with challenges, and to share our successes, has already proven to be valuable and enlightening for our attendees. The Coordinator’s Coalition is open to employees at NMSU both in person and remotely, including our Admissions representatives in other regions. Our next meeting will be on Thursday, September 7th at 4pm in the Bobby Lee Academy of Wine in Gerald Thomas Hall, room 140, or on Zoom. To learn more about the Coordinator’s Coalition please contact Andrea Arrigucci at arrigucc@nmsu.edu. https://mhfc.nmsu.edu/ |
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SOUTHWEST BORDER FOOD PROTECTION & EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS CENTER |
With the start of classes, it is important to prepare for emergencies and all other unexpected events. The Southwest Border Food Protection and Emergency Preparedness Center is providing a hands-on opportunity to the community to learn about large animal rescue, pet sheltering, utilizing the portable corral, information on vaccines and personal protective equipment (PPE) training from the New Mexico Livestock Board, county agents, New Mexico Department of Agriculture and other industry professionals. The Ag Emergency Expo is a free event that is open to the public and is scheduled to be held on campus on August 31st from 3-5 PM at the Tejada Building behind Wooton Hall and next to the sheep barn. This is a great opportunity to explore potential career opportunities and further expand your knowledge of emergency preparedness using life-like models and scenarios. Emergencies are unpredictable, why not be ready? |
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NMSU retirees (faculty and staff) are cordially invited for a fun afternoon at the NMSU Golf Course Clubhouse! This event is exclusively for retired NMSU faculty and staff, so get ready to catch up with old friends and make new ones. - Indulge in a delicious southern Italian buffet.
- Hear updates from Provost Shoho, Athletics, Benefits and others.
- Discuss reorganizing, in the tradition of the former Pioneers organization, in order to maintain a connection with NMSU and to provide activities which enhance life in retirement for faculty and staff.
Don't miss out on this wonderful opportunity to reconnect! Register to attend, and come prepared for an afternoon filled with good food and great company. Date and Time: Thursday, September 28th, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Location: NMSU Golf Course Clubhouse, 3000 Herb Wimberly Drive Cost: $15 per person (Spouses/partners are welcome!) Registration Deadline: Monday, September 18th – seating is limited. For More Information:pbloomqu@nmsu.edu EVENT REGISTRATION: https://retirees.ezregister.com |
Click on the following link to give to the College of ACES. Give Now | New Mexico State University Foundation (nmsu.edu) You can also contact Planning Officer, Erika De La O. Medina at erikadlo@nmsu.edu for more information on how to give to the College of ACES. |
The College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences (ACES) annual report provides an overview of accomplishments during 2022, including impacts, productivity
and goals for each unit, area and program. These accomplishments reflect our work in
teaching, research and extension. To view our College of ACES 2022 Annual Report click on the following link: Annual Reports | New Mexico State University - BE BOLD. Shape the Future. (nmsu.edu) |
Our department of Innovative Media Research & Extension produced a great video demonstrating our college. You can access the video by clicking on the following link: ACES About Home (nmsu.edu) |
COLLEGE OF ACES MAGAZINE – SPRING 2023 ISSUE |
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The College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences is an engine for economic and community development in New Mexico, improving the lives of New Mexicans through academic, research, and Extension programs. |
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