Alejandro Gomez, a senior Honors student at New Mexico State University studying wildlife ecology, has been awarded the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship, which provides three years of support over a five-year fellowship period for the graduate education of individuals who have demonstrated potential for significant research achievements in STEM or STEM education.

Gomez, who is also a McNair Scholar, will graduate this week and continue his education at NMSU, where he will study for a master's degree under the advisement of Obed Hernández-Gómez, assistant professor of wildlife disease ecology in the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. Their research will focus on disease dynamics in native and non-native ungulates in New Mexico, exploring parasite and bacterial load and presence. Ungulates are any of a group of typically plant-eating four-footed hoofed mammals.

Gomez describes himself as a non-traditional student who took a two-year break during his education at NMSU.

"NMSU understood my situation and gave me another chance to receive a college of education, along with providing me with resources and programs, such as TRIO STEM H and McNair, that helped me with tutoring and guidance toward the pursuit of a graduate education," Gomez said.

Gomez said he first heard about the fellowship during a McNair Scholar class meeting, when program director Marko Mohlenhoff hosted presenters who spoke about various fellowships available. It was the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship that stood out to Gomez.

When he first learned about being awarded the fellowship, Gomez said his first reaction was disbelief, going as far as double checking the list to make sure he was the true recipient.

"I'm not sure if any others felt the same, but my reaction was heavy on imposter syndrome," Gomez said. "My first thought was, 'Who am I to receive this?'"

For the past eight years, Gomez has worked with Brandon Smythe in the Veterinary Entomology Research Laboratory. Gomez calls Smythe the "sole reason" for returning to NMSU and continuing his education. He also attributed his success to Tanner Schaub, assistant vice president for research.

"All of Dr. Smythe's support and sacrifices allowed me to focus on my education, provided me with numerous opportunities to further my research skills and motivated me to pursue my curiosities," Gomez said. "Dr. Schaub's help and guidance over the years undoubtedly contributed to my development as a researcher."

"Alex is an extremely dedicated student, employee and friend," Smythe said. "I am thrilled to see him getting recognized for his efforts and excited to see him continue to grow."

Gomez also cited a number of ACES faculty for supporting him through his journey to graduate school. Most importantly, Gomez said, he had support from family, friends and colleagues along the way.

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program encourages applications from undergraduate seniors and bachelor's degree-holders interested in pursuing research-based graduate study in STEM. First- and second-year graduate students in eligible STEM fields and degree programs are also encouraged to apply. For more information, click here.

For more information on the McNair Scholars Program at NMSU, click here.

 The full article can be seen at https://newsroom.nmsu.edu/news/nmsu-honors-student-named-nsf-research-fellow/s/d7fa7b8b-3870-4261-bdaa-d9d7aafa9a35