Other NM universities announcements

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.

Following the successful launch of the Borderplex Fundraising Sprint in 2025, the Hunt Center for Entrepreneurship at New Mexico State University's Arrowhead Center is partnering once again with Startup Chihuahua and Startup Juárez to relaunch the program in 2026. Building on the momentum and outcomes of the inaugural cohort, the expanded edition will now include collaboration with the Tecnológico de Monterrey, incorporating its regional innovation ecosystem through the Parque Tecnológico Orión in Chihuahua, Mexico. 

The 2025 Borderplex Fundraising Sprint demonstrated strong impact across the Borderplex and Chihuahua City region by equipping founders with practical fundraising tools, investor-ready pitch decks, and a clearer understanding of early-stage capital strategies. Participants cited the program's hands-on structure, mentorship, and direct exposure to investors as critical contributors to their readiness and confidence when engaging with potential funders. 

New Mexico State University Alumni will launch a new webinar series Feb. 24 with the debut of "Always an Aggie Live," a quarterly offering that will spotlight signature NMSU programs and traditions, as well as the people who shape the Aggie experience. 

The series kicks off with guest speaker Joe Fields, NMSU athletics director, who will lead a discussion on the state of Aggie athletics. Future sessions are planned for May, July and October, with speakers and dates to be announced later this spring. 

"We want every Aggie, near and far, to feel connected. This series opens the door to meaningful conversations and lasting relationships," said Mayra Marquez, assistant vice president for Alumni Relations and Annual Giving at the NMSU Foundation.