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A MESSAGE FROM OUR DEAN Greetings, Aggies and friends of the ACES College. Fall is in full swing. Students are attending classes and getting ready for their first exams. Research continues, and Extension activities never stop throughout the year. When we look at the intensity of activity in the college of ACES and see the students around us learning and completing their degrees, it is clear we are fulfilling the mission of the college, which is improving the lives of New Mexicans through academics, research, and extension programs. It is when we look at this mission that we understand how important it is to quantify the impacts of the college. We are working on this effort through studying how our research activities serving farmers, ranchers, industry, and the public, and learning more about the difference that a degree makes in the lives of many of our students. This economic impact is significant, and it’s important that we share these impacts with you, especially in these times when there is general discussion about the value of academic education. The college has conducted a study led by Dr. Jay Lillywhite, and its findings are summarized in this newsletter. Given the current conditions we are experiencing in terms of global warming and unpredictable weather patterns, we are always considering the effects this has on economics and the food chain. The College of ACES education and research play a fundamental role in the future of the state of New Mexico, the nation, and the world. Thank you very much for your support and for continuing to be part of the College of ACES. |
A MESSAGE FROM OUR DEAN Greetings, Aggies and friends of the ACES College. Fall is in full swing. Students are attending classes and getting ready for their first exams. Research continues, and Extension activities never stop throughout the year. When we look at the intensity of activity in the college of ACES and see the students around us learning and completing their degrees, it is clear we are fulfilling the mission of the college, which is improving the lives of New Mexicans through academics, research, and extension programs. It is when we look at this mission that we understand how important it is to quantify the impacts of the college. We are working on this effort through studying how our research activities serving farmers, ranchers, industry, and the public, and learning more about the difference that a degree makes in the lives of many of our students. This economic impact is significant, and it’s important that we share these impacts with you, especially in these times when there is general discussion about the value of academic education. The college has conducted a study led by Dr. Jay Lillywhite, and its findings are summarized in this newsletter. Given the current conditions we are experiencing in terms of global warming and unpredictable weather patterns, we are always considering the effects this has on economics and the food chain. The College of ACES education and research play a fundamental role in the future of the state of New Mexico, the nation, and the world. Thank you very much for your support and for continuing to be part of the College of ACES. |
Rolando A. Flores Galarza Dean & Chief Administrative Officer |
Rolando A. Flores Galarza Dean & Chief Administrative Officer |
ACES Dean & Chief Administrative Officer Rolando A. Flores Galarza at the ACES Student Welcome Street Festival on August 27, 2024 |
ACES Dean & Chief Administrative Officer Rolando A. Flores Galarza at the ACES Student Welcome Street Festival on August 27, 2024 |
ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF THE COLLEGE OF ACES TO NEW MEXICO |
ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF THE COLLEGE OF ACES TO NEW MEXICO |
The College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences is a vital contributor to New Mexico’s economy. Contributions include those associated with research expenditures where funds were obtained from outside sources, increased agricultural productivity, and improved human capital as expressed by increased lifetime earnings for College graduates. The College is developing a report that will detail these contributions in more detail. The analysis shows that the returns to New Mexico and to students are significant. A “sneak preview”: Researchers in the College continue to compete successfully for grants and contracts. The restricted fund expenditures, i.e., research expenditures, have averaged nearly $69 million over the last three years, with more than $30 million from federal grants and contracts. Grants and contracts from federal funds provide direct support for 335 jobs in the state. Research conducted by the College supports agricultural productivity within the state. The state’s total factor productivity growth rate, using the most recent USDA data available, was estimated to equal 1.4% annually. If applied to the $3.7 billion of agricultural sales in 2022, total factor productivity would be responsible for more than $50 million in agricultural productivity. While it is difficult to measure the College’s direct impact, it has undoubtedly played a role in productivity increases. The College’s educational effort positively impacts student careers and career earnings. Using U.S. Census data for the U.S., the average salary of an ACES-related undergraduate degree is more than double the average salary for an individual with a high school diploma. The salary differentials, if invested annually over an individual’s work career at a reasonable return rate, would result in more than $4 million in differential earnings. For more information, contact Associate Dean and Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station Dr. Jay Lillywhite at lillywhi@nmsu.edu. |
The College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences is a vital contributor to New Mexico’s economy. Contributions include those associated with research expenditures where funds were obtained from outside sources, increased agricultural productivity, and improved human capital as expressed by increased lifetime earnings for College graduates. The College is developing a report that will detail these contributions in more detail. The analysis shows that the returns to New Mexico and to students are significant. A “sneak preview”: Researchers in the College continue to compete successfully for grants and contracts. The restricted fund expenditures, i.e., research expenditures, have averaged nearly $69 million over the last three years, with more than $30 million from federal grants and contracts. Grants and contracts from federal funds provide direct support for 335 jobs in the state. Research conducted by the College supports agricultural productivity within the state. The state’s total factor productivity growth rate, using the most recent USDA data available, was estimated to equal 1.4% annually. If applied to the $3.7 billion of agricultural sales in 2022, total factor productivity would be responsible for more than $50 million in agricultural productivity. While it is difficult to measure the College’s direct impact, it has undoubtedly played a role in productivity increases. The College’s educational effort positively impacts student careers and career earnings. Using U.S. Census data for the U.S., the average salary of an ACES-related undergraduate degree is more than double the average salary for an individual with a high school diploma. The salary differentials, if invested annually over an individual’s work career at a reasonable return rate, would result in more than $4 million in differential earnings. For more information, contact Associate Dean and Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station Dr. Jay Lillywhite at lillywhi@nmsu.edu. |
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2024 NMSU Spring Commencement Ceremony |
2024 NMSU Spring Commencement Ceremony |
The ACES Awards Selection Committee voted on the 2024 faculty and staff nominations that were submitted for our distinguished awards. The award winners are listed below. Please join us in congratulating each one of these award winners for their dedication to NMSU-ACES. |
The ACES Awards Selection Committee voted on the 2024 faculty and staff nominations that were submitted for our distinguished awards. The award winners are listed below. Please join us in congratulating each one of these award winners for their dedication to NMSU-ACES. |
2024 NMSU TEACHING AWARDS |
2024 NMSU TEACHING AWARDS |
NMSU bestows top faculty honor, teaching awards at fall 2024 convocation New Mexico State University kicked off the 2024-2025 academic year this week with a celebration honoring six outstanding faculty members from across the NMSU system. More than 200 Aggies participated in NMSU’s fall 2024 convocation Aug. 20 and gathered in Atkinson Recital Hall on the Las Cruces campus to cheer on the group of award winners. Interim President Mónica Torres and interim Provost Lakshmi Reddi delivered remarks before NMSU leaders handed out six honors, including the university’s highest faculty award. “This convocation is a celebration of the incredible work being done throughout our NMSU system – and the positive impact of that work – on our students, our academic disciplines, the industries we serve,” Torres said. “There are many stories of the people who benefit from our service, our teaching, our research. Those are the things that we’re doing at this university. We’re trying to address the broad challenges and opportunities that are before us in our communities and as a global society.” Award recipient for the College of ACES was Dr. Shannon Norris-Parish from the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education. Dr. Norris-Parish, an assistant professor, teaches courses that disseminate agricultural science through oral communications, magazine production, communication campaigns and global agricultural awareness. She has earned numerous teaching awards and was included in Albuquerque Business First’s “40 Under 40” list for 2023. |
NMSU bestows top faculty honor, teaching awards at fall 2024 convocation New Mexico State University kicked off the 2024-2025 academic year this week with a celebration honoring six outstanding faculty members from across the NMSU system. More than 200 Aggies participated in NMSU’s fall 2024 convocation Aug. 20 and gathered in Atkinson Recital Hall on the Las Cruces campus to cheer on the group of award winners. Interim President Mónica Torres and interim Provost Lakshmi Reddi delivered remarks before NMSU leaders handed out six honors, including the university’s highest faculty award. “This convocation is a celebration of the incredible work being done throughout our NMSU system – and the positive impact of that work – on our students, our academic disciplines, the industries we serve,” Torres said. “There are many stories of the people who benefit from our service, our teaching, our research. Those are the things that we’re doing at this university. We’re trying to address the broad challenges and opportunities that are before us in our communities and as a global society.” Award recipient for the College of ACES was Dr. Shannon Norris-Parish from the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education. Dr. Norris-Parish, an assistant professor, teaches courses that disseminate agricultural science through oral communications, magazine production, communication campaigns and global agricultural awareness. She has earned numerous teaching awards and was included in Albuquerque Business First’s “40 Under 40” list for 2023. |
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The award recipients included, from left, David Bishop of NMSU Grants; Dwight Kealy of the Department of Finance; Wei Tang of the Klipsch School of Electrical and Computer Engineering; Shannon Norris-Parish of the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education; and Young Lee of the Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering. Not pictured Paulette Vincent-Ruz of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. (NMSU photo by Josh Bachman) |
The award recipients included, from left, David Bishop of NMSU Grants; Dwight Kealy of the Department of Finance; Wei Tang of the Klipsch School of Electrical and Computer Engineering; Shannon Norris-Parish of the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education; and Young Lee of the Department of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering. Not pictured Paulette Vincent-Ruz of the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. (NMSU photo by Josh Bachman) |
2024 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARDS |
2024 DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARDS |
NMSU Distinguished Alumni Awards recognize excellence, integrity, leadership The New Mexico State University Foundation has announced the 2024 recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Awards, including the James F. Cole Memorial Award for Service, and the Young Alumni Service Award — the highest honors conferred upon former students. Presented by the NMSU Alumni Association for more than 60 years, these prestigious awards celebrate Aggies who have achieved distinction in their professions and made significant contributions to both NMSU and their communities. The 2024 honorees represent fields ranging from biomedicine to civil law, sports broadcasting, technology, military service and nursing. Each awardee will be honored at the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner Friday, Nov. 8. All the Distinguished Alumni awardees have demonstrated significant achievement and service that brings honor to the university. The 2024 ACES Distinguished Alumni recipients is Antonia Roybal-Mack. Antonia Roybal-Mack ’03, earned a degree in hotel, restaurant, and tourism management at NMSU before obtaining her law degree. She is a founding partner of Roybal-Mack and Cordova, PC, working in the areas of disaster mitigation, wildfire recovery, watershed issues, and environmental mass tort recovery. Roybal-Mack has received many accolades for her contributions to the legal profession and her focus on water rights and environmental issues. She also founded the Mora Fire Fund with the Center of Southwest Culture, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for wildfire victims. To learn more about each awardee, full biographies will soon be available at https://www.nmsualumni.org/awards-recognitions. Media Contact from NMSU Foundation is Nora Hahn, contact norah@nmsufoundation.org |
NMSU Distinguished Alumni Awards recognize excellence, integrity, leadership The New Mexico State University Foundation has announced the 2024 recipients of the Distinguished Alumni Awards, including the James F. Cole Memorial Award for Service, and the Young Alumni Service Award — the highest honors conferred upon former students. Presented by the NMSU Alumni Association for more than 60 years, these prestigious awards celebrate Aggies who have achieved distinction in their professions and made significant contributions to both NMSU and their communities. The 2024 honorees represent fields ranging from biomedicine to civil law, sports broadcasting, technology, military service and nursing. Each awardee will be honored at the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Awards Dinner Friday, Nov. 8. All the Distinguished Alumni awardees have demonstrated significant achievement and service that brings honor to the university. The 2024 ACES Distinguished Alumni recipients is Antonia Roybal-Mack. Antonia Roybal-Mack ’03, earned a degree in hotel, restaurant, and tourism management at NMSU before obtaining her law degree. She is a founding partner of Roybal-Mack and Cordova, PC, working in the areas of disaster mitigation, wildfire recovery, watershed issues, and environmental mass tort recovery. Roybal-Mack has received many accolades for her contributions to the legal profession and her focus on water rights and environmental issues. She also founded the Mora Fire Fund with the Center of Southwest Culture, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for wildfire victims. To learn more about each awardee, full biographies will soon be available at https://www.nmsualumni.org/awards-recognitions. Media Contact from NMSU Foundation is Nora Hahn, contact norah@nmsufoundation.org |
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PASSING OF FRANK A. DuBOIS III |
PASSING OF FRANK A. DuBOIS III |
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| Frank A. DuBois III Frank DuBois (1947–2024), a New Mexico native and graduate of this College with both bachelor’s and master’s degree, passed recently on August 10th from the complications of multiple sclerosis. He was a strong advocate for the western way of life and private property. His knowledge and recall of natural resources and public land legislation was phenomenal. He served as cabinet secretary for four governors, as legislative assistant for New Mexico, as Deputy Secretary for Land and Water Resources with the U.S Dept. of Interior, and as Director of the New Mexico Department of Agriculture. Frank was a strong supporter of the NMSU Rodeo Team and was instrumental in getting public and private funds for the athletes. He authored the Westerner, a daily blog of important information regarding the western way of life. He had an extensive collection of vintage western music and chose a song of the day to play on his Ranch Radio program. Franks' knowledge, wit and humor will be missed by the Agricultural community. |
Frank A. DuBois III Frank DuBois (1947–2024), a New Mexico native and graduate of this College with both bachelor’s and master’s degree, passed recently on August 10th from the complications of multiple sclerosis. He was a strong advocate for the western way of life and private property. His knowledge and recall of natural resources and public land legislation was phenomenal. He served as cabinet secretary for four governors, as legislative assistant for New Mexico, as Deputy Secretary for Land and Water Resources with the U.S Dept. of Interior, and as Director of the New Mexico Department of Agriculture. Frank was a strong supporter of the NMSU Rodeo Team and was instrumental in getting public and private funds for the athletes. He authored the Westerner, a daily blog of important information regarding the western way of life. He had an extensive collection of vintage western music and chose a song of the day to play on his Ranch Radio program. Franks' knowledge, wit and humor will be missed by the Agricultural community. |
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2006 Rodeo team scholarship recipients pose for a group photo with Frank DuBois. (submitted photo by J.D. Brown) |
2006 Rodeo team scholarship recipients pose for a group photo with Frank DuBois. (submitted photo by J.D. Brown) |
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ACES Academic Programs Launches Fall Semester with Faculty Development Workshops On Monday, August 19, Associate Dean and Director of Academic Programs, Dr. Don Conner, officially kicked off the fall semester by hosting two workshops focused on enhancing student success. The first workshop, “Establishing an Undergraduate Research Culture,” featured a panel of campus leaders in the field: Dr. Steve Fraze, Dr. Shannon Norris Parish, Dr. Jennifer Hernandez Gifford, and Dr. Phame Camarena. The panelists shared proven strategies and best practices for building a thriving undergraduate research culture that fosters academic excellence. The second workshop, “Cultivating Graduate Student Success,” brought together a seasoned group of faculty members - Dr. Omar Holguin, Dr. Jennifer Randall, and Dr. Merranda Marin - who offered their insights on making a transformative impact on graduate students’ achievements and well-being. The discussion provided participants with valuable approaches for offering guidance, support, and resources essential to graduate students' academic, personal, and professional development. For more information, contact Priscilla Bloomquist at 575-646-2877 or pbloomqu@nmsu.edu. |
ACES Academic Programs Launches Fall Semester with Faculty Development Workshops On Monday, August 19, Associate Dean and Director of Academic Programs, Dr. Don Conner, officially kicked off the fall semester by hosting two workshops focused on enhancing student success. The first workshop, “Establishing an Undergraduate Research Culture,” featured a panel of campus leaders in the field: Dr. Steve Fraze, Dr. Shannon Norris Parish, Dr. Jennifer Hernandez Gifford, and Dr. Phame Camarena. The panelists shared proven strategies and best practices for building a thriving undergraduate research culture that fosters academic excellence. The second workshop, “Cultivating Graduate Student Success,” brought together a seasoned group of faculty members - Dr. Omar Holguin, Dr. Jennifer Randall, and Dr. Merranda Marin - who offered their insights on making a transformative impact on graduate students’ achievements and well-being. The discussion provided participants with valuable approaches for offering guidance, support, and resources essential to graduate students' academic, personal, and professional development. For more information, contact Priscilla Bloomquist at 575-646-2877 or pbloomqu@nmsu.edu. |
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Panel moderator Dr. Conner and panelists, Dr. Steve Fraze, Dr. Shannon Norris Parish. Dr. Jennifer Hernandez Gifford and Dr. Phame Camarena. |
Panel moderator Dr. Conner and panelists, Dr. Steve Fraze, Dr. Shannon Norris Parish. Dr. Jennifer Hernandez Gifford and Dr. Phame Camarena. |
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION |
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION |
John T. Harrington Forestry Research Center at Mora: How much carbon is sequestered by planting trees after a fire? |
John T. Harrington Forestry Research Center at Mora: How much carbon is sequestered by planting trees after a fire? |
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Current research conducted by the JTH Forestry Research Center in collaboration with the University of New Mexico is examining this question by measuring post-fire ponderosa pine seedling survival and growth across the southwestern US. Identifying sites to measure proved to be extremely challenging given the overall poor survival of planted seedlings on US Forest Service lands. Of the initial 24 sites identified, only 8 sites were recommended by US Forest Service managers due to reported planting failures and poor survival. The following preliminary results are from these 8 sites located in Utah and Colorado. Initial planting densities ranged from 134 to 350 trees per acre (TPA; average of 229 TPA). The surviving planting densities at the 2023 measurement period were significantly less than the initial with a range of 2 to 140 TPA and an average survival of only 24%. Based on these survival numbers, it appears that there are significant improvements that can be made to these operational reforestation efforts. In the 2023 measurement period, subsamples of seedlings were destructively sampled to measure aboveground carbon values. These direct measurements facilitated the development of an allometric equation that allows for the prediction of individual seedling and area-based carbon stocks. The ultimate goal of these models is to allow land managers to choose planting sites that maximize potential carbon sequestration through time. A second measurement period just concluded this summer of 2024 to provide more data points to improve the carbon sequestration model. However, the value of this carbon model is meaningless if seedling survival continues to fail at an operational scale. In response to this need, the JTH Forestry Research Center has multiple research projects addressing ways to improve seedling survival. In comparison to the average survival of 24% with US Forest Service plantings, survival rates across multiple largescale research plantings with the JTH Forestry Research Center have a range of 40% to 93% using new methods in seed source selection, nursery propagation, and planting methods. For more information, contact Luiza Cardone at lcardone@nmsu.edu. |
Current research conducted by the JTH Forestry Research Center in collaboration with the University of New Mexico is examining this question by measuring post-fire ponderosa pine seedling survival and growth across the southwestern US. Identifying sites to measure proved to be extremely challenging given the overall poor survival of planted seedlings on US Forest Service lands. Of the initial 24 sites identified, only 8 sites were recommended by US Forest Service managers due to reported planting failures and poor survival. The following preliminary results are from these 8 sites located in Utah and Colorado. Initial planting densities ranged from 134 to 350 trees per acre (TPA; average of 229 TPA). The surviving planting densities at the 2023 measurement period were significantly less than the initial with a range of 2 to 140 TPA and an average survival of only 24%. Based on these survival numbers, it appears that there are significant improvements that can be made to these operational reforestation efforts. In the 2023 measurement period, subsamples of seedlings were destructively sampled to measure aboveground carbon values. These direct measurements facilitated the development of an allometric equation that allows for the prediction of individual seedling and area-based carbon stocks. The ultimate goal of these models is to allow land managers to choose planting sites that maximize potential carbon sequestration through time. A second measurement period just concluded this summer of 2024 to provide more data points to improve the carbon sequestration model. However, the value of this carbon model is meaningless if seedling survival continues to fail at an operational scale. In response to this need, the JTH Forestry Research Center has multiple research projects addressing ways to improve seedling survival. In comparison to the average survival of 24% with US Forest Service plantings, survival rates across multiple largescale research plantings with the JTH Forestry Research Center have a range of 40% to 93% using new methods in seed source selection, nursery propagation, and planting methods. For more information, contact Luiza Cardone at lcardone@nmsu.edu. |
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COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE |
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE |
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| Outstanding Extension Service Acknowledgement of Leigh Ann Marez upon Her Retirement!
The Guadalupe County Extension Office, along with the Guadalupe County Fair Board, was pleased to acknowledge and honor Leigh Ann Marez, retiring NMSU Cooperative Extension Service’s Eastern District Director. Marez was honored for her exemplary service to Guadalupe County and Eastern New Mexico during her 35-year NMSU Cooperative Extension career with New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service.
During her tenure with Extension, Leigh Ann served in almost every role possible in the County Extension Office – from program assistant to County Director – and culminated her career as the Eastern District Director, where she provided highly competent and passionate leadership and support to the extension agents, staff and volunteers in eleven counties, from Colfax in the north to Lea in the southeastern corner.
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Outstanding Extension Service Acknowledgement of Leigh Ann Marez upon Her Retirement!
The Guadalupe County Extension Office, along with the Guadalupe County Fair Board, was pleased to acknowledge and honor Leigh Ann Marez, retiring NMSU Cooperative Extension Service’s Eastern District Director. Marez was honored for her exemplary service to Guadalupe County and Eastern New Mexico during her 35-year NMSU Cooperative Extension career with New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service.
During her tenure with Extension, Leigh Ann served in almost every role possible in the County Extension Office – from program assistant to County Director – and culminated her career as the Eastern District Director, where she provided highly competent and passionate leadership and support to the extension agents, staff and volunteers in eleven counties, from Colfax in the north to Lea in the southeastern corner.
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“If you know Leigh Ann, you know that she gives 100% of her energy and passion to everything she does, and 4-H and everything Extension were at the center of that for those 35 years,” said Susann Mikkelson, present NMSU Guadalupe County Extension Agent. “Even in her District Director leadership role, it has not been uncommon over the last few years to see Leigh Ann pulling up to a district or statewide 4-H event with a car full of 4-H kids, clipping a pig in the wash station at the County Fair, leading a program, or answering the important question of a constituent. That is just how she rolls - with her heart of service at the forefront!”
“Leigh Ann, we hope you are enjoying a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle and non-stop demands of Extension work. We still hope to have you around and share many more laughs and memories with you in the coming years! Congratulations on your retirement!”
Marez recently celebrated her retirement with a trip to Greece with family and friends. She intends to spend a great deal of time playing music, catching up on all those things left undone around the house while she was working non-stop, and of course, spending as much quality time as possible with her grandkids!
For more information, contact Susann Mikkelson at sussannm@nmsu.edu. |
“If you know Leigh Ann, you know that she gives 100% of her energy and passion to everything she does, and 4-H and everything Extension were at the center of that for those 35 years,” said Susann Mikkelson, present NMSU Guadalupe County Extension Agent. “Even in her District Director leadership role, it has not been uncommon over the last few years to see Leigh Ann pulling up to a district or statewide 4-H event with a car full of 4-H kids, clipping a pig in the wash station at the County Fair, leading a program, or answering the important question of a constituent. That is just how she rolls - with her heart of service at the forefront!”
“Leigh Ann, we hope you are enjoying a well-deserved break from the hustle and bustle and non-stop demands of Extension work. We still hope to have you around and share many more laughs and memories with you in the coming years! Congratulations on your retirement!”
Marez recently celebrated her retirement with a trip to Greece with family and friends. She intends to spend a great deal of time playing music, catching up on all those things left undone around the house while she was working non-stop, and of course, spending as much quality time as possible with her grandkids!
For more information, contact Susann Mikkelson at sussannm@nmsu.edu. |
INNOVATIVE MEDIA RESEARCH AND EXTENSION |
INNOVATIVE MEDIA RESEARCH AND EXTENSION |
Learning Games Lab 20th Anniversary and Toolkit For two decades, New Mexico State University’s Learning Games Lab has worked with youth to design and test video games. Through the process, youth and media developers have shared experiences and knowledge to aid in the creation of science-based, computer-enhanced educational programs such as games, animations and interactive tools, including the widely celebrated Math Snacks suite. In celebration of these achievements, NMSU’s Department of Innovative Media Research and Extension will host a 20th Anniversary Party for the Learning Games Lab from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 13 in Gerald Thomas Hall, Room 173. The party will showcase artwork created by employees and lab partners, as a fun part of the celebration. For example, Ratey the Math Cat, one of the characters from math animations created by the lab, has a special place in the hearts of many. “Ratey with the Purrrl” earring, created by IMRE artist Evan Evans, will be part of the gallery. “While we teach design and game development, we help kids be more critical of media and understand digital literacy,” says Barbara Chamberlin, Department Head of Innovative Media, Research and Extension, which oversees the lab. “For 20 years, we have been refining our curriculum with youth, asking the question, ‘How do we best help kids learn how to design games?’ That turned into a set of guiding principles and activities. For more information about the Learning Games Lab 20th Anniversary Party, visit https://innovativemedia.nmsu.edu/20years.html Or contact Barbara Chamberlin bchamber@nmsu.edu |
Learning Games Lab 20th Anniversary and Toolkit For two decades, New Mexico State University’s Learning Games Lab has worked with youth to design and test video games. Through the process, youth and media developers have shared experiences and knowledge to aid in the creation of science-based, computer-enhanced educational programs such as games, animations and interactive tools, including the widely celebrated Math Snacks suite. In celebration of these achievements, NMSU’s Department of Innovative Media Research and Extension will host a 20th Anniversary Party for the Learning Games Lab from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 13 in Gerald Thomas Hall, Room 173. The party will showcase artwork created by employees and lab partners, as a fun part of the celebration. For example, Ratey the Math Cat, one of the characters from math animations created by the lab, has a special place in the hearts of many. “Ratey with the Purrrl” earring, created by IMRE artist Evan Evans, will be part of the gallery. “While we teach design and game development, we help kids be more critical of media and understand digital literacy,” says Barbara Chamberlin, Department Head of Innovative Media, Research and Extension, which oversees the lab. “For 20 years, we have been refining our curriculum with youth, asking the question, ‘How do we best help kids learn how to design games?’ That turned into a set of guiding principles and activities. For more information about the Learning Games Lab 20th Anniversary Party, visit https://innovativemedia.nmsu.edu/20years.html Or contact Barbara Chamberlin bchamber@nmsu.edu |
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NEW MEXICO FFA ASSOCIATION |
NEW MEXICO FFA ASSOCIATION |
New Mexico FFA is excited for the beginning of the school year and all that comes with it! Chapter Officer Leadership Training concluded on August 29th in Belen! The state officer team traveled to all six districts in the state to meet up with the district officers and facilitate these trainings. Chapter officers are now equipped to lead their chapters into the new year. Upcoming events for NMFFA include the Red Barn at the New Mexico State Fair in Albuquerque. From September 5th to the 15th visitors can take a trip to the Red Barn to see livestock of all kinds and to visit with New Mexico FFA members who are eager to share their knowledge. In addition to this, members will be there exhibiting livestock that they have been working with all summer. There will also be projects entered by members throughout the state showing off their skills in many disciplines! Overall, the year is off to a strong start thanks to great teachers, supporters, and members. |
New Mexico FFA is excited for the beginning of the school year and all that comes with it! Chapter Officer Leadership Training concluded on August 29th in Belen! The state officer team traveled to all six districts in the state to meet up with the district officers and facilitate these trainings. Chapter officers are now equipped to lead their chapters into the new year. Upcoming events for NMFFA include the Red Barn at the New Mexico State Fair in Albuquerque. From September 5th to the 15th visitors can take a trip to the Red Barn to see livestock of all kinds and to visit with New Mexico FFA members who are eager to share their knowledge. In addition to this, members will be there exhibiting livestock that they have been working with all summer. There will also be projects entered by members throughout the state showing off their skills in many disciplines! Overall, the year is off to a strong start thanks to great teachers, supporters, and members. |
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For additional information and resources visit www.nmffa.org and follow along on our social media pages! |
For additional information and resources visit www.nmffa.org and follow along on our social media pages! |
SCHOOL OF HOTEL, RESTAURANT AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT |
SCHOOL OF HOTEL, RESTAURANT AND TOURISM MANAGEMENT |
NMSU HRTM students to host food, beverage events New Mexico State University’s Department of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management students are gaining hands-on experience in the hospitality industry by facilitating a series of food and beverage events this fall.
The funds raised from food and beverage events support the operations of the HRTM program and provide funds for other activities and travel for students. The students working these events are from experimental learning classes and student clubs.
“The employers that hire our students really like that all our students have guest service experience,” said Jean Hertzman, department head and director of HRTM. “Many other hospitality programs do not have food and beverage operations anymore. The employers know the students are getting this experience in an academic setting. This gives them a leg up on the competition for internships and jobs after graduation.”
Fall 2024 events include weekly lunches, gourmet dinners, happy hours and culinary competitions.
The 100 West Café Lunches feature an à la carte menu with a variety of appetizers, entrees, desserts and beverages served on a walk-in basis. 100 West Café Lunches are managed by students enrolled in HRTM 3310 Quantity Food Production and Service and taught by College Assistant Professor Danielle Young. The menu, prices and weekly specials will be posted on the 100 West Café website weekly. The lunches will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Friday from Sept. 27 until Nov. 22 and will conclude Dec. 6 at 100 West Café.
The International Dinner Series are gourmet dining experiences managed by students in HRTM 4320 Restaurant Operations Management and taught by College Assistant Professor Pete Mitchell. Each event begins at 6 p.m. at the Bobby Lee Lawrence Academy of Wine for wine and appetizers and then moves to 100 West Café at 6:30 p.m. for a five-course meal with specially paired wine. Dinners will be held monthly Sept. 26, Oct. 24 and Nov. 21. Dinners are $80 per person and reservations can be made at Gerald Thomas Hall, Room 138 or 575-646-7324.
At The Adjustment Project (TAP), specialty cocktails, beers, wines and non-alcoholic beverages can be purchased. Complimentary appetizers are available with purchase of a beverage. All proceeds benefit student clubs, activities and travel. The TAP series will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Fridays on Sept. 6, Oct. 11, Nov. 1 and Dec. 6 at 100 West Café. For more information, contact Mitchell at petemit@nmsu.edu.
The 575 Food Fights is a culinary bracket style competition. Local chefs, bakers, restaurant
professionals, culinary and hospitality students will compete in a secret ingredient battle. There is a $5 cover charge at the door which includes a complimentary snack. Beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. The competition will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays from Sept. 23 through Oct. 28 at 100 West Café.
For more information on these events, visit https://100west.nmsu.edu/Events-Brochures-Draft-F24.pdf. Media Contact Taeya M. Padilla, email: taeyap@nmsu.edu |
NMSU HRTM students to host food, beverage events New Mexico State University’s Department of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management students are gaining hands-on experience in the hospitality industry by facilitating a series of food and beverage events this fall.
The funds raised from food and beverage events support the operations of the HRTM program and provide funds for other activities and travel for students. The students working these events are from experimental learning classes and student clubs.
“The employers that hire our students really like that all our students have guest service experience,” said Jean Hertzman, department head and director of HRTM. “Many other hospitality programs do not have food and beverage operations anymore. The employers know the students are getting this experience in an academic setting. This gives them a leg up on the competition for internships and jobs after graduation.”
Fall 2024 events include weekly lunches, gourmet dinners, happy hours and culinary competitions.
The 100 West Café Lunches feature an à la carte menu with a variety of appetizers, entrees, desserts and beverages served on a walk-in basis. 100 West Café Lunches are managed by students enrolled in HRTM 3310 Quantity Food Production and Service and taught by College Assistant Professor Danielle Young. The menu, prices and weekly specials will be posted on the 100 West Café website weekly. The lunches will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Friday from Sept. 27 until Nov. 22 and will conclude Dec. 6 at 100 West Café.
The International Dinner Series are gourmet dining experiences managed by students in HRTM 4320 Restaurant Operations Management and taught by College Assistant Professor Pete Mitchell. Each event begins at 6 p.m. at the Bobby Lee Lawrence Academy of Wine for wine and appetizers and then moves to 100 West Café at 6:30 p.m. for a five-course meal with specially paired wine. Dinners will be held monthly Sept. 26, Oct. 24 and Nov. 21. Dinners are $80 per person and reservations can be made at Gerald Thomas Hall, Room 138 or 575-646-7324.
At The Adjustment Project (TAP), specialty cocktails, beers, wines and non-alcoholic beverages can be purchased. Complimentary appetizers are available with purchase of a beverage. All proceeds benefit student clubs, activities and travel. The TAP series will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Fridays on Sept. 6, Oct. 11, Nov. 1 and Dec. 6 at 100 West Café. For more information, contact Mitchell at petemit@nmsu.edu.
The 575 Food Fights is a culinary bracket style competition. Local chefs, bakers, restaurant
professionals, culinary and hospitality students will compete in a secret ingredient battle. There is a $5 cover charge at the door which includes a complimentary snack. Beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase. The competition will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Mondays from Sept. 23 through Oct. 28 at 100 West Café.
For more information on these events, visit https://100west.nmsu.edu/Events-Brochures-Draft-F24.pdf. Media Contact Taeya M. Padilla, email: taeyap@nmsu.edu |
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(NMSU photo by Andrés Leighton) |
(NMSU photo by Andrés Leighton) |
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NEW MEXICO LEADERSHIP PROGRAM |
NEW MEXICO LEADERSHIP PROGRAM |
NMSU is accepting applications for the New Mexico Agricultural Leadership Program The New Mexico Agricultural Leadership Program is a hands-on, 18-month program designed for working professionals over 25. It develops multicultural, knowledgeable leaders for New Mexico and beyond by exploring agriculture, state and national-level agricultural policy, and New Mexico’s sociocultural issues. The program began in 2001 and is housed in the Department of Agricultural Extension and Education at New Mexico State University. Interested individuals can apply on the New Mexico Agricultural Leadership Program website at https://aces-nmal.nmsu.edu/. The deadline to apply is Nov. 1. Class 17 will begin in January 2025 and conclude in June 2026. “NMAL has been a wonderful opportunity for me to gain a broader understanding of agriculture in New Mexico. I have enjoyed working with my classmates and meeting leaders in multiple industries in New Mexico,” said Julie Hughes, Cooperative Extension Service program operations manager at NMSU and Class 16 member. For the agricultural industry to remain dynamic, well-informed leaders must emerge. This program improves leadership skills, enhances professional networks and broadens industry awareness. The New Mexico Agricultural Leadership Program fills a gap in professional development opportunities in the agricultural, food and natural resources industries. The highlight of the program is an International Trade and Innovation Mission Trip. “The 18-month program provides an excellent foundation for a lifetime leadership journey,” said Justin Salcido, director of Chattel for American Ag Credit, Class 14 member in 2022 and current member of the New Mexico Agricultural Leadership Program board of directors. “I still reflect on these experiences and recall what I learned in these seminars as I navigate new challenges.” For more information, contact Tina Wilson coordinator of the New Mexico Agricultural Leadership Program at tiwilson@nmsu.edu. |
NMSU is accepting applications for the New Mexico Agricultural Leadership Program The New Mexico Agricultural Leadership Program is a hands-on, 18-month program designed for working professionals over 25. It develops multicultural, knowledgeable leaders for New Mexico and beyond by exploring agriculture, state and national-level agricultural policy, and New Mexico’s sociocultural issues. The program began in 2001 and is housed in the Department of Agricultural Extension and Education at New Mexico State University. Interested individuals can apply on the New Mexico Agricultural Leadership Program website at https://aces-nmal.nmsu.edu/. The deadline to apply is Nov. 1. Class 17 will begin in January 2025 and conclude in June 2026. “NMAL has been a wonderful opportunity for me to gain a broader understanding of agriculture in New Mexico. I have enjoyed working with my classmates and meeting leaders in multiple industries in New Mexico,” said Julie Hughes, Cooperative Extension Service program operations manager at NMSU and Class 16 member. For the agricultural industry to remain dynamic, well-informed leaders must emerge. This program improves leadership skills, enhances professional networks and broadens industry awareness. The New Mexico Agricultural Leadership Program fills a gap in professional development opportunities in the agricultural, food and natural resources industries. The highlight of the program is an International Trade and Innovation Mission Trip. “The 18-month program provides an excellent foundation for a lifetime leadership journey,” said Justin Salcido, director of Chattel for American Ag Credit, Class 14 member in 2022 and current member of the New Mexico Agricultural Leadership Program board of directors. “I still reflect on these experiences and recall what I learned in these seminars as I navigate new challenges.” For more information, contact Tina Wilson coordinator of the New Mexico Agricultural Leadership Program at tiwilson@nmsu.edu. |
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NMAL Photo on Gettysburg Battlefield |
NMAL Photo on Gettysburg Battlefield |
The Fragility of Bedform-Induced Hyporheic Zones: Exploring Impacts of Dynamic Groundwater Table Fluctuations The hyporheic zone is a small veneer connecting rivers (surface water) and groundwater systems, which supports vital ecosystem services including nutrient cycling along river corridors. The current paradigm assumes this exchange zone is ubiquitous and relatively stable over space and time. Yet, the dynamic nature of the surface and subsurface process driving and modulating the exchange can lead to complex dynamics where bedform-induced hyporheic zones are only present for short periods or are entirely absent. In this study, we investigated how persistent hyporheic zones are under typical groundwater dynamics. We found that bedform-induced hyporheic zones are not as stable as usually assumed, and their presence is restricted to a narrow range of hydrological conditions. The findings reveal the fragility of hyporheic zones and offer new perspectives to conceptualize river connectivity processes. Rivers in semi-arid areas like the southwest US tend to lose water to groundwater due to strong vertical infiltration. Rivers experiencing this effect often lack reversible exchange, meaning there is negligible river water returned after infiltration. This could impact nutrient cycling. Citation: Wu, L., Gomez-Velez, J. D., Li, L., & Carroll, K. C. (2024). The fragility of bedform-induced hyporheic zones: Exploring impacts of dynamic groundwater table fluctuations. Water Resources Research, 60, e2023WR036706. https://doi.org/10.1029/2023WR036706. |
The Fragility of Bedform-Induced Hyporheic Zones: Exploring Impacts of Dynamic Groundwater Table Fluctuations The hyporheic zone is a small veneer connecting rivers (surface water) and groundwater systems, which supports vital ecosystem services including nutrient cycling along river corridors. The current paradigm assumes this exchange zone is ubiquitous and relatively stable over space and time. Yet, the dynamic nature of the surface and subsurface process driving and modulating the exchange can lead to complex dynamics where bedform-induced hyporheic zones are only present for short periods or are entirely absent. In this study, we investigated how persistent hyporheic zones are under typical groundwater dynamics. We found that bedform-induced hyporheic zones are not as stable as usually assumed, and their presence is restricted to a narrow range of hydrological conditions. The findings reveal the fragility of hyporheic zones and offer new perspectives to conceptualize river connectivity processes. Rivers in semi-arid areas like the southwest US tend to lose water to groundwater due to strong vertical infiltration. Rivers experiencing this effect often lack reversible exchange, meaning there is negligible river water returned after infiltration. This could impact nutrient cycling. Citation: Wu, L., Gomez-Velez, J. D., Li, L., & Carroll, K. C. (2024). The fragility of bedform-induced hyporheic zones: Exploring impacts of dynamic groundwater table fluctuations. Water Resources Research, 60, e2023WR036706. https://doi.org/10.1029/2023WR036706. |
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Economic Assessment of Drought: Insights from the U.S. Southwest In a recently published paper, "Economic Assessment of Drought: an Application to the U.S. Southwest," Leila Shadabi, a graduate student at ACES, and Dr. Frank A. Ward delve into the economic impact of drought on New Mexico. While many studies have explored the repercussions of drought in arid regions, there has been a notable gap in comprehensive analyses that assess its economic effects, especially in the absence of drought adaptation policies requiring conventional cost-benefit analyses. This research addresses this gap by developing a statistical model to predict total county non-agricultural income across several New Mexico counties. The findings highlight that despite the presence of drought, some counties exhibited increasing water use due to population growth. By analyzing data from the drought years of 2017–2019 and comparing changes in per capita water use from 2015, the study estimated economic damages to New Mexico water users. The total damages over the three drought years were calculated to be $1.983 billion, which is just under 1% of the state’s total income during that period. Interestingly, the study found that the overall economic effects of drought in New Mexico were more modest than anticipated. This resilience is attributed to the unique structural features of New Mexico’s income generation processes, which helped mitigate the impacts of water shortages. For more detailed insights, you can access the full paper here. For further inquiries, please contact Frank Ward at fward@nmsu.edu. |
Economic Assessment of Drought: Insights from the U.S. Southwest In a recently published paper, "Economic Assessment of Drought: an Application to the U.S. Southwest," Leila Shadabi, a graduate student at ACES, and Dr. Frank A. Ward delve into the economic impact of drought on New Mexico. While many studies have explored the repercussions of drought in arid regions, there has been a notable gap in comprehensive analyses that assess its economic effects, especially in the absence of drought adaptation policies requiring conventional cost-benefit analyses. This research addresses this gap by developing a statistical model to predict total county non-agricultural income across several New Mexico counties. The findings highlight that despite the presence of drought, some counties exhibited increasing water use due to population growth. By analyzing data from the drought years of 2017–2019 and comparing changes in per capita water use from 2015, the study estimated economic damages to New Mexico water users. The total damages over the three drought years were calculated to be $1.983 billion, which is just under 1% of the state’s total income during that period. Interestingly, the study found that the overall economic effects of drought in New Mexico were more modest than anticipated. This resilience is attributed to the unique structural features of New Mexico’s income generation processes, which helped mitigate the impacts of water shortages. For more detailed insights, you can access the full paper here. For further inquiries, please contact Frank Ward at fward@nmsu.edu. |
NMSU LATIN AMERICAN PROGRAM |
NMSU LATIN AMERICAN PROGRAM |
The NMSU Latin American Programs invirtes you to its LATINX Heritage month celebrations. For more information, contact Student Program Coordinator Claudia Gonzalez Astorga at cgamex@nmsu.edu |
The NMSU Latin American Programs invirtes you to its LATINX Heritage month celebrations. For more information, contact Student Program Coordinator Claudia Gonzalez Astorga at cgamex@nmsu.edu |
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. |
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. |
COLLEGE OF ACES MAGAZINE – SPRING 2024 ISSUE |
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. |
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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