A MESSAGE FROM OUR DEAN Dear friends and alumni of the College of ACES, It is amazing how fast this semester is going, and that this week we have Homecoming and AG Day. A detailed account of the many activities that we have going this Homecoming Week, to which you are cordially invited, is included in this newsletter. One component that gives us great satisfaction is the opportunity to hand out awards in the college to faculty and staff, and this will take place Thursday November 7th. We also are very happy with all the advances in activities in the college and the science centers. In the next weeks, we will have the opportunity to travel with the new NMSU president, Dr. Valerio Ferme, to the science centers for him to have first-hand exposure to the activities that the College of ACES and NMSU conduct in our science centers and county offices. Please remember to participate and join us for AG Day. GO AGGIES! |
A MESSAGE FROM OUR DEAN Dear friends and alumni of the College of ACES, It is amazing how fast this semester is going, and that this week we have Homecoming and AG Day. A detailed account of the many activities that we have going this Homecoming Week, to which you are cordially invited, is included in this newsletter. One component that gives us great satisfaction is the opportunity to hand out awards in the college to faculty and staff, and this will take place Thursday November 7th. We also are very happy with all the advances in activities in the college and the science centers. In the next weeks, we will have the opportunity to travel with the new NMSU president, Dr. Valerio Ferme, to the science centers for him to have first-hand exposure to the activities that the College of ACES and NMSU conduct in our science centers and county offices. Please remember to participate and join us for AG Day. GO AGGIES! |
2023 NMSU Homecoming Parade |
2023 NMSU Homecoming Parade |
Rolando A. Flores Galarza Dean & Chief Administrative Officer |
Rolando A. Flores Galarza Dean & Chief Administrative Officer |
AG Day is a huge tailgate event held prior to a New Mexico State University Aggie football game. The 11th Annual AG Day is Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, from 1 to 4 p.m. prior to the NMSU vs. Western Kentucky football game at Aggie Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is at 4 p.m.. Nov. 9 is Homecoming, so there will be plenty of excitement surrounding the football game that day and this week. Located in the south Pan Am Center lot and the northeast Aggie Memorial Stadium lot, AG Day focuses on family fun and the importance of agricultural products, services and jobs in New Mexico. The event features food sampling, educational booths, and much more. Booths feature family- and kid-friendly agricultural learning and awareness activities. AG Day was held for seven consecutive years, from 2013 to 2019. It was not held in 2020 but resumed in 2021. Here’s to the Aggies – and to New Mexico agriculture! |
AG Day is a huge tailgate event held prior to a New Mexico State University Aggie football game. The 11th Annual AG Day is Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, from 1 to 4 p.m. prior to the NMSU vs. Western Kentucky football game at Aggie Memorial Stadium. Kickoff is at 4 p.m.. Nov. 9 is Homecoming, so there will be plenty of excitement surrounding the football game that day and this week. Located in the south Pan Am Center lot and the northeast Aggie Memorial Stadium lot, AG Day focuses on family fun and the importance of agricultural products, services and jobs in New Mexico. The event features food sampling, educational booths, and much more. Booths feature family- and kid-friendly agricultural learning and awareness activities. AG Day was held for seven consecutive years, from 2013 to 2019. It was not held in 2020 but resumed in 2021. Here’s to the Aggies – and to New Mexico agriculture! |
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To view all of the NMSU Homecoming events happening this week click on the following link: Homecoming | New Mexico State University Alumni |
To view all of the NMSU Homecoming events happening this week click on the following link: Homecoming | New Mexico State University Alumni |
AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS & AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS |
AGRICULTURAL ECONOMICS & AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS |
100 years strong: Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business mark a century milestone For a century, the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business at NMSU has helped shape agribusiness, natural resources use, and community development across New Mexico. The Department currently operates as a single unit with the Extension Economics Department; thus, it encompasses teaching, research, and extension programs. Originally founded in 1925, the department is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Back then, the department only offered a single bachelor’s program in agricultural economics to students who had completed their freshman and sophomore years. Reginald George Howard was the first student to graduate from the program in 1933. By 1956, the department launched a master’s program in agricultural economics. Enrollment in the program climbed to eight students by the spring of 1960. Notable alumni who have earned degrees from the department include former New Mexico Gov. Garrey E. Carruthers and Jeff Witte, the current secretary of the New Mexico Department of Agriculture. “The department has significantly influenced agribusiness and community development in New Mexico over the past 100 years. It has produced successful leaders, entrepreneurs, academics, and civil servants,” said Carlos Carpio-Ochoa, who became the department head earlier this year, assuming a role first held by Arthur LeRoy Walker in 1925. Today, the department has 120 undergraduate students and 20 graduate students. It offers academic programs in agricultural economics and agricultural business, and it collaborates with other departments to offer programs in economic development and water science and management. It has two bachelor’s programs, four graduate programs, and two undergraduate minors. In addition, the department offers many courses in agribusiness management and agricultural and natural resource economics that serve the ACES College and the entire University. “The department’s economic Extension programs impact thousands of individuals annually, and its faculty are nationally and internationally recognized for their research in natural resources management and agribusiness economics,” Carpio-Ochoa said. For more information, contact Department Head Dr. Carlos Carpio-Ochoa at ccarpio@nmsu.edu. |
100 years strong: Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business mark a century milestone For a century, the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business at NMSU has helped shape agribusiness, natural resources use, and community development across New Mexico. The Department currently operates as a single unit with the Extension Economics Department; thus, it encompasses teaching, research, and extension programs. Originally founded in 1925, the department is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Back then, the department only offered a single bachelor’s program in agricultural economics to students who had completed their freshman and sophomore years. Reginald George Howard was the first student to graduate from the program in 1933. By 1956, the department launched a master’s program in agricultural economics. Enrollment in the program climbed to eight students by the spring of 1960. Notable alumni who have earned degrees from the department include former New Mexico Gov. Garrey E. Carruthers and Jeff Witte, the current secretary of the New Mexico Department of Agriculture. “The department has significantly influenced agribusiness and community development in New Mexico over the past 100 years. It has produced successful leaders, entrepreneurs, academics, and civil servants,” said Carlos Carpio-Ochoa, who became the department head earlier this year, assuming a role first held by Arthur LeRoy Walker in 1925. Today, the department has 120 undergraduate students and 20 graduate students. It offers academic programs in agricultural economics and agricultural business, and it collaborates with other departments to offer programs in economic development and water science and management. It has two bachelor’s programs, four graduate programs, and two undergraduate minors. In addition, the department offers many courses in agribusiness management and agricultural and natural resource economics that serve the ACES College and the entire University. “The department’s economic Extension programs impact thousands of individuals annually, and its faculty are nationally and internationally recognized for their research in natural resources management and agribusiness economics,” Carpio-Ochoa said. For more information, contact Department Head Dr. Carlos Carpio-Ochoa at ccarpio@nmsu.edu. |
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Dr. Chadelle “Chaddy” Robinson Honored by National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Organization We are proud to announce that Dr. Robinson, Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business, has been awarded the prestigious Honorary American FFA Degree for her exceptional commitment to advancing agricultural education and the FFA mission. The degree, conferred by the organization’s national board of directors, is reserved for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to fostering and inspiring the next generation of agricultural leadership. She received the award at the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis on October 25, 2024. Dr. Robinson holds a BS in Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business, an MS in Agricultural Economics, and a Ph.D. in Marketing from New Mexico State University. She also serves as academic advisor and advisor for the NMSU chapter of the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA). The faculty of Agricultural Business and Economics extends our sincerest congratulations and admiration to Dr. Robinson for this achievement, as well as her unwavering commitment to upholding the highest traditions of New Mexico State University and the College of ACES. |
Dr. Chadelle “Chaddy” Robinson Honored by National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Organization We are proud to announce that Dr. Robinson, Associate Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business, has been awarded the prestigious Honorary American FFA Degree for her exceptional commitment to advancing agricultural education and the FFA mission. The degree, conferred by the organization’s national board of directors, is reserved for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to fostering and inspiring the next generation of agricultural leadership. She received the award at the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis on October 25, 2024. Dr. Robinson holds a BS in Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business, an MS in Agricultural Economics, and a Ph.D. in Marketing from New Mexico State University. She also serves as academic advisor and advisor for the NMSU chapter of the National Agri-Marketing Association (NAMA). The faculty of Agricultural Business and Economics extends our sincerest congratulations and admiration to Dr. Robinson for this achievement, as well as her unwavering commitment to upholding the highest traditions of New Mexico State University and the College of ACES. |
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AI for Agriculture NSF/USDA Award 2024 An NMSU team has received a prestigious award of $2,800,000 from The National Science Foundations (NSF) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on the applications of Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture (AI for Ag). The team is led by Enrico Pontelli, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, as the PI and Co-PIs Drs Hatim Geli and Jennifer Randall of the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Science (ACES); and Huiping Cao and Son Tran of the College of Arts and Science. As the lead institute on this award, the NMSU team will conduct research jointly with the AI Institute for Food Systems (AIFS) at the University of California – Davis. The research team will develop use-inspired foundational AI tools to address major agricultural challenges that face arid and semi-arid regions and limit the ability of developing sustainable production systems. The project aims to advance knowledge about integrating AI in agricultural systems, overcome related barriers, and identify opportunities to expand their applications. The team aims to develop an AI-enabled Smart Agricultural Systems Engine (AISAE) driven by two main use-inspired objectives of identifying climate-smart adaptable crops based on genetic and phenotypic analysis and developing climate smart micro- to macro- resilient production systems that account for abiotic and biotic stresses for regional scale cropping systems. On the other hand, foundational AI tools will consider developing knowledge-enhanced learning and multi-agent systems using machine learning. The team will integrate knowledge of regional stakeholders to capture current practices, acceptability, and perception of implementing these foundational AI tools in practical use. The project will also develop an institutional capacity in this interdisciplinary area of AI for Ag and help train professionals, undergraduate, graduate, and early career workforce. The project complements the current effort by this research team in a graduate training program at NMSU that includes the Artificial Intelligence for Arid Land Agriculture (AIALA) project, funded by the NSF NRT program. For more information, contact Dr. Hatim Geli at hgeli@nmsu.edu. |
AI for Agriculture NSF/USDA Award 2024 An NMSU team has received a prestigious award of $2,800,000 from The National Science Foundations (NSF) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on the applications of Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture (AI for Ag). The team is led by Enrico Pontelli, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, as the PI and Co-PIs Drs Hatim Geli and Jennifer Randall of the College of Agriculture, Consumer, and Environmental Science (ACES); and Huiping Cao and Son Tran of the College of Arts and Science. As the lead institute on this award, the NMSU team will conduct research jointly with the AI Institute for Food Systems (AIFS) at the University of California – Davis. The research team will develop use-inspired foundational AI tools to address major agricultural challenges that face arid and semi-arid regions and limit the ability of developing sustainable production systems. The project aims to advance knowledge about integrating AI in agricultural systems, overcome related barriers, and identify opportunities to expand their applications. The team aims to develop an AI-enabled Smart Agricultural Systems Engine (AISAE) driven by two main use-inspired objectives of identifying climate-smart adaptable crops based on genetic and phenotypic analysis and developing climate smart micro- to macro- resilient production systems that account for abiotic and biotic stresses for regional scale cropping systems. On the other hand, foundational AI tools will consider developing knowledge-enhanced learning and multi-agent systems using machine learning. The team will integrate knowledge of regional stakeholders to capture current practices, acceptability, and perception of implementing these foundational AI tools in practical use. The project will also develop an institutional capacity in this interdisciplinary area of AI for Ag and help train professionals, undergraduate, graduate, and early career workforce. The project complements the current effort by this research team in a graduate training program at NMSU that includes the Artificial Intelligence for Arid Land Agriculture (AIALA) project, funded by the NSF NRT program. For more information, contact Dr. Hatim Geli at hgeli@nmsu.edu. |
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The overall vision for the AI for Climate-Smart Agriculture |
The overall vision for the AI for Climate-Smart Agriculture |
The NMSU ACES Agriculture Communications program in the Department of Agricultural & Extension Education received special recognition on RFD-TV from Emily Gossett, the National FFA Western Region Vice President. FFA, an intracurricular student organization for individuals interested in agriculture and leadership, is one of the three essential components of agricultural education. Nationally, with more than 1,027,273 FFA members in 9,235 chapters across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the National FFA Organization is the largest student-led organization in the country. In New Mexico, FFA is also the largest career technical student organization, with over 5,300 members across 93 chapters statewide, underscoring the importance of programs like NMSU’s in promoting agricultural literacy and leadership development. For more information, contact Program Operations Director Gary Aycock at rga@nmsu.edu. |
The NMSU ACES Agriculture Communications program in the Department of Agricultural & Extension Education received special recognition on RFD-TV from Emily Gossett, the National FFA Western Region Vice President. FFA, an intracurricular student organization for individuals interested in agriculture and leadership, is one of the three essential components of agricultural education. Nationally, with more than 1,027,273 FFA members in 9,235 chapters across all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the National FFA Organization is the largest student-led organization in the country. In New Mexico, FFA is also the largest career technical student organization, with over 5,300 members across 93 chapters statewide, underscoring the importance of programs like NMSU’s in promoting agricultural literacy and leadership development. For more information, contact Program Operations Director Gary Aycock at rga@nmsu.edu. |
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE |
COOPERATIVE EXTENSION SERVICE |
NMSU Extension agents receive awards at national conference Several of New Mexico State University’s Cooperative Extension Service Family and Consumer Science agents and specialists were recognized at the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences annual session in Tucson, Arizona, in September. Two NMSU staff members received individual national awards. Karim Martinez, Extension family life and child development specialist, was presented the Continued Excellence Award. Rick Griffiths, San Juan County Extension FCS agent, was presented the Distinguished Service Award. Martinez and her team won the national Communications Television/Video Award for their video and social media campaign, “On Common Ground – Mental Health in Rural New Mexico,” which focuses on the topics of farmer and rancher mental health and suicide prevention. Team members include Jeffery Buras, senior multi-media specialist, Matheus Cezarotto, Extension educational technology specialist, Barbara Chamberlin, department head, Amy Smith Muise, editor, Arturo Ruiloba, TV producer, and Tomilee Turner, instructional designer, from Innovative Media Research and Extension; Charlene Carr, Southern Pueblo agricultural and 4-H agent; Tom Dean, Extension Southwest District director and Southwest Border Protection and Emergency Preparedness Center co-director; Donald Martinez, Rio Arriba County Extension program director and agent; and Marshal Wilson, Southwest Border Protection and Emergency Preparedness Center co-director. Dianne Christensen, Bernalillo County Extension FCS agent, and her team earned third place in the nation for the Communications Internet Education Technology Award for the Living Well with Inflation series that aimed to provide practical strategies to manage the impacts of inflation and leverage them towards positive growth. Team members include Griffiths, Bryce Jorgensen, family resource management specialist; Joy Czmyrid, Rio Arriba County Extension FCS agent; Desaree Jimenez, Los Alamos County Extension FCS associate; and Susann Mikkelson, Guadalupe County Extension agent. Jorgensen received four individual awards at the state and regional level, including the Communications Radio or Podcast Award for “Financial Advice with Bryce” on KRWG Public Media; the Program Excellence Through Research Award for “Financial Socialization and Spending Behaviors: From Research to Practice”; the Dean Don Felker Financial Management Award for “Empowering Agents to Teach on Estate Planning” Program; and the Communications Television/Video Award for “Improving Financial Literacy through Radio.” “The awards showcase the abilities, quality program efforts and collaborative teamwork that Extension professionals bring to the FCS profession, NMSU and their communities,” Otero County Extension FCS Agent Kelly Knight said. Additionally, Griffiths was honored as outgoing NEAFCS president, and Christensen started her term as president-elect at the NEAFCS annual session. NEAFCS annual session offers a professional development experience for participants to gain resources and skills to help them succeed in their Extension roles. “During the event, attendees gained knowledge of Family and Consumer Sciences curriculum and competencies that they will apply to meet the needs of the individuals, families and communities they serve in their Extension work,” Knight said. “Extension professionals attending also had the opportunity to connect with fellow FCS colleagues from other states to allow information sharing for growth of the overall FCS program.” NEAFCS educates and recognizes Extension professionals who improve the quality of life for individuals, families and communities. They provide education in food preparation, food safety and nutrition, financial management, healthy lifestyles, home and work environment and safety, relationship and parenting skills. To view the full article click on the following link: NMSU Extension agents receive awards at national conference |
NMSU Extension agents receive awards at national conference Several of New Mexico State University’s Cooperative Extension Service Family and Consumer Science agents and specialists were recognized at the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences annual session in Tucson, Arizona, in September. Two NMSU staff members received individual national awards. Karim Martinez, Extension family life and child development specialist, was presented the Continued Excellence Award. Rick Griffiths, San Juan County Extension FCS agent, was presented the Distinguished Service Award. Martinez and her team won the national Communications Television/Video Award for their video and social media campaign, “On Common Ground – Mental Health in Rural New Mexico,” which focuses on the topics of farmer and rancher mental health and suicide prevention. Team members include Jeffery Buras, senior multi-media specialist, Matheus Cezarotto, Extension educational technology specialist, Barbara Chamberlin, department head, Amy Smith Muise, editor, Arturo Ruiloba, TV producer, and Tomilee Turner, instructional designer, from Innovative Media Research and Extension; Charlene Carr, Southern Pueblo agricultural and 4-H agent; Tom Dean, Extension Southwest District director and Southwest Border Protection and Emergency Preparedness Center co-director; Donald Martinez, Rio Arriba County Extension program director and agent; and Marshal Wilson, Southwest Border Protection and Emergency Preparedness Center co-director. Dianne Christensen, Bernalillo County Extension FCS agent, and her team earned third place in the nation for the Communications Internet Education Technology Award for the Living Well with Inflation series that aimed to provide practical strategies to manage the impacts of inflation and leverage them towards positive growth. Team members include Griffiths, Bryce Jorgensen, family resource management specialist; Joy Czmyrid, Rio Arriba County Extension FCS agent; Desaree Jimenez, Los Alamos County Extension FCS associate; and Susann Mikkelson, Guadalupe County Extension agent. Jorgensen received four individual awards at the state and regional level, including the Communications Radio or Podcast Award for “Financial Advice with Bryce” on KRWG Public Media; the Program Excellence Through Research Award for “Financial Socialization and Spending Behaviors: From Research to Practice”; the Dean Don Felker Financial Management Award for “Empowering Agents to Teach on Estate Planning” Program; and the Communications Television/Video Award for “Improving Financial Literacy through Radio.” “The awards showcase the abilities, quality program efforts and collaborative teamwork that Extension professionals bring to the FCS profession, NMSU and their communities,” Otero County Extension FCS Agent Kelly Knight said. Additionally, Griffiths was honored as outgoing NEAFCS president, and Christensen started her term as president-elect at the NEAFCS annual session. NEAFCS annual session offers a professional development experience for participants to gain resources and skills to help them succeed in their Extension roles. “During the event, attendees gained knowledge of Family and Consumer Sciences curriculum and competencies that they will apply to meet the needs of the individuals, families and communities they serve in their Extension work,” Knight said. “Extension professionals attending also had the opportunity to connect with fellow FCS colleagues from other states to allow information sharing for growth of the overall FCS program.” NEAFCS educates and recognizes Extension professionals who improve the quality of life for individuals, families and communities. They provide education in food preparation, food safety and nutrition, financial management, healthy lifestyles, home and work environment and safety, relationship and parenting skills. To view the full article click on the following link: NMSU Extension agents receive awards at national conference |
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New Mexico State University’s Cooperative Extension Service Family and Consumer Science agents and specialists were honored at the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences annual session. (Courtesy Photo) |
New Mexico State University’s Cooperative Extension Service Family and Consumer Science agents and specialists were honored at the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences annual session. (Courtesy Photo) |
Arrigucci named NMSU’s ‘A’ Mountain
Award recipient New Mexico State University presented Andrea Arrigucci, School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management senior program specialist, the “A” Mountain Staff Award for her demonstration of NMSU’s core values: leadership, excellence, access, diversity and inclusion, and student-centered focus. Arrigucci received the award during NMSU’s Employee Appreciation Picnic, Oct. 31. “I want to be an ally for prospective and current students of any area of study or alumni navigating their first career steps,” Arrigucci said. “I also seek out colleagues at NMSU who may need a team player, may benefit from collaboration or can utilize what I have learned from my experience.” Arrigucci is a two-time NMSU graduate and made it a point to focus on areas on diversity, inclusion and needs of Hispanic-serving Institutions throughout her master’s program. She wanted to provide valuable service through her work. “It is important to me to lead by example and provide students a safe space to figure out the big decisions in front of them and introduce them to options and resources they may not have known were available to them,” Arrigucci said. As HRTM’s senior program specialist, her work is focused on service and elevating HRTM, NMSU, partners in industry, the surrounding community and Career and Technical Education through marketing, research and outreach. Since the completion of her master’s degree in 2023, she has taught HRTM 3910 Professional Development in the spring semester. “I appreciate the freedom to be creative with my work, to rise to the occasion, take on new tasks and to keep learning new skills and lessons, especially as student needs change,” she said. Arrigucci said she is grateful for the mentorship of the HRTM faculty and her academic mentors; Jean Hertzman, HRTM department head and director, and Anne Hubbell, Honors College associate dean and professor. “Andrea is a proud HRTM alumni and devoted Aggie,” Hertzman said. “Everything she does in her position as program specialist for HRTM and the Marriott Hospitality Futures Center is focused on promoting the value of higher education and NMSU and bringing out the best in people for them to be able to achieve their personal and professional goals.” “Above everything else, getting to mentor and work with students, now even teaching a course, is more rewarding and enjoyable than I ever imagined,” Arrigucci said. “It amazes me every day the opportunities students achieve through their hard work and openness to learn.” To view the full article click on the following link: Arrigucci named NMSU’s ‘A’ Mountain Award recipient |
Arrigucci named NMSU’s ‘A’ Mountain
Award recipient New Mexico State University presented Andrea Arrigucci, School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management senior program specialist, the “A” Mountain Staff Award for her demonstration of NMSU’s core values: leadership, excellence, access, diversity and inclusion, and student-centered focus. Arrigucci received the award during NMSU’s Employee Appreciation Picnic, Oct. 31. “I want to be an ally for prospective and current students of any area of study or alumni navigating their first career steps,” Arrigucci said. “I also seek out colleagues at NMSU who may need a team player, may benefit from collaboration or can utilize what I have learned from my experience.” Arrigucci is a two-time NMSU graduate and made it a point to focus on areas on diversity, inclusion and needs of Hispanic-serving Institutions throughout her master’s program. She wanted to provide valuable service through her work. “It is important to me to lead by example and provide students a safe space to figure out the big decisions in front of them and introduce them to options and resources they may not have known were available to them,” Arrigucci said. As HRTM’s senior program specialist, her work is focused on service and elevating HRTM, NMSU, partners in industry, the surrounding community and Career and Technical Education through marketing, research and outreach. Since the completion of her master’s degree in 2023, she has taught HRTM 3910 Professional Development in the spring semester. “I appreciate the freedom to be creative with my work, to rise to the occasion, take on new tasks and to keep learning new skills and lessons, especially as student needs change,” she said. Arrigucci said she is grateful for the mentorship of the HRTM faculty and her academic mentors; Jean Hertzman, HRTM department head and director, and Anne Hubbell, Honors College associate dean and professor. “Andrea is a proud HRTM alumni and devoted Aggie,” Hertzman said. “Everything she does in her position as program specialist for HRTM and the Marriott Hospitality Futures Center is focused on promoting the value of higher education and NMSU and bringing out the best in people for them to be able to achieve their personal and professional goals.” “Above everything else, getting to mentor and work with students, now even teaching a course, is more rewarding and enjoyable than I ever imagined,” Arrigucci said. “It amazes me every day the opportunities students achieve through their hard work and openness to learn.” To view the full article click on the following link: Arrigucci named NMSU’s ‘A’ Mountain Award recipient |
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Andrea Arrigucci, second from right, was presented the New Mexico State University “A” Mountain Staff Award by Lakshmi Reddi, from left, interim provost, Sonia White, Employee Council vice chair, and Donna Johnson, Employee Council chair, at NMSU’s Employee Appreciation Picnic, Oct. 31. (NMSU photo by Desirea Gurule) |
Andrea Arrigucci, second from right, was presented the New Mexico State University “A” Mountain Staff Award by Lakshmi Reddi, from left, interim provost, Sonia White, Employee Council vice chair, and Donna Johnson, Employee Council chair, at NMSU’s Employee Appreciation Picnic, Oct. 31. (NMSU photo by Desirea Gurule) |
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION |
AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION |
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High School students collecting weight data on watermelons grown as part of the research project. |
High School students collecting weight data on watermelons grown as part of the research project. |
| Agricultural Science Center at Los Lunas hosts student-based research project Throughout the summer and fall a group of high school students participated in a melon variety research project at the Los Lunas ASC. The ASC staff collaborated with the Valencia County Extension office and Los Lunas schools to conduct the project. Students were introduced to scientific concepts such as hypothesis testing, experimental design, data collection, and reporting of results. The students helped plant in May, weed throughout the summer, and harvest watermelons in October. Yield and quality (taste/color) data were collected at harvest. A follow up highlight of the project was to sell the produce grown at the ASC at their school bake sale as a fundraiser and to generate more interest in the agricultural sciences. Working with their school Agriculture instructor and ASC staff, the students will provide a report of the results. Projects such as this help develop an interest in agriculture and cultivate the next generation of agricultural scientists. For more information, contact AES Communications and Reporting Director Claire Montoya at ccortner@nmsu.edu. |
Agricultural Science Center at Los Lunas hosts student-based research project Throughout the summer and fall a group of high school students participated in a melon variety research project at the Los Lunas ASC. The ASC staff collaborated with the Valencia County Extension office and Los Lunas schools to conduct the project. Students were introduced to scientific concepts such as hypothesis testing, experimental design, data collection, and reporting of results. The students helped plant in May, weed throughout the summer, and harvest watermelons in October. Yield and quality (taste/color) data were collected at harvest. A follow up highlight of the project was to sell the produce grown at the ASC at their school bake sale as a fundraiser and to generate more interest in the agricultural sciences. Working with their school Agriculture instructor and ASC staff, the students will provide a report of the results. Projects such as this help develop an interest in agriculture and cultivate the next generation of agricultural scientists. For more information, contact AES Communications and Reporting Director Claire Montoya at ccortner@nmsu.edu. |
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ENTOMOLOGY, PLANT PATHOLOGY, AND WEED SCIENCE |
ENTOMOLOGY, PLANT PATHOLOGY, AND WEED SCIENCE |
Insectwise: Insects of New Mexico – the Beneficials & the Pests On Tuesday, October 29, Dr. Joanie King gave a lecture titled, “Insectwise: Insects of New Mexico – the Beneficials & the Pests,” at the ENMU – Ruidoso Branch Community College in Ruidoso, NM. The lecture was requested by the Alto Coalition for Environmental Preservation. The event consisted of an hour-long presentation and an hour for Q&A and discussion. The lecture delved into many of the important insects and other arthropods found in NM. These important insects/arthropods are beneficials and pests. The beneficials presented were various species of pollinators, natural enemies of pests, and decomposers. Strategies to help support populations of these beneficial bugs were shared. The pests presented in the lecture came from Dr. King’s data from October 2023–2024. Integrated pest management (IPM) was defined, and IPM strategies were shared for the top five current NM arthropod pests (these are the pests requested for identification and management from Dr. King): mites, thrips, aphids, scale insects, and certain species of ants. Dr. King also brought live insects and arachnids, and display boxes of insects. The presentation was well received by attendees. One participant stated that, “the world of NM insects now occupies a much larger space in [her] environmental awareness, ”and others shared a similar response. Overall, the audience appreciated Dr. King’s enthusiasm for bugs. For more information, contact Dr. Joanie King at joaniek@nmsu.edu. |
Insectwise: Insects of New Mexico – the Beneficials & the Pests On Tuesday, October 29, Dr. Joanie King gave a lecture titled, “Insectwise: Insects of New Mexico – the Beneficials & the Pests,” at the ENMU – Ruidoso Branch Community College in Ruidoso, NM. The lecture was requested by the Alto Coalition for Environmental Preservation. The event consisted of an hour-long presentation and an hour for Q&A and discussion. The lecture delved into many of the important insects and other arthropods found in NM. These important insects/arthropods are beneficials and pests. The beneficials presented were various species of pollinators, natural enemies of pests, and decomposers. Strategies to help support populations of these beneficial bugs were shared. The pests presented in the lecture came from Dr. King’s data from October 2023–2024. Integrated pest management (IPM) was defined, and IPM strategies were shared for the top five current NM arthropod pests (these are the pests requested for identification and management from Dr. King): mites, thrips, aphids, scale insects, and certain species of ants. Dr. King also brought live insects and arachnids, and display boxes of insects. The presentation was well received by attendees. One participant stated that, “the world of NM insects now occupies a much larger space in [her] environmental awareness, ”and others shared a similar response. Overall, the audience appreciated Dr. King’s enthusiasm for bugs. For more information, contact Dr. Joanie King at joaniek@nmsu.edu. |
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Dr. King lecturing at the ENMU-Ruidoso Branch Community College in Ruidoso, NM. |
Dr. King lecturing at the ENMU-Ruidoso Branch Community College in Ruidoso, NM. |
INNOVATIVE MEDIA RESEACH & EXTENSION |
INNOVATIVE MEDIA RESEACH & EXTENSION |
Faculty Share Food Safety Work in Dubai The Dubai International Food Safety Education Conference welcomed 3500 participants who are working throughout the world to keep our food supply safe. The Dubai Municipality hosted department faculty Barbara Chamberlin and Matheus Cezarotto as part of their speaker lineup for the conference. Chamberlin spoke in the opening plenary about the importance of educational design in creating effective education programs in food safety. She also shared a personal story of her mother, who died after contracting listeria during chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. On the last day, she joined experts from UAE and other countries on a panel on the future of educational outreach. Cezarotto offered a course for learners on the transformational design process used in the department to create educational media, and offered resources developed at NMSU to the international educators. After the first workshop was filled to standing room only, the conference added a second session so additional participants could attend. Chamberlin and Cezarotto returned to NMSU with tremendous respect for the high quality of resources developed in the UAE and surrounding areas, as well as the commitment and passion of educators and researchers in the area. For more information, contact Dr. Barbara Chamberlin at bchamber@nmsu.edu. |
Faculty Share Food Safety Work in Dubai The Dubai International Food Safety Education Conference welcomed 3500 participants who are working throughout the world to keep our food supply safe. The Dubai Municipality hosted department faculty Barbara Chamberlin and Matheus Cezarotto as part of their speaker lineup for the conference. Chamberlin spoke in the opening plenary about the importance of educational design in creating effective education programs in food safety. She also shared a personal story of her mother, who died after contracting listeria during chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer. On the last day, she joined experts from UAE and other countries on a panel on the future of educational outreach. Cezarotto offered a course for learners on the transformational design process used in the department to create educational media, and offered resources developed at NMSU to the international educators. After the first workshop was filled to standing room only, the conference added a second session so additional participants could attend. Chamberlin and Cezarotto returned to NMSU with tremendous respect for the high quality of resources developed in the UAE and surrounding areas, as well as the commitment and passion of educators and researchers in the area. For more information, contact Dr. Barbara Chamberlin at bchamber@nmsu.edu. |
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Please help us congratulate Dr. Shanelle Trail on her just published work addressing New Mexico agriculture, water, and economics. Dr. Trail is one of our recent Water Science and Management PhD graduates. She also earned her Doctorate of Economic Development from NMSU. Uniting agricultural water management, economics, and policy for climate adaptation through a new assessment of water markets for arid regions Flexible policies aimed at irrigated agriculture are essential to adapt to climate change. Despite the importance of this goal, little published work has conceptualized, formulated, developed, and applied an integrated optimization framework for irrigated agriculture to guide adaptation to climate-related water stress. This research addresses the question: how can water management plans for irrigated agriculture be designed to minimize economic losses caused by adapting to climate-induced water stress? The study answers this by developing an optimization approach that identifies water use patterns to minimize farm income losses during water shortages, considering three water shortage sharing programs. An optimization model, calibrated using positive mathematical programming, is applied to replicate historical land use while adapting to future water supplies that deviate from the historical pattern. The analysis focuses on two irrigated regions in North America’s Rio Grande Basin, illustrating land use, water use, and cropping patterns that minimize regional farm economic losses to shortages. These losses are assessed under three water-sharing strategies: intercrop and interdistrict trading (IIT), intercrop and intradistrict trading (IRT), and no trading (NT). The results demonstrate that IIT yields an average economic gain of $2.824 million per year, while IRT results in an average gain of $2.600 million per year compared to NT. These findings offer valuable insights for water managers, scientists, stakeholders, and policymakers tasked with developing irrigation management strategies in arid regions facing future water supply challenges. The methods developed and results shown here highlight a path forward, using scientific, economic, and policy innovations to strengthen agricultural livelihoods in regions facing uncertain water availability. To read the full article click on the following link: Uniting agricultural water management, economics, and policy for climate adaptation through a new assessment of water markets for arid regions - ScienceDirect |
Please help us congratulate Dr. Shanelle Trail on her just published work addressing New Mexico agriculture, water, and economics. Dr. Trail is one of our recent Water Science and Management PhD graduates. She also earned her Doctorate of Economic Development from NMSU. Uniting agricultural water management, economics, and policy for climate adaptation through a new assessment of water markets for arid regions Flexible policies aimed at irrigated agriculture are essential to adapt to climate change. Despite the importance of this goal, little published work has conceptualized, formulated, developed, and applied an integrated optimization framework for irrigated agriculture to guide adaptation to climate-related water stress. This research addresses the question: how can water management plans for irrigated agriculture be designed to minimize economic losses caused by adapting to climate-induced water stress? The study answers this by developing an optimization approach that identifies water use patterns to minimize farm income losses during water shortages, considering three water shortage sharing programs. An optimization model, calibrated using positive mathematical programming, is applied to replicate historical land use while adapting to future water supplies that deviate from the historical pattern. The analysis focuses on two irrigated regions in North America’s Rio Grande Basin, illustrating land use, water use, and cropping patterns that minimize regional farm economic losses to shortages. These losses are assessed under three water-sharing strategies: intercrop and interdistrict trading (IIT), intercrop and intradistrict trading (IRT), and no trading (NT). The results demonstrate that IIT yields an average economic gain of $2.824 million per year, while IRT results in an average gain of $2.600 million per year compared to NT. These findings offer valuable insights for water managers, scientists, stakeholders, and policymakers tasked with developing irrigation management strategies in arid regions facing future water supply challenges. The methods developed and results shown here highlight a path forward, using scientific, economic, and policy innovations to strengthen agricultural livelihoods in regions facing uncertain water availability. To read the full article click on the following link: Uniting agricultural water management, economics, and policy for climate adaptation through a new assessment of water markets for arid regions - ScienceDirect |
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Water Valuation for Economic Development and Climate Planning in New Mexico Access to science-based information on the economic value of water in all its competing uses is important in New Mexico and other arid regions globally, when there are growing water demands from all sectors, for which few places internationally currently experience increased supplies in the face of climate water stress. Information on the economic value of water in New Mexico can help decision-makers prioritize water allocation and management choices that provide acceptable economic benefits for costs incurred. Considerable economic analysis in recent years has appeared on improving the economic performance of a range of climate adaptation measures. The contribution of this work is to present a simple method to discover the incremental economic values of water under historical conditions as well as for conditions not yet seen. The method used is to infer from observed data on New Mexico irrigation water use and crop production the parameters for its multi-crop production function system. From the recovered production function parameters, marginal economic values of water are calculated over a range of hydrologic and economic conditions. An example from New Mexico is illustrated for crop production supported by land and water use. This work’s contribution can inform policy debates over competing proposals for climate change adaptation based on identifying incremental economic values of water for irrigated agriculture over a range of existing and potential conditions. Please contact Frank A. Ward at fward@nmsu.edu for more information on this work. This article is forthcoming in the November issue of the International Journal of Water Resources Development. |
Water Valuation for Economic Development and Climate Planning in New Mexico Access to science-based information on the economic value of water in all its competing uses is important in New Mexico and other arid regions globally, when there are growing water demands from all sectors, for which few places internationally currently experience increased supplies in the face of climate water stress. Information on the economic value of water in New Mexico can help decision-makers prioritize water allocation and management choices that provide acceptable economic benefits for costs incurred. Considerable economic analysis in recent years has appeared on improving the economic performance of a range of climate adaptation measures. The contribution of this work is to present a simple method to discover the incremental economic values of water under historical conditions as well as for conditions not yet seen. The method used is to infer from observed data on New Mexico irrigation water use and crop production the parameters for its multi-crop production function system. From the recovered production function parameters, marginal economic values of water are calculated over a range of hydrologic and economic conditions. An example from New Mexico is illustrated for crop production supported by land and water use. This work’s contribution can inform policy debates over competing proposals for climate change adaptation based on identifying incremental economic values of water for irrigated agriculture over a range of existing and potential conditions. Please contact Frank A. Ward at fward@nmsu.edu for more information on this work. This article is forthcoming in the November issue of the International Journal of Water Resources Development. |
Self-Potential Tomography Preconditioned by Particle Swarm Optimization—Application to Monitoring Hyporheic Exchange in a Bedrock River A self-potential (SP)-data inversion method was developed and tested on synthetic models of electrical-potential data and electrical-potential field data acquired by monitoring voltages through time at multiple locations on the flood plain of a river flowing over a bedrock aquifer. The SP-data inversion method (a) calculates horizontal electrical-potential profile data over buried electrical sources with user-defined properties, (b) finds the locations of unknown electrical sources of electrical-potential data by particle swarm optimization (PSO), (c) performs electrical-source imaging using the locations of the sources determined by PSO as a guide, and (d) enables real-time monitoring of water exchange between a river and a bedrock aquifer. The results obtained by applying the inversion method to SP-monitoring data depict transient electrical changes in a bedrock aquifer that are affected by changes in streamflow and attributed to water exchange between the river and aquifer along a fault. Ikard, S. J., Carroll, K. C., Brooks, S. C., Rucker, D. F., Smith-Vega, G., & Elwes, A. (2024). Self-potential tomography preconditioned by particle swarm optimization—application to monitoring hyporheic exchange in a Bedrock River. Water Resources Research, 60, e2024WR037549. https://doi.org/10.1029/2024WR037549 |
Self-Potential Tomography Preconditioned by Particle Swarm Optimization—Application to Monitoring Hyporheic Exchange in a Bedrock River A self-potential (SP)-data inversion method was developed and tested on synthetic models of electrical-potential data and electrical-potential field data acquired by monitoring voltages through time at multiple locations on the flood plain of a river flowing over a bedrock aquifer. The SP-data inversion method (a) calculates horizontal electrical-potential profile data over buried electrical sources with user-defined properties, (b) finds the locations of unknown electrical sources of electrical-potential data by particle swarm optimization (PSO), (c) performs electrical-source imaging using the locations of the sources determined by PSO as a guide, and (d) enables real-time monitoring of water exchange between a river and a bedrock aquifer. The results obtained by applying the inversion method to SP-monitoring data depict transient electrical changes in a bedrock aquifer that are affected by changes in streamflow and attributed to water exchange between the river and aquifer along a fault. Ikard, S. J., Carroll, K. C., Brooks, S. C., Rucker, D. F., Smith-Vega, G., & Elwes, A. (2024). Self-potential tomography preconditioned by particle swarm optimization—application to monitoring hyporheic exchange in a Bedrock River. Water Resources Research, 60, e2024WR037549. https://doi.org/10.1029/2024WR037549 |
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Conceptual models of buried electrically polarized sources of electrical potential and Equation 5-simulated synthetic electrical-potential profile data attributed to the electrical sources. (a) Horizontal electrical-potential profile data (dark blue) attributed to the dark-blue source shown in panel (c). (b) Horizontal electrical potential profiles attributed to three buried sources in panel (d). The red curve is the sum of the green, pink, and light-blue curves calculated from sources of corresponding color, and represents the horizontal electrical-potential profile data attributed to combined effect of the three sources. (c) Subsurface distribution of one electrical source that produces the true model (dark-blue data) in panel (a), showing Equation 5 parameters. (d) Subsurface distribution of three electrical sources that produce the true model (red data) in panel (b). |
Conceptual models of buried electrically polarized sources of electrical potential and Equation 5-simulated synthetic electrical-potential profile data attributed to the electrical sources. (a) Horizontal electrical-potential profile data (dark blue) attributed to the dark-blue source shown in panel (c). (b) Horizontal electrical potential profiles attributed to three buried sources in panel (d). The red curve is the sum of the green, pink, and light-blue curves calculated from sources of corresponding color, and represents the horizontal electrical-potential profile data attributed to combined effect of the three sources. (c) Subsurface distribution of one electrical source that produces the true model (dark-blue data) in panel (a), showing Equation 5 parameters. (d) Subsurface distribution of three electrical sources that produce the true model (red data) in panel (b). |
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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