VOLUME 2024, ISSUE #6 06/20/2024 |
A MESSAGE FROM OUR DEAN Dear Alumni and Friends, Following the devastating wildfire that has affected Lincoln County, Otero County, and the Mescalero Indian Reservation, the College of ACES is actively collaborating with our university partners to provide resources and support to the affected communities for the entire month. HOW YOU CAN HELP: Urgently Needed Donations Many families have lost everything and urgently need clothing, shoes, and undergarments. We are accepting donations of new or gently used clothing for all ages and sizes, as well as toiletries and pet food. Food Donations Non-perishable food items and water are critically needed to support displaced families and individuals. Donation Drop-Off Locations: - NMSU Campus Donation Center: Gerald Thomas Hall, 940 College Drive, Room #221, Las Cruces, NM. If you have any questions or need help unloading call the Academic Programs Office at (575) 646-1807.
- Otero County Extension Office: 401 Fairgrounds Road, Alamogordo, NM
Aggie Student Emergency Fund The Aggie Student Emergency Fund will provide critical assistance to NMSU students facing extreme financial difficulties, stress, anxiety, food or housing insecurity, or unexpected academic costs. For online donations, please visit: https://nmsufoundation.org/givenow/giving-students.html |
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Smoke rises from a wildfire in Ruidoso, New Mexico, U.S., June 17, 2024, in this picture obtained from social media. ©Pamela L. Bonner, Pamela L. Bonner via REUTERS |
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Rolando A. Flores Galarza Dean & Chief Administrative Officer |
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AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION |
John T. Harrington Forestry Research Center Update Research conducted by the JTH Forestry Research Center on “Nursery cultural practices influence morphological and physiological aspen seedling traits: Implications for post-fire restoration” was published in May 2024 in the Canadian Journal of Forest Research. Aspen forests are threatened by the impacts of a changing climate and are showing large-scale mortality with meager natural regeneration to restore these loses. Therefore, there is an increasing demand for high-quality aspen seedlings to assist with forest restoration efforts. Nursery cultural practices can be used to alter aspen seedling traits to improve adaptability to dry planting conditions. In this study, the effects of container size and nursery irrigation treatment on seedling growth and a suite of morphological and physiological traits were investigated. The combination of large container size and low irrigation treatment resulted in seedlings with the lowest height-to-diameter ratio and specific leaf area, which are desired traits for seedling performance on dry sites. Additionally, seedlings exposed to low irrigation conditions at the nursery stage had a lower (more negative) osmotic potential at full turgor suggesting a higher likelihood of drought tolerance. Overall results from this study provide insight into utilizing nursery cultural practices to produce seedlings with target characteristics that may ultimately lead to the establishment on harsh, dry planting sites in large-scale reforestation projects. The full article can be found at: https://doi.org/10.1139/cjfr-2024-0031 Contact: Owen Burney, Associate Professor/JTH Forestry Research Center Research Director, (oburney@nmsu.edu) |
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AES Annual Field Day at Farmington The Agricultural Science Center at Farmington will host their annual Field Day on Wednesday, June 27th starting at 9:00 am with field tours. Registration will begin promptly at 8:00 am. Join us to learn more about the ongoing research at the Center. Local associations will be present tabling at the event. A Continuing Educational Unit (CEU) opportunity will be offered at 1:00 pm, after the event. The event is open to the public and lunch will be provided. If you are an attendee, RSVP here: https://rsvp.nmsu.edu/rsvp/Farmington If you wish to table at Field Day, RSVP here: Tabling Registration Form – Farmington Field Day (June 27th, 2024) |
EXTENSION FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCES |
Visiting a university campus can be incredibly beneficial for high school students. Campus visits allow students to get a firsthand feel for the campus environment, learn about potential degree or career paths, and engage with faculty, staff, and students. These visits are also rewarding to faculty and staff who have the opportunity to share information, promote programs, and interact with potential NMSU students. Thirty-one high school students and their teachers, through their involvement in the Aggie Next Step program, learned more about the Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Department during a recent campus visit. Dr. Karim Martinez presented two stress and resilience workshops and Dr. Laura Bittner presented two workshops on FCS careers and the power of play. The students in attendance were from Valencia and Chaves counties and included students who participate in the Graduation, Reality and Dual Role Skills (GRADS) program designed for teens who are pregnant and/or young parents. In addition to the FCS department, students participated in workshops provided by Ag Business, Borderlands and Ethnic Studies, Criminal Justice, and Animal Science. They also visited NMSU Housing, Myrna’s Childrens Village and La Clinica de Familia. For more information about the FCS Department or Extension FCS programs, contact Dr. Laura Bittner (lbittner@nmsu.edu or call (575) 646-3004. For more information about the Aggie Next Step program, contact Newt McCarty (jnewton3@nmsu.edu) or call (575) 646-3026. |
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Low financial literacy Low financial literacy threatens the well-being of individuals and families, particularly in low-income communities. Without a solid financial foundation, youth are more susceptible to predatory lending and costly errors in managing debts and expenses that can lead to a lifelong financial inequity. Forty-five young women recently learned more about financial management basics and how to win with money during a presentation provided by Dr. Bryce Jorgensen, Extension Family Resource Management Specialist, during the 7th annual Dream It, Be It conference, hosted by Soroptimist International of Las Cruces. Financial literacy is rarely covered in high school, but understanding how to manage money is key to less financial stress and increased life satisfaction. Topics covered included the purpose of having a bank account, pros and cons of using pay apps on your phone, the importance of tracking your spending, understanding needs and wants, how plugging spending leaks and creating SMART goals can improve your finances, the importance of understanding debt and interest, including credit cards, car loans, and student loans, the value of having a good credit score and how to get one, how to check your credit report and score, the power of investing and compound interest/time value of money, and steps they can take now to improve in at least one of these areas. For more information contact Dr. Bryce Jorgensen (brycej@nmsu.edu) or visit https://mymoney.nmsu.edu |
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FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCES |
New Mexico State University Human Development & Family Science Undergraduate Program Receives NCFR CFLE approval. We are pleased to announce that the Human Development and Family Science undergraduate program has been granted the Provisional Certified Family Life Educator (CFLE) designations from the National Council on Family Relations (NCRF). For more information, contact Dr. Efren Delgado at edelgad@nmsu.edu |
FISH, WILDLIFE, & CONSERVATION ECOLOGY |
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Student Giulio del Piccolo |
| 2024 Fulbright Winner From ACES Giulio del Piccolo has been selected for the Fulbright Program for 2024. Mr. Giulio will spend the 2024-2025 academic year in south-central Chile, affiliated with Dr. Konrad Gorski at the Universidad Austral de Chile. His work will assess fish diversity patterns in seven local rivers, contributing to scientific efforts to understand and address river degradation. His project is an important contribution to scientific work on healthy aquatic ecosystems. |
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INNOVATIVE MEDIA RESEARCH & EXTENSION |
Summer Youth Programs in the Learning Games Lab Middle school youth visited the College of ACES for week-long “Think Tanks” this month in the Department of Innovative Media Research and Extension (IMRE).
IMRE’s Learning Games Lab welcomed three groups of students, June 3rd–7th, 10th-14th, and 17th-21st. During the week, these youth consultants evaluated games, discussed game design, and interacted with professionals from the educational technology field. These activities developed their media literacy, reflective thinking, and game design skills while exposing them to careers in the field. Their feedback informs Learning Games Lab developers of improvements that could be made to games in development, while enhancing the consultants’ knowledge of the iterative process of game design. This year, consultants also tested hands-on activities related to the new game Dr. Eugene’s Biotech Lab (4hbiotechgames.org). The department hosts Think Tank sessions each summer, and shorter sessions throughout the year. Youth learn about inclusive design and explore various types of games and media, including tabletop, mobile, web, and Virtual Reality (VR) environments. Participants work together in small groups to envision and describe game pitches for a digital media product designed to address a problem or issue important to them. Learn more at https://innovativemedia.nmsu.edu/think-tanks.html |
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LEADING HISPANICS PROGRAM |
This spring students from the College of ACES in the NextGen-funded LEADING Hispanics program met the U.S Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, and U.S Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, Xochitl Torres Small, in Washington DC during the NextGen Student Summit. Alexa Arnedo (master’s student at NMSU) participated in an on-stage conversation with the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture. For more information, contact Dr. Jennifer Randall at jrandall@nmsu.edu |
NEW MEXICO FFA ASSOCIATION |
2024 New Mexico FFA State Convention The 96th Annual NMFFA State Convention took place May 28th through the 31st and was a huge success. Over 500 members and many guests made their way to Las Cruces to celebrate many accomplishments in the blue jacket. In the seven sessions, many were recognized for their hard work. The 2024 NMAETA Hall of Fame Inductees were recognized, Proficiency Awards were announced, Leadership Development Events took place, State, American, and Honorary Degree Recipients were named, scholarship recipients were recognized, a talent show took place, and a new team of state officers were elected! The New Mexico FFA Association is proud to present the 2024-2025 State Officer team! |
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2024-25 State Officer Team (left to right): RJ Garay - District VI President / State Vice President, Sakari Frazier - District I President / State Vice President, Mikayla Klinger District II President / State Vice President, Isabella Sugg - District III President / State Vice President, Jayda Goodson District IV President / State Vice President, Alison Ackland District V President / State Vice President, Victoria Lopez - State President |
PLANT & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES |
Empowering Sustainable Agriculture: NMSU Hosts African Fellows for USDA-funded Science Exchange Program on Forage and Animal Feed Production Droughts and land degradation pose significant threats to pastoralists and other livestock-dependent communities. The recent uptick in frequency of severe droughts has eroded climate resilience and food security in many arid and semi-arid regions in Africa. Concurrently, long-term land degradation, declining soil health, and the invasion by non-palatable species have further diminished forage resources. These issues threaten the health and viability of livestock populations and, in some cases, heighten the potential for conflict among pastoral communities, and between pastoral and agricultural communities. In response to these challenges, a team led by Dr. Njoki Kahiu (NMSU PES department) submitted a proposal that was funded under the 2023 US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) Scientific Exchange Program, with the theme "African Animal Feed and Fertilizer Innovation." This program pairs selected African practitioners with US-based scientists to share expertise on improved practices for high-quality forage and animal feed production. Six African fellows have been selected from five countries (Botswana, Niger, Nigeria, South Sudan, and Tanzania) to be hosted by NMSU from May to August 2024. Dr. Kahiu leads an all-NMSU team including Drs. Niall Hanan, Leonard Lauriault, Mark Marsalis, Efren Delgado, Eric Scholljegerdes, Julius Anchang, and Vanetta Busch. This diverse team covers a wide range of scientific and technical expertise and will engage with the visiting fellows throughout their stay at NMSU, and also provide one-on-one mentorship on conceiving, planning, and implementing projects on fodder and feed supply chains that leverage economic opportunities in their respective countries and regions. Dr. Vanetta Busch, Director of the NMSU Center for Learning & Professional Development, joins the team to provide expertise on leadership, communication, and professional development. In addition to meetings held at USDA headquarters in Washington, DC, the fellows will also have opportunities to visit NMSU off-campus Agricultural Science Centers in Las Cruces, Los Lunas, Clovis, Tucumcari, and Corona, as part of the core training and exchange activities. They will also be exposed to cultural activities and other extracurricular experiences that our beautiful state of New Mexico has to offer. NMSU is honored to be one of only six universities selected to host this prestigious program, alongside Mississippi State University, the University of Florida, the University of Tennessee, the University of California Davis, and Iowa State University. This recognition underscores NMSU's commitment to addressing global agricultural challenges and fostering international collaboration for sustainable development. Through this program, NMSU and its partners aim to empower African pastoral and agro-pastoral communities, enhance resilience and promote sustainable agricultural practices. This initiative increases NMSU College of Agricultural and Consumer Science (ACES) engagement in international agricultural development, while addressing critical issues in animal feed and forage production in drylands and promoting more secure and prosperous future for pastoral and agropastoral communities in Africa. For more information, contact Dr. Njoki Kahiu at nkahiu@nmsu.edu |
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Sam Steel Ceremony, Spring 2024 The Sam Steel Society welcomed 221 new members on May 11, 2024 as part of the commencement ceremonies for 173 undergraduate and 48 graduate awardees completing their graduation requirements in the eight academic programs within the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES). It is with great pride and enthusiasm we invite these new alumni to remain connected to NMSU and the College of ACES through the Sam Steel Society, the college’s alumni organization. The ceremony concluded with Sam Steel Council’s Vice President, Fayth Franzoy Gillespie, addressing the students and their loved ones in celebrating their academic accomplishments and the future opportunities ahead of them, with the reminder they will always be part of our ACES family. |
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Sam Steel Council brings “The Fix” Chile Roast back to Washington D.C. in August The Sam Steel Society will be hosting the second consecutive annual green chile roast in Washington D.C. on August 17th. The event is made possible by the support of the Sam Steel Council, the College of ACES Administration, NMSU foundation, and industry partners. The Society invites all alumni and supporters in Washington D.C. and surrounding areas to get their “fix” of authentic New Mexico chile roasted on-site and available for purchase at: www.nmsufoundation.org/dc-chile-roast. Chile must be purchased in advance. To stay up to date with events and communication from the Sam Steel Society, reach out to us at samsteelsociety@gmail.com and follow us on social media.
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SCHOOL OF HOTEL, RESTAURANT & TOURISM MANAGEMENT |
The School of HRTM attends the National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, IL The School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management attends the National Restaurant Association Show annually each May to learn about the most current trends and concepts in the food and beverage industry. Four HRTM undergraduate students were selected to attend with faculty and staff to experience the show and represent the HRTM program and NMSU at this international event. This is one of the largest industry events with an estimated 55,000 attendees, and over 1,800 exhibitors spanning all 50 states and 112 countries worldwide. Attending allows us to connect with industry partners in research, employment opportunities, recruitment of students for Main Campus and NMSU enrollment, and bring back knowledge to maintain relevant application of industry practices in our program. The opportunity to travel to Chicago is also a valuable tourism and travel exploration for students that they can apply to their future career goals. In addition to sampling amazing foods from the exhibitors and chef demonstrations at the show, the students dined at the historic Lou Malnati’s Pizza and The Berghoff German restaurants. They received an exclusive back of the house tour of McCormick Place with ICHRIE’s internationa student honor society, Eta Sigma Delta. We are grateful to provide these valuable and impactful opportunities to our students and appreciate the contributions and support from our community and industry partnerships that make them possible. To learn more about ways you can contribute to our HRTM Student Travel and Activities Fund please visit the NMSU Foundation website at https://nmsufoundation.org/ways-to-give.html |
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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. |
Kaitlin Marry, a passionate environmental science major at New Mexico State University, has plans to make a significant impact on the world. Originally from Fisher, Illinois, a small town with fewer than 2,000 residents, Kaitlin was once surrounded by corn fields, flat land and generational farmers. Seeking a change in scenery, she discovered New Mexico where she became fascinated by the forest of the Gila Mountains. To view her video journey click on the following link: NMSU Journeys: Kaitlin Marry - NMSU Journeys (wistia.com) |
COLLEGE OF ACES MAGAZINE – SPRING 2024 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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