Other NM universities announcements

The National Science Foundation awarded nearly half a million dollars to New Mexico State University assistant professor Alejandro Gallegos to build cost-effective molecular modeling tools that are more accessible to researchers.

Fields of study like cancer research, water treatment processes and drug delivery technologies, among others, will be able to use Classical Density Functional Theory to study molecular-scale behavior more efficiently.

Classical DFT is a statistical-mechanical theory researchers can use to predict the equilibrium structure and thermodynamic behavior of fluids and soft materials at the molecular scale.

As a volunteer, Chukwuebuka Ebenezer Osuji had the opportunity to experience how powerful ideas, inspiring stories and meaningful initiatives shared on a TEDx stage could influence people and communities. Now a doctoral student at New Mexico State University, Osuji was a spark in bringing TEDx to NMSU. 

The inaugural TEDxNMSU event will be held from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at Corbett Center Student Union on the Las Cruces campus. 

"When I arrived at New Mexico State University, I was struck by the diversity of the NMSU and Las Cruces communities," said Osuji, who is pursuing a Ph.D. in kinesiology. "There are people from different cultures, disciplines, backgrounds and walks of life, each with unique experiences and stories worth sharing. I felt that TEDxNMSU could become a unifying platform — one that brings these voices together, celebrates our diversity and gives people an opportunity to share ideas that can inspire change. What started as a conversation is now becoming something much bigger, and hopefully, the beginning of an important chapter in the history of NMSU and the Las Cruces community." 

Internships are often an integral part of someone's academic experience. To make the most of their time during higher education, students are encouraged to go beyond just doing coursework.

Amanda Madrid, the program manager for career development in the Office of Engineering Outreach at New Mexico State University, said internships don't simply give students hands-on experience in their field of study, but they also help establish themselves in the industry.

"In my experience working with students over the years, those who participate in internships are often better positioned for success after graduation," Madrid said. "They typically have stronger professional networks, more relevant work experience, and a clearer understanding of industry expectations. As a result, they are often more competitive candidates and are more likely to secure employment shortly after graduation."

New Mexico State University's Creative Media Institute will hold an open casting call for anyone interested in acting in student film productions. The idea is to build an actor database for upcoming student projects. Community members of all ages are welcome!

Anyone interested in acting in student films may participate. All ages are invited. Walk-ins are welcome and scenes to read will be provided. No experience necessary. Sign up here and pick your time here.

10 am to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19

NMSU's Milton Hall Lobby, 2915 McFie Circle

World premiere of "Acid Western," a celebration of the mythology of the West that blends live music, championship trick roping, immersive video art and interactive storytelling. Presented by Dr. Lucky Presents, the event features Guinness World Record holder Chris McDaniel, New Mexico musician Betty Benedeadly and an interactive multimedia presentation that traces the origins of the Acid Western by film scholar Julia Smith. 

Open to the public, with general admission tickets available for $22 here. 

Saturday, Sept. 12. Doors open at 7 p.m., followed by a presentation by Julia Smith at 7:30 p.m. and the main show at 8 p.m. 

The Maxwell/Hanrahan Foundation awards are often likened to a "genius grant" for field research. Each year, Maxwell/Hanrahan provides $150,000 in completely unrestricted funding to five, early-career field scientists.

New Mexico State University alumnus Marcelo Araya-Salas is among the five researchers selected to receive a 2026 Maxwell/Hanrahan award. He is a leading expert in the field of avian bioacoustics and hummingbird behavior. Araya-Salas is an assistant professor at the University of Costa Rica, whose research focuses on vocal learning, social behavior and acoustic communication in neotropical birds.

Grace Valentine Olagunju, a New Mexico State University graduate student and member of the 2026 Fourth Industrial Revolution Economy Venture Fellows cohort, has completed a summer internship with T2YourHealth, an El Paso metabolic health startup, gaining hands-on experience at the intersection of scientific research, entrepreneurship and healthcare innovation. The placement was arranged through connections facilitated by the Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship at NMSU's Arrowhead Center. 

Olagunju's internship was hosted in partnership with the Medical Center of the Americas Foundation, a nonprofit that operates a life sciences hub and startup innovation center in El Paso. The internship served as an extension of her FIRE Venture Fellows training, carrying the program's learning model beyond the classroom and into an active health innovation company. 

In the company of his close friends and family, Cuyler Frank called sports games in his native Navajo. He never thought an activity he pursued for enjoyment would one day make him a living piece of history. 

In September 2005, Frank, a New Mexico State University alumnus, broadcast the nation's first radio play-by-play in Navajo for an NCAA Division 1 football game while a student at NMSU. In May 2026, the North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame (NAIAHF) inducted him for his diligent work preserving the Navajo language. 

"I really didn't expect this to happen," Frank said. "I just wanted to call games and be out there."