New Mexico State University has a long, rich history of advancing agriculture in New Mexico. It is now planting seeds for its newest legacy as the Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science unveils its first Ph.D. in applied and agricultural biology.

The new program is a milestone that not only celebrates NMSU as a leading institution for research and education but reaffirms its commitment to addressing agricultural challenges in the Southwest. Its first cohort started in fall 2025.

The program trains students how to evaluate harmful organisms and develop tools to protect agriculture, food security and human health. Students also study beneficial species and discover ways to conserve their ecological benefits, including natural pest control. It provides research assistantships and undergraduate teaching opportunities, helping students build both scientific expertise and professional experience.

Ricardo Ramirez, EPPWS department head, said the new degree fills a long-standing gap in the department's academic offerings. He spoke from his experience of getting his bachelor's and master's degrees at NMSU but going out of state for his doctorate. 

"Just from the outside looking in and being a student here previously, I could see that there was a need for a Ph.D. program," Ramirez said. 

The idea for the Ph.D. program originated within the department, Ramirez said, as faculty recognized the importance of offering an advanced research path to develop future leaders in applied biology. Stakeholders at all levels had expressed a clear need for a program tailored to New Mexico. The department also offers two bachelor's degrees and a master's degree.

"It helps us attract New Mexico students because now that we have the opportunity here, we can keep the expertise in New Mexico," Ramirez said. 

Colorado State University has a similar program, but what's unique about the one at NMSU is its emphasis on cross-training students into a single doctoral program to address challenges unique to the Southwest. 

Critically, the program supports sustainable and value-added agriculture, one of the nine priority sectors for economic growth in New Mexico. Each student's dissertation will be rooted in research that contributes to the state's agricultural economy, tackling threats impacting farms and ecosystems across the state. Graduates will be prepared for careers in research, public service, regulatory compliance, higher education, chemical industries and professional consulting.

"One of the most important components of our training is knowing how to approach questions when things go wrong," Ramirez said. "For instance, with pest outbreaks, how do we actually figure out and manage what's there and come up with a solution or develop tools to solve the problem? That's what we're trying to train our students to become: leaders and practitioners helping a farmer or homeowner faced with these issues."

The program's long-term vision is to produce professionals capable of leading complex biological work that supports the health of agriculture and communities alike. It also reflects the university's commitment to grow local talent and contribute to a stronger statewide economy.

 "We want our students to be leaders as they move on to their careers," Ramirez said, "and we hope that some of those careers are here in New Mexico. But also, if there are other opportunities in other places where our graduates are leaders, that shows New Mexico in a really good light."

A version of this story appears in the fall 2025 issue of ACES Magazine. For more stories, visit https://nmsu.news/aces-magazine-2025. 

The full article can be seen at https://newsroom.nmsu.edu/news/nmsu-launches-first-ph.d.-in-applied-and-agricultural-biology/s/cb02db5a-d8fb-4605-a272-5d719593a702