Category: Research

Join us for a conversation on Strengthening State Academy–EPSCoR Partnerships. We’ll share examples, explore new ideas, and connect colleagues across states.  Register here: https://loom.ly/drxg6p8

The Research Infrastructure Optimization for New Mexico (RIO‑NM) NSF E‑CORE project, led by NM EPSCoR, continued to gain momentum in Project Year 2. This year, the team reported several notable achievements to the National Science Foundation (NSF) that underscore RIO‑NM’s sustained commitment to strengthening research capacity across New Mexico. Below are two research highlights submitted to NSF as part of the Year 2 Annual Report. 

The 2025 edition of the New Mexico Journal of Science, a peer-reviewed publication produced jointly by the New Mexico Academy of Science and New Mexico EPSCoR, is now publicly accessible at https://www.nmas.org/2025-nmjs.

What does it look like when a state recognizes the quiet but steady work of its research community? On January 29, the New Mexico House of Representatives offered an answer to that question by formally acknowledging NM EPSCoR for its contributions to the state’s research ecosystem.

The event on "Research Awareness in Artificial Intelligence" is aimed for currently enrolled Mathematical Sciences (i.e.,

Research Infrastructure Optimization for New Mexico (RIO-NM) has announced the recipients of its Fall 2025 Supporting Undergraduate Research Experiences (SURE) awards, recognizing three innovative projects that will expand hands-on research opportunities for students across the state. The awards, totaling $49,261, support initiatives in artificial intelligence in computer science education, conservation biology, and fungal ecology.

ALBUQUERQUE — On November 15, the 12th annual New Mexico Research Symposium (NMRS) drew 77 student researchers for its poster session, nearly double the participation from previous years. More than 200 students, faculty, scientists, researchers, and community members from across the state presented their work, networked with peers, and experienced a professional scientific conference.

Two proposals have been selected for NM EPSCoR RIO-NM Seed Award funding, with each project receiving $50,000 to support transformative research and capacity building. The first project, led by PI Jiakai Zhang and co-PI Jun Zheng at New Mexico Tech, will create New Mexico’s first high-resolution Economic Development Index—providing state decision-makers with improved data to inform policy and infrastructure planning.

Research Infrastructure Optimization for New Mexico (RIO-NM) has announced the recipients of its Spring 2025 Supporting Undergraduate Research Experiences (SURE) awards, recognizing three innovative projects that will advance undergraduate research opportunities across the state. The awards, totaling $43,740, support diverse initiatives ranging from quantum technology research to artificial intelligence education and environmental remediation studies.

The Early Career Workshop is a one-day intensive program for NM postdocs and faculty in STEM research and education disciplines. This practical, hands-on workshop addresses proposal writing and project management, empowering participants to increase their research productivity, funding, and impact. Co-sponsored by NM EPSCoR. Registration Deadline: August 25, 2025Registration Link: https://survey.nmsu.edu/surveys/?s=PRCDDK9TX9RLAA4R