VOLUME 2023, ISSUE 7 05/01/2023 |
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Greetings Friends of ACES and Aggies, We have arrived at the end of the Spring Semester, a time when we fulfill a major effort and commitment that we have within the state of New Mexico, which is the graduation of our students. This semester we have a great number of graduates, 179 undergraduate and 65 graduate students from our College of ACES. It is a great satisfaction being able to accomplish another semester, and this is due to the hard work and dedication of our ACES faculty and staff, and our students, of course! I am delighted to inform and congratulate the students from the department of Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business (AEAB) on their outstanding success of becoming number one in the student competition at the national and international level. This is no minor accomplishment. This competition takes place among the larger land-grant and non-grant universities in the United States and Canada, and NMSU-ACES competed and won against all the other universities and big names in agricultural economics. Our sincere congratulations – students, know how proud we are of your success! We in the college of ACES want to sincerely thank you for your hard work and dedication in reaching this level. We want to also sincerely thank the faculty in the department of Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business (AEAB), especially to Dr. Chadelle Robinson for her hard work, dedication, and outstanding guidance that she provided to these students. It is this type of guidance, mentorship, and advising that the faculty in the College of ACES is known for, and we are extremely proud of that. We also want to mention another activity that I participated in and had the opportunity to visit last week. I attended “Ag exploration,” which is an activity from the Cooperative Extension Service in Doña Ana County in which they had in the Farm & Ranch Museum over 20 stations to explore for 4th graders from schools in the entire county. It was estimated that over 1,000 students participated in this 2-day activity. This was a great exposure for the youth of Doña Ana County to agriculture and its future. Thanks Doña Ana CES team! I want to thank all of our faculty and staff for their hard work. A representation of this is our latest 2022 ACES Annual Report. I encourage all of you to read it. All of our various activities and results for 2022 are presented. Thank you very much to all of the collaborators in the preparation of this report, which is fantastic. Have a good graduation, and let’s get ready for the summer activities for our graduates. Go Aggies! |
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Rolando A. Flores Galarza Dean & Chief Administrative Officer |
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2023 STUDENT MARKETING NATIONAL CHAMPIONS |
Congratulations to our National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA) as the 2023 Student Marketing Competition National Champions! Nineteen undergraduate students, accompanied by their advisor, Dr. Chaddy Robinson, from the College of ACES recently returned from the National Agri-Marketing Association’s (NAMA) 2023 Agri-Marketing Conference in St. Louis, Missouri. The National Agri-Marketing Association is the premiere association for professional agricultural marketers in the United States. The NAMA association organizes a national competition that includes an individual personal sales contest, as well as a team marketing plan contest. Undergraduate students from more than 30 universities across the United States and Canada participated in these two contests. Students in the sales competition compete individually, participating in mock sales events where students interact with industry professionals, selling an agricultural product. This year more than 30 students participated in the sales contest. Two NMSU students made it to the final round, with Elizabeth “Anne” Hodnett, a student in Agricultural and Extension Education, earning the top spot! The marketing competition requires students to identify an undermarketed or new to market product and develop a customized marketing plan for it. This year, NMSU students developed a marketing plan for a locally produced freeze-dried salsa, perfect for campers and hikers. This competition includes a written executive summary of the plan and for the team to present it to a panel of industry professionals who serve as judges. NMSU won the competition with their excellent marketing plan and presentation, surpassing powerhouse schools such as Iowa State University, Purdue University, and the University of Guelph. |
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Students Involved: Analisa Jeffers, Carmina Jaramillo Martinez, Chyanne Rael, Maggie Long, Kari Dominguez, Marisol Olivas, Morgan Owen, Sophia Flores, Sarah Roderick, Elizabeth “Anne” Hodnett, Marissa Cereceres, Emily Johnson, Antonio Ethan Ortiz-Ulibarri, Brandon Larranaga, Charles “Tyler” Peraza, Gabe Gregory, Kaleb Herndon, Hunter Alcon, Patrick Torres and advisor Dr. Chadelle Robinson. |
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) |
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New Mexico Reforestation Center New Mexico’s forests provide water, habitat, recreation, timber, and other ecosystem services. Unfortunately, catastrophic wildfire, drought, and high temperatures are causing significant forest loss in New Mexico. Since 2002, including the recent fires of 2022, over 5.6 million acres have burned in New Mexico. Restoring these severely burned landscapes is necessary so our communities have continued access to these important resources. Because large wildfires, drought, and high temperatures limit natural tree regeneration, this means planting trees – reforestation. Currently, New Mexico’s seedling production capacity is around 300,000 seedlings per year. Yet our state may need 5 to 6 million seedlings per year for the next few decades. The New Mexico Reforestation Center (NMRC) was established in January of 2022 in response to these growing reforestation needs. As a formal partnership between New Mexico State University, New Mexico Highlands University, University of New Mexico, and the Forestry Division of New Mexico’s Energy, Minerals, and Natural Resource Department, the NMRC aims to meet these needs through its comprehensive seed bank, nursery, and planting operations, combined with research, education, and outreach activities. These activities support ACES Critical Issues of Environmental Stewardship and Water Use and Conservation. After the Hermits Peak / Calf Canyon Fires of 2022, the New Mexico Reforestation Center has been in the national spotlight. With visits from USDA Undersecretaries and the Chiefs of both the Forest Service and NRCS, an interest in supporting the center has grown. The NMRC is currently requesting $64 million in one-time funds and $1.3 million in recurring funds from the state of New Mexico to support both infrastructure development and personnel. The impact of NMRC activities on our state’s future is immeasurable. A fully operational NMRC will support optimal reforestation activities and ecosystem services, including water, recreation, and wildlife habitat. An economic analysis suggests the NMRC would support the creation of over 100 jobs/year and have a $300 million economic impact over 30 years. To view the full video about the John T. Harrington Forestry Research Center at Mora: Fire Response click on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utJ6dXb8I-Y&feature=youtu.be&skip_registered_account_check=true. Questions and comments about the NMRC and reforestation and revegetation programs should be addressed to Dr. Owen Burney at oburney@nmsu.edu. |
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| Congratulations to Dr. Elizabeth "Betsy" Stringam for being selected as the recipient of the Westhafer Award for Excellence in Teaching. It is a distinct honor to be selected for this award at a university with so many exceptional teachers. The Westhafer Award is presented in alternating years for excellence in teaching or in research and creative activity. The Westhafer is presented in memory of Robert L. Westhafer, Professor in Mathematical Sciences from 1946 to 1957. The Westhafer is the highest award at NMSU for teaching or for research and creative activity. |
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ACES STUDENT AWARDS AND HONORS |
The ACES Student Awards Committee reviewed the student nominations and selected the awardees listed below. Please join us in congratulating the recipients of these distinguished awards! |
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NMSU Alumni Outstanding Senior (UG)
Paloma Hernandez Perez - HRTM Dean's Award of Leadership Excellence for Undergraduates
Brandon Larranga - AXED Dean's Award of Leadership Excellence for Graduates
Luis Ramos Coronado - AEAB Dean's Award of Excellence for Undergraduates
Sofia Uvina - AXED Marissa Cereceres - AEAB Kristen Harrison - ANSC Christopher Gomez - EPWS Kari Melander - FCSC Ashlynn Little - FWCE
Paloma Hernandez Perez - HRTM Tyra Trumble - PLEN |
| Dean's Award of Excellence for Graduates
Sarah Harris - AXED Briza Castro - ANSC Rachel Turner - FCSC John Morgan Smith - FWCE Outstanding Departmental Students Annalisa Jeffers & Kari Dominguez - AEAB Montserrat Martinez Najera - ANSC
Doris Arnedo - EPWS Sofia Chavez - FCSC Jacob Martinez - FWCE Joshua Jackson - HRTM Kathryn Overman - PLEN
Academic Achievement
Sarah Granio - AXED Zachary Martin - AEAB Carolina Jimenez - HRTM |
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These students will be recognized with a framed certificate at the Sam Steel Society Induction Ceremony held on May 12, 2023 at 3:00 pm in the Atkinson Recital Hall. Honors Graduates Congratulations to Ashlynn Little (FWCE) who will be graduating with Highest Honors. The following students will be graduating with Honors |
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Desiree Acosta - FWCE
Noel Braudt - EPWS/AXED Sierra Cody Chopito - FCSC Zerong Dai - PLEN
Francisco Javier Dena Jr. - ANSC Ryan C Engle - HRTM
Michael Anthony Grace III - PLEN Sarah Nicole Granio - AXED Kristen Virginia Harrison - ANSC Paloma Hernandez Perez - HRTM Jenavey Jada Ivey - ANSC
Analisa Jeffers - AEAB
Brandon Andrew Larranaga - AXED |
| Kaitlin Marry - PLEN
Jacob Carlos Martinez - FWCE Montserrat Martinez Najera - ANSC Kari Lorraine Melander - FCSC Megan Elizabeth Meyers - FCSC Domenica Ivanna Moya - ANSC Laura Munoz - FCSC
McKenzie Nunez - PLEN Kathryn Dennis Overman - PLEN Charles Tyler Peraza - AEAB Boston Xavier Russo - FCSC Patrick C Torres - EPWS |
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2023 NMSU Spring Commencement is May 12 - 13, 2023 Graduate Commencement Ceremony - Friday, May 12, 2023 @ 6:00 p.m.
Spring 2023 Doctoral, Specialists in Education, and Master Candidates Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony - Saturday. May 13, 2023 @ 9:00 a.m.
Spring 2023 Bachelor Candidates for Degree
College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Science, College of Business, College of Health, Education and Social Transformation College of Arts and Science and College of Engineering at 2:00 p.m. A special thank you to the faculty and staff who submitted nominations for our amazing students! Please see the attached memo for a list of these award winners and the students who are graduating with Honors. Details about the commencement ceremonies can be found here: https://commencement.nmsu.edu/ |
New Mexico 4-H Youth Get-Away New Mexico 4-H Youth Get-Away was held April 21-23 at the Glorieta Adventure Camp in Glorieta, NM for novice and junior age (9- to 12-year-old) 4-H members. Three hundred and eighty youth participants, thirty senior-age (13- to 18-year-old) youth counselors and counselors in training, and ten leadership team members attended the weekend event along with 4-H agents and volunteer chaperones. During the event, youth participated in workshops and a community service project honoring teachers, connected with youth from around the state, gained greater understanding of 4-H project areas, and developed skills and knowledge from the activities. Workshop topics included animal care, insects, New Mexico culture, equine sciences, giving contest reasons, shooting sports, teamwork, leadership, livestock care, mentoring, wildlife, DNA extractions and mental health. Presenters introduced their project, taught an activity from it, and shared how to teach others what they learned. Youth Counselors and Counselors in Training (CIT) participated in a pre-training preparing them for their responsibility of leading groups of younger youth. For more information, contact Interim Extension Department Head Laura Bittner at lbittner@nmsu.edu. |
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National 4-H Conference Five Sandoval County youth received a scholarship to attend the National 4-H Conference April 14–19 in Arlington, VA. National 4‑H Conference is the pinnacle experience in 4‑H civic engagement, providing opportunities for young people to connect, learn, engage, lead and impact their communities, nation, and world. At the conference, delegates participated in round table discussions, presented to federal partner agencies, engaged with their U.S. Senators and Representatives, toured monuments and participated in a service project. Alejandra (Allie) Lopez, Sandoval County 4-H member and scholarship recipient, wrote about her experience: I am beyond grateful to have been afforded the opportunity to attend National 4-H Conference. Being surrounded by such empowered youth looking for ways to better our world was motivating beyond words. I was assigned to a roundtable that discussed how the Council on Environmental Quality might utilize inter-generational efforts to better support the fight for environmental equity. Presenting to active participants in our federal government's efforts to support disenfranchised communities was incredible. This week in Washington, DC has connected me with like-minded peers and reaffirmed my confidence in the capabilities of the new generation of leaders being grown in 4-H. |
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AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION (AES) |
The Agricultural Experiment Station (AES) is the principal research unit of ACES. The AES system consists of scientists from NMSU’s main campus in the College of ACES and twelve agricultural science and research centers throughout the state. Research programs focus on four identified critical issues for New Mexico that will also have a global impact. These programs are (1) Food & Fiber Production and Marketing, (2) Water Use and Conservation, (3) Family Development and Health of New Mexicans, and (4) Environmental Stewardship, all of which are based on the foundation of education and training of qualified professionals in the field of agriculture. These critical issues help guide research initiatives for federal capacity funded research through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA). NIFA capacity projects can include Hatch, Hatch multistate, McIntire-Stennis, Animal Health and Renewable Resources Extension programs. Each of these programs has specific distinctions for a research focus. The AES has 48 projects ongoing in various areas of research. Here is one more example of ongoing NIFA Hatch projects that directly impact the New Mexico agricultural industry. For more information, contact AES Program Operations Director Claire Montoya at ccortner@nmsu.edu. |
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Glenn Duff – Department of Animal and Range Science / Clayton Livestock Research Center Bovine respiratory disease continues to be a major problem facing the beef industry. As a result of normal marketing and receiving procedures, cattle are stressed, which can suppress the immune system, and the cattle can succumb to respiratory disease. One of the organisms that cause respiratory disease is Mannheimia haemolytica. Understanding when cattle are colonized by the organisms may lead to improved management. Dr. Glenn Duff, a Professor of Animal and Range Science who is stationed at the Clayton Livestock Research Center, has an ongoing project to evaluate the establishment of such bacterial species in beef cattle. Specifically, samples were gathered from calves at birth and their mothers to attempt to isolate Mannheimia haemolytica in both the cows and the calves to see when the organisms are established. This project will help cattle producers (from the cow/calf operation to the feedlot) and veterinarians in understanding when in cattle’s lifecycle one of the organisms responsible for respiratory disease is established. This project is ongoing, and cows and calves will be sampled again, following them through the finishing phase of production. |
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COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE (CES) |
Doña Ana County Extension Service 2023 Specialty Crop Workshop The 2023 Specialty Crop workshop will be held June 8, 2023, from 8 am to 5 pm. The workshop & lunch are free and geared towards small farmers and market growers looking for niche crops. The workshop is limited to the first 100 people. Crops/topics discussed will cover, soil health, hemp/hemp fiber, pomegranates, figs, jujubes and yellowthorn. To register, and/or see a copy of the program, go to: https://rsvp.nmsu.edu/rsvp/specialtycrop |
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FISH, WILDLIFE AND CONSERVATION ECOLOGY (FWCE) |
Long-term conservation effects of nature reserves Protected areas play an important role in the conservation of species. NMSU Fish, Wildlife & Conservation Ecology Associate Professor Dr. Fitsum Abadi Gebreselassie, in collaboration with researchers from the Universities of Exeter and Helsinki, evaluated the impact of nature reserves in the population dynamics of a migratory waterbird, the whooper swan (Cygnus cygnus). Using a long-term demographic data from more than 20 study sites in the United Kingdom (UK) and population projection models, this study shows the population of whooper swans wintering in the UK could be double by 2030. Results from this study also show that the annual population growth rate of whooper swans inside nature reserves (6%) was higher than outside reserves (2%). This study highlights the benefits of protected areas for long-lived species like these migratory waterbird even when the areas protected are relatively small. This work published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) (https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2212035120). Contact: Fitsum Abadi Gebreselassie (fgebrese@nmsu.edu), Department of Fish, Wildlife & Conservation Ecology |
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Whooper swan. Photo Credit: Richard Inger |
INNOVATIVE MEDIA RESEARCH AND EXTENSION (IMRE) |
The IMRE team is collaborating with White Sands National Park and Dr. Nicole Pietrasiak, Associate Professor of Sustainable Arid Lands, University of Nevada – Las Vegas (formerly of the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences at NMSU), to create digital media products showcasing the unique microbial worlds in the soils of the park. “Discovering the Hidden Microscopic World of White Sands National Park” will help visitors understand research into the microscopic biomes in the park's surface soil and sediments. Audiences will be transported into a microscopic world via VR to experience the biodiversity of White Sands, including microscopic creatures like tardigrades. This will help visitors understand the role these biomes play in the environment of the park and the importance of research to the community. White Sands National Park intends to have approximately twenty Meta Quest 2 headsets available to visitors in the park’s Visitor Center. Virtual Reality can support learners in exciting ways — by immersing them into a new world, rich story or complex emotions, such as in our ongoing VR project for dietetics intern students, or by giving them a chance to see things they don’t normally get to, such as this project on the microscopic worlds of soil crusts. Caption: White Sands National Park encompasses fascinating microscopic biomes, including creatures such as tardigrades, shown here in a 3D model. |
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NEW MEXICO FFA ASSOCIATION |
State FFA Convention As school and classes wind down for students, the busy summer is just getting started, during which they will evaluate state officer candidates in order to provide a recommendation to the voting delegates at the State Convention. State Officer candidates have been working hard in order to prepare for the interview and selection process. The NMFFA State Convention will take place May 31st–June 2nd at the Las Cruces Convention Center. State Convention will consist of finals for Leadership Development Events, workshops by visiting state and national officers, retiring addresses from current state officers, district and state officer elections, award recognition, a talent competition, and an exciting close to the year. State Convention is also a time when the New Mexico Agriculture Education Teachers Association will recognize those nominated for the NMAETA Hall of Fame. In addition to this, there will be a Past State Officer reunion on June 1st–2nd that will bring together past officers and teams and allow them to reconnect. The NMFFA Association is beyond excited to see the blue jackets flood Las Cruces this summer! |
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To find all results from the State CDEs and more information, visit our website and social media pages! Website: http://www.nmffa.org Facebook: New Mexico FFA Instagram: @newmexicoffa |
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NMSU to host listening sessions on future leadershipNew Mexico State University will host two listening sessions at the Corbett Center Student Union auditorium Monday, May 1, to gather input on what the university should look for in its next leader. The sessions will also be streamed online.
In December, the NMSU Board of Regents authorized and instructed the university’s administration to begin working with the board on a search process for the university’s next chancellor.
The first listening session will be from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, May 1. An evening session will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. May 1. Participants may also view and provide input via Zoom. The campus community and the general public are invited to participate in the sessions, which will also be recorded.
Additional listening sessions are being planned for sites around the state in the upcoming weeks. The NMSU Board of Regents plans to make sure the search is transparent and fully engages NMSU’s faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, community members and other stakeholders across the region. For more information, email regents@nmsu.edu. |
SCHOOL OF HOTEL, RESTAURANT & TOURISM MANAGEMENT (HRTM) |
Marriott Hospitality Futures Center Outreach Activities The Marriott Hospitality Futures Center with the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management continues to expand outreach for Hospitality Careers and Education for incoming students. Since the Spring of 2019, the Marriott Hospitality Futures Center has been established as an outreach, recruitment and student retention program focused on careers in the diverse and exciting hospitality industry. Spanning numerous states including New Mexico, Texas and Arizona, members of the center have participated as sponsors, guest speakers, contest judges and board members for Career and Technical Education programs, with emphasis in areas like business, culinary arts, hospitality, tourism, and professional development. It is an incredibly rewarding and impactful experience to meet these future students and professionals already seeking to expand their skills and knowledge and take action on setting goals for their future. We are excited to be able to continue expanding and seeking more opportunities to collaborate with students, industry and educators in public schools as well as programs at NMSU to make sure they know all the opportunities available to them. For more information please contact Andrea Arrigucci, Senior Program Specialist of the Marriott Hospitality Futures Center, at arrigucc@nmsu.edu or 575-646-556. |
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HRTM faculty at “Plan My Future” Event hosted by LCPS |
| Andrea and Pete the Pineapple at the Marriott Hospitality Futures Center |
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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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