A MESSAGE FROM OUR DEAN Greetings friends & Alumni of the ACES College, Hope that your summer is going well. We have a lot of great news for you. First, we want to announce and welcome Dr. Jay Lillywhite to the permanent position of associate dean and director of the Agricultural Experiment Station. Dr. Lillywhite brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding of NMSU and New Mexico to the position and the challenges that are in front of him. I encourage you to get in contact with him and provide your feedback at lillywhi@nmsu.edu. I also want to give my sincere gratitude to all the ACES Extension personnel that have been proactive assisting with the Southfork Fire. Again, as in the norm the College of ACES and its specialized programs in Extension, we are in the forefront assisting the people affected by the fires in many ways. Also, it is important to recognize the work that the Academic Programs team put together to raise and collect important supplies that were taken to Ruidoso. We thank all of you for the work and contributions and donations that were received. Please keep everyone affected by the fires in your thoughts and prayers. On another note, I was invited to speak at the graduation ceremony of the Centro de Bachillerato Tecnologico Agropecuario 90 (Agricultural Technological Baccalaureate Center 90) in Cuauhtémoc Mexico, known as CBTA90, and it was a quite rewarding experience. This high school, also known as prepa in Mexico, graduates students with hands-on experience in agriculture in very different fields, ranging from biotechnology to food science, cattle management, poultry and dairy science and more. As part of their graduation system, they have to manage an entrepreneurial activity and be responsible for all of the tasks associated with it. This high school has been identified as the best in Mexico within the CBTa category, and we are delighted to anticipate that approximately 10 students are considering attending the College of ACES and NMSU and over seven of those have applied to NMSU.. Some of them are already taking the NMSU Global English as a second language courses, in preparation. We are delighted to invite them to join us and help expand and widen our community in agriculture here in Las Cruces, NM. Thank you, everyone, for your support and for keeping us going, and as always bring us your feedback and ideas of the ways we can continue to fulfill the mission of the College of ACES in New Mexico. |
A MESSAGE FROM OUR DEAN Greetings friends & Alumni of the ACES College, Hope that your summer is going well. We have a lot of great news for you. First, we want to announce and welcome Dr. Jay Lillywhite to the permanent position of associate dean and director of the Agricultural Experiment Station. Dr. Lillywhite brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding of NMSU and New Mexico to the position and the challenges that are in front of him. I encourage you to get in contact with him and provide your feedback at lillywhi@nmsu.edu. I also want to give my sincere gratitude to all the ACES Extension personnel that have been proactive assisting with the Southfork Fire. Again, as in the norm the College of ACES and its specialized programs in Extension, we are in the forefront assisting the people affected by the fires in many ways. Also, it is important to recognize the work that the Academic Programs team put together to raise and collect important supplies that were taken to Ruidoso. We thank all of you for the work and contributions and donations that were received. Please keep everyone affected by the fires in your thoughts and prayers. On another note, I was invited to speak at the graduation ceremony of the Centro de Bachillerato Tecnologico Agropecuario 90 (Agricultural Technological Baccalaureate Center 90) in Cuauhtémoc Mexico, known as CBTA90, and it was a quite rewarding experience. This high school, also known as prepa in Mexico, graduates students with hands-on experience in agriculture in very different fields, ranging from biotechnology to food science, cattle management, poultry and dairy science and more. As part of their graduation system, they have to manage an entrepreneurial activity and be responsible for all of the tasks associated with it. This high school has been identified as the best in Mexico within the CBTa category, and we are delighted to anticipate that approximately 10 students are considering attending the College of ACES and NMSU and over seven of those have applied to NMSU.. Some of them are already taking the NMSU Global English as a second language courses, in preparation. We are delighted to invite them to join us and help expand and widen our community in agriculture here in Las Cruces, NM. Thank you, everyone, for your support and for keeping us going, and as always bring us your feedback and ideas of the ways we can continue to fulfill the mission of the College of ACES in New Mexico. |
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Rolando A. Flores Galarza Dean & Chief Administrative Officer |
Rolando A. Flores Galarza Dean & Chief Administrative Officer |
ACES Dean & Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Rolando A. Flores Galarza at the CBTa90 graduation |
ACES Dean & Chief Administrative Officer Dr. Rolando A. Flores Galarza at the CBTa90 graduation |
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION |
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION |
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| Welcome to Dr. Jay Lillywhite The Agricultural Experiment Station is under new leadership, with Dr. Jay Lillywhite stepping into the Associate Dean and Director role. Dr. Lillywhite has been serving as the Interim Associate Dean and Director for AES since January 2024 and previously served as the Assistant Dean of Economic Development for the College of ACES. Before this role, he served as the Department Head of Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business and the Department of Extension Economics since 2015. In addition, since 2021 Dr. Lillywhite has been the co-director of the Center of Excellence in Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems (CESFAS). Jay is excited to step into the permanent role as the Associate Dean and Director and looks forward to leading AES into the future. |
Welcome to Dr. Jay Lillywhite The Agricultural Experiment Station is under new leadership, with Dr. Jay Lillywhite stepping into the Associate Dean and Director role. Dr. Lillywhite has been serving as the Interim Associate Dean and Director for AES since January 2024 and previously served as the Assistant Dean of Economic Development for the College of ACES. Before this role, he served as the Department Head of Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business and the Department of Extension Economics since 2015. In addition, since 2021 Dr. Lillywhite has been the co-director of the Center of Excellence in Sustainable Food and Agricultural Systems (CESFAS). Jay is excited to step into the permanent role as the Associate Dean and Director and looks forward to leading AES into the future. |
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The Agricultural Experiment Station is the research unit of the College of ACES and consists of a system of researchers from the main campus in Las Cruces and 12 agricultural science and research centers located throughout the state. The overarching mission of AES is to support research that addresses real-world problems, specifically focusing on research that will benefit the citizens of New Mexico. Dr. Lillywhite will continue to build economic and community development throughout the state of New Mexico and focus on bridging research opportunities between the main campus and the state-wide science centers. You can get in contact with Dr. Jay Lillywhite via email at lillywhi@nmsu.edu |
The Agricultural Experiment Station is the research unit of the College of ACES and consists of a system of researchers from the main campus in Las Cruces and 12 agricultural science and research centers located throughout the state. The overarching mission of AES is to support research that addresses real-world problems, specifically focusing on research that will benefit the citizens of New Mexico. Dr. Lillywhite will continue to build economic and community development throughout the state of New Mexico and focus on bridging research opportunities between the main campus and the state-wide science centers. You can get in contact with Dr. Jay Lillywhite via email at lillywhi@nmsu.edu |
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Chihuahuan Desert Rangeland Research Center Update |
Chihuahuan Desert Rangeland Research Center Update |
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There are vast amounts of land in the desert southwest; however, due to the inaccessibility of much of this land, the same areas are often in demand for agricultural production and renewable energy production. As the need for electrical energy increases, the ability to provide renewable energy from photovoltaic arrays (solar panels) while maintaining or improving agricultural production from the same land is of growing interest. This is referred to as agrivoltaics, co-use of agricultural lands for food/photovoltaic energy production. agrivoltaics is a novel idea that provides for an exciting field of research. Faculty from New Mexico State University (NMSU) and the USDA ARS Jornada Experimental Range Management Unit/Cotton Ginning Research Laboratory (USDA ARS) are engaging in research to answer questions for a diverse group of stakeholders regarding the co-use of agricultural land for food and energy production. |
There are vast amounts of land in the desert southwest; however, due to the inaccessibility of much of this land, the same areas are often in demand for agricultural production and renewable energy production. As the need for electrical energy increases, the ability to provide renewable energy from photovoltaic arrays (solar panels) while maintaining or improving agricultural production from the same land is of growing interest. This is referred to as agrivoltaics, co-use of agricultural lands for food/photovoltaic energy production. agrivoltaics is a novel idea that provides for an exciting field of research. Faculty from New Mexico State University (NMSU) and the USDA ARS Jornada Experimental Range Management Unit/Cotton Ginning Research Laboratory (USDA ARS) are engaging in research to answer questions for a diverse group of stakeholders regarding the co-use of agricultural land for food and energy production. |
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Recently a group of researchers from NMSU and the USDA/ARS met at the NMSU Chihuahuan Desert Rangeland Research Center (CDRRC) to discuss the implementation of the rangeland agrivoltaics research site. The research group discussed how adjustments in the design of traditional photovoltaic installations on rangelands could limit disturbance from installation, minimize interaction with livestock and wildlife, create microclimates to increase soil moisture/plant growth and provide protection from wind to decrease soil erosion, and increase soil health. Knowledge gained from the agrivoltaics research site regarding the implementation of photovoltaics on rangelands will provide stakeholders with the information needed to make informed decisions for the co-use of land for agriculture and renewable energy production. For more information contact AES Director of Communication and Reporting Claire Montoya at ccortner@nmsu.edu. |
Recently a group of researchers from NMSU and the USDA/ARS met at the NMSU Chihuahuan Desert Rangeland Research Center (CDRRC) to discuss the implementation of the rangeland agrivoltaics research site. The research group discussed how adjustments in the design of traditional photovoltaic installations on rangelands could limit disturbance from installation, minimize interaction with livestock and wildlife, create microclimates to increase soil moisture/plant growth and provide protection from wind to decrease soil erosion, and increase soil health. Knowledge gained from the agrivoltaics research site regarding the implementation of photovoltaics on rangelands will provide stakeholders with the information needed to make informed decisions for the co-use of land for agriculture and renewable energy production. For more information contact AES Director of Communication and Reporting Claire Montoya at ccortner@nmsu.edu. |
NIFA Invests $70M in Visionary Sustainable
Agricultural Research (Media contact: NIFA Acting Director of Communications John Martins, John.Martins@usda.gov) WASHINGTON, June 25, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced today an investment of $70 million in seven creative and visionary agricultural projects to transform the U.S. food and agricultural system and sustainably increase agricultural production in ways that also reduce its environmental footprint. This Fiscal Year 2023 investment is part of the Sustainable Agricultural Systems program area of NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, the nation’s leading and largest competitive grants program for agricultural sciences. The innovative program focuses on a broad range of needed research, education and Extension solutions – from addressing agricultural workforce challenges and promoting land stewardship to addressing climate change impacts in agriculture and filling critical needs in food and nutrition. “Agriculture is facing a multitude of complex challenges,” said Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, USDA Chief Scientist and Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics. “We need all hands on deck developing creative, sustainable and strategic ways to feed, clothe and fuel future generations.” Among the seven projects funded last year, three NMSU faculty were part of the Texas A&M SAS project: Dr. Sangu Angadi, Dr. Rajan Ghimire, and Dr. Prakriti Bista. To explore the seven projects click on the following link: Enterprise Search (usda.gov) |
NIFA Invests $70M in Visionary Sustainable
Agricultural Research (Media contact: NIFA Acting Director of Communications John Martins, John.Martins@usda.gov) WASHINGTON, June 25, 2024 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced today an investment of $70 million in seven creative and visionary agricultural projects to transform the U.S. food and agricultural system and sustainably increase agricultural production in ways that also reduce its environmental footprint. This Fiscal Year 2023 investment is part of the Sustainable Agricultural Systems program area of NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative, the nation’s leading and largest competitive grants program for agricultural sciences. The innovative program focuses on a broad range of needed research, education and Extension solutions – from addressing agricultural workforce challenges and promoting land stewardship to addressing climate change impacts in agriculture and filling critical needs in food and nutrition. “Agriculture is facing a multitude of complex challenges,” said Dr. Chavonda Jacobs-Young, USDA Chief Scientist and Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics. “We need all hands on deck developing creative, sustainable and strategic ways to feed, clothe and fuel future generations.” Among the seven projects funded last year, three NMSU faculty were part of the Texas A&M SAS project: Dr. Sangu Angadi, Dr. Rajan Ghimire, and Dr. Prakriti Bista. To explore the seven projects click on the following link: Enterprise Search (usda.gov) |
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NMSU Students and Professors Travel to UniSalle-Colombia This past May, five NMSU students (some undergraduate, some graduate) traveled to Universidad de la Salle in Bogota and Yopal, Colombia, alongside two professors from the ACES college, Dr. Omar Holguin and Dr. Efren Delgado. As an Aggies Go Global experience, this cultural immersion was described as “life-changing” by multiple students. This trip, mainly funded by the 100k Strong in the Americas, USAID, USDA, and Partners of the Americas, was part of a broader binational mobility of students where students from UniSalle, Utopia campus, came to NMSU earlier in April. The main objective was to design an irrigation system suitable for small cacao plantations where cacao doesn’t regularly grow. At NMSU, La Sallians were welcomed by many departments in the ACES college, AES, the Office of the VPR, and the Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion. Additionally, they took irrigation classes from Dr. Blair Stringam and looked at analytical techniques for caffeine analysis with Dr. Omar Holguin. In the same way, NMSU students received instruction on cacao cultivation practices while in Colombia. Once in Colombia, NMSU students learned all about the cacao monoculture and intercropping layouts of growing cacao and harvested pods with Utopian students, also learning how to sort and deseed pods. Moreover, the students visited small, medium, and large farms and facilities where cacao was processed into a chocolate commercial product. “Cacao for peace” was the motto for this call for proposals, and much was gained in the process. Currently, NMSU faculty are seeking funding opportunities to extend research ties with UniSalle-Colombia. More about UniSalle and the Utopia Campus can be found here: https://www.lasalle.edu.co/donaciones/proyecto-utopia/conoce-proyecto-utopia All NMSU Aggies are encouraged to apply for future Aggies Go Global Programs. Point of contact is Heber Lara heberj@nmsu.edu. |
NMSU Students and Professors Travel to UniSalle-Colombia This past May, five NMSU students (some undergraduate, some graduate) traveled to Universidad de la Salle in Bogota and Yopal, Colombia, alongside two professors from the ACES college, Dr. Omar Holguin and Dr. Efren Delgado. As an Aggies Go Global experience, this cultural immersion was described as “life-changing” by multiple students. This trip, mainly funded by the 100k Strong in the Americas, USAID, USDA, and Partners of the Americas, was part of a broader binational mobility of students where students from UniSalle, Utopia campus, came to NMSU earlier in April. The main objective was to design an irrigation system suitable for small cacao plantations where cacao doesn’t regularly grow. At NMSU, La Sallians were welcomed by many departments in the ACES college, AES, the Office of the VPR, and the Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion. Additionally, they took irrigation classes from Dr. Blair Stringam and looked at analytical techniques for caffeine analysis with Dr. Omar Holguin. In the same way, NMSU students received instruction on cacao cultivation practices while in Colombia. Once in Colombia, NMSU students learned all about the cacao monoculture and intercropping layouts of growing cacao and harvested pods with Utopian students, also learning how to sort and deseed pods. Moreover, the students visited small, medium, and large farms and facilities where cacao was processed into a chocolate commercial product. “Cacao for peace” was the motto for this call for proposals, and much was gained in the process. Currently, NMSU faculty are seeking funding opportunities to extend research ties with UniSalle-Colombia. More about UniSalle and the Utopia Campus can be found here: https://www.lasalle.edu.co/donaciones/proyecto-utopia/conoce-proyecto-utopia All NMSU Aggies are encouraged to apply for future Aggies Go Global Programs. Point of contact is Heber Lara heberj@nmsu.edu. |
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NMSU Students with UniSalle partners in Yopal, Colombia. |
NMSU Students with UniSalle partners in Yopal, Colombia. |
| NMSU Students in Plaza de Bolivar in Bogota, Colombia. Left to Right: Dr. Efren Delgado, Angel Torres, Siboney Sanchez, Anahi Flores, Maria Alvarez, and Leonardo Perez. |
NMSU Students in Plaza de Bolivar in Bogota, Colombia. Left to Right: Dr. Efren Delgado, Angel Torres, Siboney Sanchez, Anahi Flores, Maria Alvarez, and Leonardo Perez. |
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EXTENSION FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCES |
EXTENSION FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCES |
Mental Health Support During Ruidoso/Mescalero Fire Response On June 19, the Ruidoso Emergency Management Center (EOC) contacted the Southwest Border Food Protection and Emergency Management Center to ask the Extension Family Life and Child Development Specialist, Karim Martinez, for assistance mobilizing mental health professionals to provide support for Ruidoso city employees and first responders working with the EOC. In response to this request, Dr. Martinez collaborated with EFCS/FCS faculty and staff, county agents, and community partners to have mental health professionals and therapy dogs available both on site and on call from June 20-28. The EFCS Center of Innovation for Behavioral Health and Wellbeing, Extension Health and Wellbeing Specialist, Otero County Extension Office, New Mexico Department of Health, CHRISTUS Health, Alamogordo Police Department-Mobile Crisis Unit, and Telshor Behavioral Health all contributed to the effectiveness of this effort. As a result of this successful collaboration, the Doña Ana County Office of Emergency Management would like to continue partnering with Extension Family and Consumer Sciences in the event of future disasters by asking for assistance with mobilization of mental health resources during an incident and coordination of family support resources during recovery phases. For more information contact Karim Martinez at karmarti@nmsu.edu. |
Mental Health Support During Ruidoso/Mescalero Fire Response On June 19, the Ruidoso Emergency Management Center (EOC) contacted the Southwest Border Food Protection and Emergency Management Center to ask the Extension Family Life and Child Development Specialist, Karim Martinez, for assistance mobilizing mental health professionals to provide support for Ruidoso city employees and first responders working with the EOC. In response to this request, Dr. Martinez collaborated with EFCS/FCS faculty and staff, county agents, and community partners to have mental health professionals and therapy dogs available both on site and on call from June 20-28. The EFCS Center of Innovation for Behavioral Health and Wellbeing, Extension Health and Wellbeing Specialist, Otero County Extension Office, New Mexico Department of Health, CHRISTUS Health, Alamogordo Police Department-Mobile Crisis Unit, and Telshor Behavioral Health all contributed to the effectiveness of this effort. As a result of this successful collaboration, the Doña Ana County Office of Emergency Management would like to continue partnering with Extension Family and Consumer Sciences in the event of future disasters by asking for assistance with mobilization of mental health resources during an incident and coordination of family support resources during recovery phases. For more information contact Karim Martinez at karmarti@nmsu.edu. |
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Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Hosted the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (NM ECECD) – Food and Nutrition Bureau in Las Cruces On June 6, the College of ACES and Extension Family and Consumer Sciences hosted the NM ECECD Food and Nutrition Bureau in the Gerald Thomas Hall Auditorium for their Child and Adult Care Food Program training. About 90 childcare center directors from throughout New Mexico attended this annual compliance training. As part of the event, Extension Family and Consumer Sciences hosted information tables promoting programs and making connections with childcare center directors and ECECD staff. - Karim Martinez, Extension Family Life and Child Development Specialist, assisted with coordinating the event and promoted a national Extension newsletter called Just in Time Parenting.
- Susanna Rodriguez, Cooperative Extension Service Intern, hosted a table with information about Diabetes Management and Preventions programs and distributed College of ACES information.
- Sara Owensby with the Center of Innovation for Behavioral Health and Wellbeing provided information about training programs and promoted the 988 Lifeline.
- Laura Bittner, Extension Health and Wellbeing Specialist, provided information about sun safety, demonstrated how to make bracelets using UV beads to monitor sun exposure and distributed sunscreen.
- Crystal Guzman with the Ideas for Cooking and Nutrition (ICAN) program distributed healthy recipes and promoted community nutrition classes along with additional resources on the ICAN website.
- Francine Mezzomo Giotto, Meat Science Assistant Professor, provided information about Food Science and Meat Science programs.
Training attendees also had the opportunity to visit the West 100 Café thanks to the School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management. New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department staff expressed appreciation for ACES and EFCS in hosting this event and look forward to working together in the future. For more information visit https://efcs.nmsu.edu/ or contact Karim Martinez at karmarti@nmsu.edu. |
Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Hosted the New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department (NM ECECD) – Food and Nutrition Bureau in Las Cruces On June 6, the College of ACES and Extension Family and Consumer Sciences hosted the NM ECECD Food and Nutrition Bureau in the Gerald Thomas Hall Auditorium for their Child and Adult Care Food Program training. About 90 childcare center directors from throughout New Mexico attended this annual compliance training. As part of the event, Extension Family and Consumer Sciences hosted information tables promoting programs and making connections with childcare center directors and ECECD staff. - Karim Martinez, Extension Family Life and Child Development Specialist, assisted with coordinating the event and promoted a national Extension newsletter called Just in Time Parenting.
- Susanna Rodriguez, Cooperative Extension Service Intern, hosted a table with information about Diabetes Management and Preventions programs and distributed College of ACES information.
- Sara Owensby with the Center of Innovation for Behavioral Health and Wellbeing provided information about training programs and promoted the 988 Lifeline.
- Laura Bittner, Extension Health and Wellbeing Specialist, provided information about sun safety, demonstrated how to make bracelets using UV beads to monitor sun exposure and distributed sunscreen.
- Crystal Guzman with the Ideas for Cooking and Nutrition (ICAN) program distributed healthy recipes and promoted community nutrition classes along with additional resources on the ICAN website.
- Francine Mezzomo Giotto, Meat Science Assistant Professor, provided information about Food Science and Meat Science programs.
Training attendees also had the opportunity to visit the West 100 Café thanks to the School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management. New Mexico Early Childhood Education and Care Department staff expressed appreciation for ACES and EFCS in hosting this event and look forward to working together in the future. For more information visit https://efcs.nmsu.edu/ or contact Karim Martinez at karmarti@nmsu.edu. |
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NMSU Chile Pepper Institute teaching garden now open for self-guided tours The Amy Goldman-Fowler Teaching Garden, part of New Mexico State University’s Chile Pepper Institute, is now open for self-guided tours. The quarter-acre garden, housed at NMSU’s Fabián García Science Center in Las Cruces, 113 W. University Ave., is open for self-guided tours from sunrise to sunset seven days a week throughout chile-growing season. It features 140 different varieties of chile peppers that showcase the various culinary uses of chile in New Mexico and around the world. “This year’s theme – ‘What’s on the Menu?’ – highlights the culinary significance of chile peppers, encouraging visitors to explore both everyday varieties and rare finds alike,” said April Beauchemin, a program specialist for the Chile Pepper Institute. “We encourage visitors to scan QR codes on select garden labels for insights into their culinary uses and recipes that highlight each pepper’s unique flavor and heat profile. We hope that visitors to this year’s garden enjoy the interactive experience and incorporate a recipe or two into their menu rotation.” Beauchemin said visitors should remember to respect the garden and grounds while on tours. She recommends visiting in the early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the heat of the day, bringing proper skin protection and keeping hydrated. Visitors should proceed with caution if the grounds appear wet or muddy, she added. Guided tours are available for $25 per person, and reservations can be made by calling 575-646-3028 or visiting the Chile Pepper Institute in Gerald Thomas Hall, Room 265, on NMSU’s Las Cruces campus. All proceeds benefit chile pepper research and education at NMSU. The garden will close for tours when temperatures drop and the first freeze arrives, usually around late October. The Chile Pepper Institute established the garden in 1995, naming it after Amy Goldman-Fowler, a gardener, author, artist and philanthropist who advocated for seed saving, plant breeding, and heirloom fruits and vegetables. Goldman-Fowler’s support makes the teaching garden possible every year, Beauchemin said. “The Amy Goldman-Fowler Teaching Garden stands as a cornerstone of the Chile Pepper Institute's educational outreach efforts,” she added. “The seasonal garden offers a vibrant tribute to the global diversity of chile peppers, with a special focus on New Mexico's iconic pod varieties integral to our cuisine, industry and culture.” For more information, visit https://cpi.nmsu.edu, follow the Chile Pepper Institute on Instagram and Facebook, call 575-646-3028, or email cpi@nmsu.edu. Media contact Carlos Carillo López, Communications Specialist at NMSU: carlopez@nmsu.edu. |
NMSU Chile Pepper Institute teaching garden now open for self-guided tours The Amy Goldman-Fowler Teaching Garden, part of New Mexico State University’s Chile Pepper Institute, is now open for self-guided tours. The quarter-acre garden, housed at NMSU’s Fabián García Science Center in Las Cruces, 113 W. University Ave., is open for self-guided tours from sunrise to sunset seven days a week throughout chile-growing season. It features 140 different varieties of chile peppers that showcase the various culinary uses of chile in New Mexico and around the world. “This year’s theme – ‘What’s on the Menu?’ – highlights the culinary significance of chile peppers, encouraging visitors to explore both everyday varieties and rare finds alike,” said April Beauchemin, a program specialist for the Chile Pepper Institute. “We encourage visitors to scan QR codes on select garden labels for insights into their culinary uses and recipes that highlight each pepper’s unique flavor and heat profile. We hope that visitors to this year’s garden enjoy the interactive experience and incorporate a recipe or two into their menu rotation.” Beauchemin said visitors should remember to respect the garden and grounds while on tours. She recommends visiting in the early mornings or late afternoons to avoid the heat of the day, bringing proper skin protection and keeping hydrated. Visitors should proceed with caution if the grounds appear wet or muddy, she added. Guided tours are available for $25 per person, and reservations can be made by calling 575-646-3028 or visiting the Chile Pepper Institute in Gerald Thomas Hall, Room 265, on NMSU’s Las Cruces campus. All proceeds benefit chile pepper research and education at NMSU. The garden will close for tours when temperatures drop and the first freeze arrives, usually around late October. The Chile Pepper Institute established the garden in 1995, naming it after Amy Goldman-Fowler, a gardener, author, artist and philanthropist who advocated for seed saving, plant breeding, and heirloom fruits and vegetables. Goldman-Fowler’s support makes the teaching garden possible every year, Beauchemin said. “The Amy Goldman-Fowler Teaching Garden stands as a cornerstone of the Chile Pepper Institute's educational outreach efforts,” she added. “The seasonal garden offers a vibrant tribute to the global diversity of chile peppers, with a special focus on New Mexico's iconic pod varieties integral to our cuisine, industry and culture.” For more information, visit https://cpi.nmsu.edu, follow the Chile Pepper Institute on Instagram and Facebook, call 575-646-3028, or email cpi@nmsu.edu. Media contact Carlos Carillo López, Communications Specialist at NMSU: carlopez@nmsu.edu. |
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NMSU photo by Josh Bachman |
NMSU photo by Josh Bachman |
IDEAS FOR COOKING AND NUTRITION (ICAN) |
IDEAS FOR COOKING AND NUTRITION (ICAN) |
Ideas for Cooking and Nutrition Program (ICAN) is sponsoring Brighter Bites in six community schools in the Las Cruces Public School District (LCPS). ICAN would like to introduce McKenzie Yazzie-Martin, MPH, a New Mexico State University alumnus, as the Brighter Bites Program Manager in Las Cruces, NM. Brighter Bites is a nonprofit that helps empower children and families to lead healthier lives through increased access to fresh fruits and vegetables. They achieve this by providing produce distributions, engaging nutrition education, and fun food experiences. At the six community schools, approximately 750 families participate in Brighter Bites. Participating Families receive up to 20 pounds of fresh produce every two weeks throughout the school year! To further support healthy choices, a CATCH nutrition education curriculum, taught by Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine students, brings education to life in the classroom. The learning is not only in the classrooms. During school events and distributions, Brighter Bites incorporates interactive food demonstrations and tastings to make healthy eating fun and engaging for all ages. These three elements – produce distribution, nutrition education, and fun food experiences – are the foundation of Brighter Bites and will lead to positive impacts for LCPS families. This is possible thanks to the funding from the SNAP-Ed ICAN Program from New Mexico State University. Because of this sponsorship, Brighter Bites is thriving in Las Cruces, and hopes to expand and reach even more families in the future! If you would like to Volunteer with Brighter Bites, please visit here: Brighter Bites |
Ideas for Cooking and Nutrition Program (ICAN) is sponsoring Brighter Bites in six community schools in the Las Cruces Public School District (LCPS). ICAN would like to introduce McKenzie Yazzie-Martin, MPH, a New Mexico State University alumnus, as the Brighter Bites Program Manager in Las Cruces, NM. Brighter Bites is a nonprofit that helps empower children and families to lead healthier lives through increased access to fresh fruits and vegetables. They achieve this by providing produce distributions, engaging nutrition education, and fun food experiences. At the six community schools, approximately 750 families participate in Brighter Bites. Participating Families receive up to 20 pounds of fresh produce every two weeks throughout the school year! To further support healthy choices, a CATCH nutrition education curriculum, taught by Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine students, brings education to life in the classroom. The learning is not only in the classrooms. During school events and distributions, Brighter Bites incorporates interactive food demonstrations and tastings to make healthy eating fun and engaging for all ages. These three elements – produce distribution, nutrition education, and fun food experiences – are the foundation of Brighter Bites and will lead to positive impacts for LCPS families. This is possible thanks to the funding from the SNAP-Ed ICAN Program from New Mexico State University. Because of this sponsorship, Brighter Bites is thriving in Las Cruces, and hopes to expand and reach even more families in the future! If you would like to Volunteer with Brighter Bites, please visit here: Brighter Bites |
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INNOVATIVE MEDIA RESEARCH & EXTENSION |
INNOVATIVE MEDIA RESEARCH & EXTENSION |
Awards from Association of Communication Excellence and Telly Awards, 2024 The Department of Innovative Media Research and Extension (IMRE) has recently been recognized with multiple awards from the Association for Communication Excellence (ACE) and the Telly Awards for work in educational media. Theme Park Kitchen
This educational video game for youth, developed by IMRE to teach food safety and handwashing skills, won a gold award in the Interactive Media Program category at the annual ACE conference. Stay Safe Working With Horses
IMRE’s interactive module on safe horse handling took the silver award in the same Interactive Media Program category. Land Grant Universities and Extension: Putting Knowledge to Work
A silver award in motion graphics was awarded to IMRE’s animated video explaining the history and function of Extension programs and Land Grant Universities. Both the Extension animation and Theme Park Kitchen also picked up silver awards for graphic design from the ACE organization. From the Telly Awards, for outstanding work in video, IMRE won two Silver Telly Awards in the Health and Safety category. Here to Help New Mexico
The first Silver Telly honored the video “On Common Ground,” created as part of the Here To Help NM campaign, which aims to de-stigmatize mental health challenges in rural and agricultural communities through candid interviews with those currently working to improve their mental wellbeing. Extension Collaborative on Immunization Teaching & Engagement (EXCITE)
The second Silver Telly celebrated a series of videos and animations that encourage people in New Mexico, including migrant farm workers, to get vaccinated. These outreach products were created as part of the EXCITE project, led by Dr. Sonja Koukel, former Extension Health specialist (now retired) We invite you to explore these award-winning projects and more by visiting the Innovative Media Research & Extension website athttps://innovativemedia.nmsu.edu/. For more information, contact Dr. Barbara Chamberlin, bchamber@nmsu.edu. |
Awards from Association of Communication Excellence and Telly Awards, 2024 The Department of Innovative Media Research and Extension (IMRE) has recently been recognized with multiple awards from the Association for Communication Excellence (ACE) and the Telly Awards for work in educational media. Theme Park Kitchen
This educational video game for youth, developed by IMRE to teach food safety and handwashing skills, won a gold award in the Interactive Media Program category at the annual ACE conference. Stay Safe Working With Horses
IMRE’s interactive module on safe horse handling took the silver award in the same Interactive Media Program category. Land Grant Universities and Extension: Putting Knowledge to Work
A silver award in motion graphics was awarded to IMRE’s animated video explaining the history and function of Extension programs and Land Grant Universities. Both the Extension animation and Theme Park Kitchen also picked up silver awards for graphic design from the ACE organization. From the Telly Awards, for outstanding work in video, IMRE won two Silver Telly Awards in the Health and Safety category. Here to Help New Mexico
The first Silver Telly honored the video “On Common Ground,” created as part of the Here To Help NM campaign, which aims to de-stigmatize mental health challenges in rural and agricultural communities through candid interviews with those currently working to improve their mental wellbeing. Extension Collaborative on Immunization Teaching & Engagement (EXCITE)
The second Silver Telly celebrated a series of videos and animations that encourage people in New Mexico, including migrant farm workers, to get vaccinated. These outreach products were created as part of the EXCITE project, led by Dr. Sonja Koukel, former Extension Health specialist (now retired) We invite you to explore these award-winning projects and more by visiting the Innovative Media Research & Extension website athttps://innovativemedia.nmsu.edu/. For more information, contact Dr. Barbara Chamberlin, bchamber@nmsu.edu. |
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PLANT & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES |
PLANT & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES |
PES Research Scientist Invited to Expert Dialogue in Kathmandu An International Expert Dialogue on Mountains, People, and Climate Change was held in Kathmandu, Nepal, on 22-23 May 2024. The event gathered experts from around the globe to discuss pressing issues related to mountainous regions and local communities in the context of climate change. PES Research Scientist, Dr. Hammad Gilani was invited to participate as a panelist in one of the technical sessions, “Emerging Threats and Crisis in the Mountains: Loss and Damage”. Panel discussions covered the changing nature of rainfall and floods in the Himalaya-Hindu Kush region, including Pakistan, where Dr. Gilani highlighted the increasing frequency and intensity of flood events, associated with changing climate and land use. Gilani also discussed Pakistan's proactive approach to addressing these challenges through nature-based solutions, including restoration of wetlands and riverine forests to enhance resilience against floods. He explained how engaging local communities in restoration and conservation helps with better flood management, adaptation, and mitigation processes. Hammad Gilani had the opportunity to meet Rajesh Thapa, the Science and Data Lead at SERVIR-HKH, a program at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). They engaged in a productive discussion about potential research collaboration focusing on regional-scale forest carbon stock estimation and monitoring. This collaboration aims to support climate change mitigation efforts by providing critical carbon management and policy-making data. For more information, contact Dr. Hammad Gilani at hgilani@nmsu.edu. |
PES Research Scientist Invited to Expert Dialogue in Kathmandu An International Expert Dialogue on Mountains, People, and Climate Change was held in Kathmandu, Nepal, on 22-23 May 2024. The event gathered experts from around the globe to discuss pressing issues related to mountainous regions and local communities in the context of climate change. PES Research Scientist, Dr. Hammad Gilani was invited to participate as a panelist in one of the technical sessions, “Emerging Threats and Crisis in the Mountains: Loss and Damage”. Panel discussions covered the changing nature of rainfall and floods in the Himalaya-Hindu Kush region, including Pakistan, where Dr. Gilani highlighted the increasing frequency and intensity of flood events, associated with changing climate and land use. Gilani also discussed Pakistan's proactive approach to addressing these challenges through nature-based solutions, including restoration of wetlands and riverine forests to enhance resilience against floods. He explained how engaging local communities in restoration and conservation helps with better flood management, adaptation, and mitigation processes. Hammad Gilani had the opportunity to meet Rajesh Thapa, the Science and Data Lead at SERVIR-HKH, a program at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD). They engaged in a productive discussion about potential research collaboration focusing on regional-scale forest carbon stock estimation and monitoring. This collaboration aims to support climate change mitigation efforts by providing critical carbon management and policy-making data. For more information, contact Dr. Hammad Gilani at hgilani@nmsu.edu. |
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Dr. Hammad Gilani during the Expert Dialogue on Mountains, People and Climate, Kathmandu, May 22-23, 2024. |
Dr. Hammad Gilani during the Expert Dialogue on Mountains, People and Climate, Kathmandu, May 22-23, 2024. |
SCHOOL OF HOTEL, RESTAURANT & TOURISM MANAGEMENT |
SCHOOL OF HOTEL, RESTAURANT & TOURISM MANAGEMENT |
The School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management announces Golf Scramble Event – Friday, September 6, 2024 Save the date for our first ever Golf Scramble in partnership with Total Management Systems! It will be held on Friday, September 6th at the NMSU Golf Course. This event will benefit HRTM student programs, travel and outreach. We are excited to provide a fun and enjoyable outing for all of our supporters that will make it possible to continue to provide impactful and meaningful additions to our student’s college experience and education. It will feature an 8:00 am tee time, breakfast, lunch and specialty gift bags for all players. Sponsored prizes and silent auction items are also being donated for first through third place teams. The auction will take place that day at the golf course. Anyone who would like to register for a team or sponsorship can do so at https://nmsufoundation.org/givenow/hrtm-golfscramble2024. Teams are limited for this event so please register in advance. For any questions or more information about teams or sponsorships, please contact Andrea at arrigucc@nmsu.edu. Thank you all for your continued support! We hope to make this an annual event. |
The School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management announces Golf Scramble Event – Friday, September 6, 2024 Save the date for our first ever Golf Scramble in partnership with Total Management Systems! It will be held on Friday, September 6th at the NMSU Golf Course. This event will benefit HRTM student programs, travel and outreach. We are excited to provide a fun and enjoyable outing for all of our supporters that will make it possible to continue to provide impactful and meaningful additions to our student’s college experience and education. It will feature an 8:00 am tee time, breakfast, lunch and specialty gift bags for all players. Sponsored prizes and silent auction items are also being donated for first through third place teams. The auction will take place that day at the golf course. Anyone who would like to register for a team or sponsorship can do so at https://nmsufoundation.org/givenow/hrtm-golfscramble2024. Teams are limited for this event so please register in advance. For any questions or more information about teams or sponsorships, please contact Andrea at arrigucc@nmsu.edu. Thank you all for your continued support! We hope to make this an annual event. |
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Conceptualizing future groundwater models through a ternary framework of multisource data, human expertise, and machine intelligence Groundwater models are essential for understanding aquifer systems behavior and effective water resources spatio-temporal distributions, yet they are often hindered by challenges related to model assumptions, parametrization, uncertainty, and computational efficiency. Machine intelligence, especially deep learning, promises a paradigm shift in overcoming these challenges. A critical examination of existing machine-driven methods reveals their inherent limitations, particularly in terms of interpretability and the ability to generalize findings. To overcome these challenges, we developed a ternary framework that synergizes the valuable insights from multisource data, human expertise, and machine intelligence. This framework capitalizes on the distinct strengths of each element: the value and relevance of multisource data, the innovative capacity of human expertise, and the analytical efficiency of machine intelligence. Our goal is to conceptualize sustainable water management practices and enhance our understanding and predictive capabilities of groundwater systems. Unlike approaches that rely solely on abundant data, our framework emphasizes the quality and strategic use of available data, combined with human intellect and advanced computing, to overcome current limitations and pave the way for more realistic groundwater simulations. For more information, contact Dr. Kenneth Carroll at kccarr@nmsu.edu. |
Conceptualizing future groundwater models through a ternary framework of multisource data, human expertise, and machine intelligence Groundwater models are essential for understanding aquifer systems behavior and effective water resources spatio-temporal distributions, yet they are often hindered by challenges related to model assumptions, parametrization, uncertainty, and computational efficiency. Machine intelligence, especially deep learning, promises a paradigm shift in overcoming these challenges. A critical examination of existing machine-driven methods reveals their inherent limitations, particularly in terms of interpretability and the ability to generalize findings. To overcome these challenges, we developed a ternary framework that synergizes the valuable insights from multisource data, human expertise, and machine intelligence. This framework capitalizes on the distinct strengths of each element: the value and relevance of multisource data, the innovative capacity of human expertise, and the analytical efficiency of machine intelligence. Our goal is to conceptualize sustainable water management practices and enhance our understanding and predictive capabilities of groundwater systems. Unlike approaches that rely solely on abundant data, our framework emphasizes the quality and strategic use of available data, combined with human intellect and advanced computing, to overcome current limitations and pave the way for more realistic groundwater simulations. For more information, contact Dr. Kenneth Carroll at kccarr@nmsu.edu. |
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Policy analysis for informing climate adaptation, environmental resilience, and irrigation demands in the Rio Grande Basin Water policymakers in New Mexico and internationally face the challenge of adapting to climate, supporting environmental resource needs, and meeting irrigation demands for food security in the world’s dry regions. This work published by an NMSU ACES team of researchers identifies the economic performance of various water shortage sharing methods for handling climate water stress while supporting protection of critical habitat to protect the endangered Southwestern willow flycatcher using willow tree habitat in the middle part of the New Mexico’s Rio Grande Basin, a region facing a number of conflicts between commercial uses of water and protection of key ecological assets. It uses information on crop water use and endangered species requirements in that region to identify the economic performance of three climate adaptation policy scenarios for handling water shortages while respecting endangered species habitat protection requirements. Results show how water shortages as well as policy responses for handling those shortages affect the economic value of water in agriculture for food security both with and without critical habitat to support the endangered flycatcher. This work’s local, regional, and international relevance comes from its capacity to inform policy debates on the costs of protecting endangered species habitat under various climate scenarios and climate policy adaptation measures. Findings provide a general framework to address existing gaps in understanding and measuring the economic performance of measures to promote environmental resilience. For more information, contact Dr. Frank Ward at fward@nmsu.edu. |
Policy analysis for informing climate adaptation, environmental resilience, and irrigation demands in the Rio Grande Basin Water policymakers in New Mexico and internationally face the challenge of adapting to climate, supporting environmental resource needs, and meeting irrigation demands for food security in the world’s dry regions. This work published by an NMSU ACES team of researchers identifies the economic performance of various water shortage sharing methods for handling climate water stress while supporting protection of critical habitat to protect the endangered Southwestern willow flycatcher using willow tree habitat in the middle part of the New Mexico’s Rio Grande Basin, a region facing a number of conflicts between commercial uses of water and protection of key ecological assets. It uses information on crop water use and endangered species requirements in that region to identify the economic performance of three climate adaptation policy scenarios for handling water shortages while respecting endangered species habitat protection requirements. Results show how water shortages as well as policy responses for handling those shortages affect the economic value of water in agriculture for food security both with and without critical habitat to support the endangered flycatcher. This work’s local, regional, and international relevance comes from its capacity to inform policy debates on the costs of protecting endangered species habitat under various climate scenarios and climate policy adaptation measures. Findings provide a general framework to address existing gaps in understanding and measuring the economic performance of measures to promote environmental resilience. For more information, contact Dr. Frank Ward at fward@nmsu.edu. |
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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. |
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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