Other NM universities announcements

Saul Hernandez, a New Mexico State University senior studying physics and linguistics with a minor in astronomy, has turned recycled materials into a backyard radio telescope capable of detecting the rotation of the Milky Way.

"This is just something under 200 dollars, using average materials that anyone would find around their homes, and it's taking data from the galaxy," Hernandez said. "It shows that anyone can do it, and that's really exciting."

When Hernandez realized he was interested in pursuing a minor in astronomy, he approached Moire Prescott, NMSU astronomy associate professor, to ask if she had a research project he could join. She introduced him to the idea of a recycled, do-it-yourself radio telescope developed by the Completely Hackable Amateur Radio Telescope (CHART) team at Winona State University and Arizona State University, and together they began mapping out a construction plan.

The Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship, housed at New Mexico State University's Arrowhead Center, is now accepting applications for the 2026 cohort of the Fourth Industrial Revolution Economy Venture Fellows program, a competitive fellowship designed to train university students in venture capital and early-stage investing. 

The FIRE Venture Fellows program offers undergraduate and graduate students from across the Borderplex region the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in venture capital, startup evaluation, and investment decision-making. The 2026 fellowship will run from February 24 through May 19, 2026, with weekly sessions held on Tuesdays. 

A researcher at New Mexico State University known for his saffron research projects in northern New Mexico is exploring how the crop fares in central and southern parts of the state, as well as how well the crop will grow alongside other New Mexico crops such as chile.

Saeid Zehtab Salmasi, research director of the NMSU Sustainable Agriculture Science Center at Alcalde, recently received funding form the New Mexico Department of Agriculture's Specialty Crop Block Grant program for a project titled, "Integrating Saffron into Small Vegetable Production Systems of New Mexico to Enhance Profitability and Sustainability." The project will investigate the intercropping of saffron with chile, and aims to demonstrate the diversification and sustainability benefits of intercropping in New Mexico's agricultural systems.

Miranda van Iersel, an assistant professor in New Mexico State University's Klipsch School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 Gentec-EO Laser Lab Awards, an international recognition that supports hands-on optics and photonics education.

As part of the award, van Iersel received a Pronto SI laser power meter, a portable device that measures the power and intensity of laser beams. The instrument will be integrated into multiple undergraduate and graduate courses, allowing students to directly connect theoretical concepts to real-world optical measurements.

Van Iersel learned about the award opportunity while attending an international conference on optics education in Glasgow, Scotland. Gentec-EO, a global leader in laser measurement technology, invited educators to apply by outlining how the device would enhance classroom and laboratory instruction.

The New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service will host the 2026 fruit growers workshop from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, March 6 at Los Luceros, 253 County Road 41, Alcalde, New Mexico. The educational program is intended for fruit growers, county master gardeners and home gardeners. 

The workshop cost is $20 and includes lunch and materials. Preregistration is required. To register, contact Elena Arellano at 505-852-4241 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Two continuing educational units are approved for this workshop.

The Gerontological Society of America has selected a New Mexico State University professor to serve as the editor of one of its peer-reviewed journals.

Karen Kopera-Frye, a professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences in NMSU's College of Health, Education and Social Transformation, began serving a four-year term as the editor-in-chief of Gerontology & Geriatrics Education in January. She was elected by members of the Gerontological Society of America, the nation's oldest and largest interdisciplinary organization focused on aging. 

New Mexico State University will host the New Mexico Youth Ranch Management Camp June 21-26 at the CS Ranch in Cimarron, New Mexico. The camp is open to all youth, ages 15-19, who want to learn more about ranch management.

Applications are now open, and the deadline is May 1. Applicants who are accepted will be notified by May 8. The camp will invite 30 participants, including three out-of-state applicants. The registration fee of $400 or payment arrangement is due on or before May 22. Scholarship opportunities will be available. Upon acceptance, participants should contact an NMYRMC committee member for additional information.

The Humboldt Research Award is a highly prestigious international accolade, recognizing top scholars globally for groundbreaking work with lasting impact. It honors established researchers expected to continue shaping their fields and placing recipients among an elite network of scientists including numerous Nobel laureates.

David Trafimow, a Distinguished Achievement professor of psychology at New Mexico State University, is among those selected to receive the 2026 Humboldt Research Award. These awards, bestowed by the German government, offer collaborations with the top researchers around the world. Only 100 Humboldt's are granted worldwide each year across all disciplines.