This year’s Research Symposium was held virtually from November 8 to 12, 2021. The program was topical and hosted a variety of speakers, posters, and awards honoring science, STEM, and research contributions in New Mexico through a space lens.
Tohid Khalili is a PhD candidate in Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of New Mexico, and an exceptional example of success in higher education STEM. He participates in NM SMART Grid Center research under the direction of UNM faculty member Dr. Ali Bidram. In Summer 2021, he was supported as an extern with the City of Albuquerque.
Researchers at The University of New Mexico are leading a $15 million, five-year project funded by the National Science Foundation that will engage communities in the American Intermountain West to collaboratively address the impacts of climate change, including drought, wildfires and community well-being.
We are delighted to announce this year’s NM EPSCoR Mentor Award recipients—Dr. Caitano da Silva and Dr. Jay Misra. This award is presented annually to mentors who demonstrate excellence in supporting students’ academic, research, and career endeavors, and in creating inclusive environments for all students. Please join us in recognizing Dr. da Silva and Dr. Misra for their outstanding work in mentoring the students who will define New Mexico’s diverse future workforce.
Every year the New Mexico SMART Grid Center submits three highlights from the previous project year to the National Science Foundation. This year's highlights recognize "DC Street" at NMSU, seed award results from NMT, and the Explora Science Communication Fellowship program. Below are overviews of what these outstanding project team members are working on - summarized in 250 words or less.
IT'S GOOD TO BE DIRECT
Olga Lavrova, New Mexico State University
We are excited to announce the 2021 Infrastructure Seed Award program awardees and share a report from 2020 award recipient Dr. Caitano da Silva. The Infrastructure Seed Award program is designed to support transformative research and capacity building across New Mexico’s higher education institutions in emerging smart grid areas (e.g., STEM, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, cyberinfrastructure, and workforce development).
“The need for a robust and diverse STEM workforce has been reiterated for decades, and it is one of the current administration’s top priorities in order to maintain America’s historical preeminence in the STEM fields." - Dr. Panchanathan, NSF Director on Broadening Participation at NSF.
It’s time for me to say farewell to the New Mexico EPSCoR community and embark on new adventures. It has been a pleasure to work with you all and get to know many of you over the last five years. I hope you’ll provide a warm reception to Dr. Selena Connealy, who is the newly appointed Interim Associate Director for NM EPSCoR. Many of you already know Selena, and know not only her deep expertise in STEM education and managing team science and outreach projects, but also know how delightful she is to work with.
Our second NM SMART Grid Center 2020 extern, Mara Yarbrough, just completed her 10-week externship with the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) researching practical policies state governments can implement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. She shared her thoughts with us on the experience in this brief reflection. Enjoy!
We are heartbroken to share the news that Luke Spangenburg, a valued member of the NM EPSCoR research and education team, passed away earlier this month.