STEM SHOUTOUTS

Our STEM Shoutouts recognize UNM faculty who are doing interesting research, have won awards or been recently published. Have you done something great in STEM? Let us know. You also can request that we write about your colleagues too.

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Kristianto Tjiptowidjojo
Engineering professor presents research and receives award during international symposium Dr. Kristianto Tjiptowidjojo, a research professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at UNM, presented his research on coating and received the young investigator award during the 20th International Coating Science and Technology Symposium, held virtually September 20-23. Tjiptowidjojo’s presentation focused […] Read More


STEM Shoutout: Dr. Patricia Henning
UNM professor of physics and astronomy named assistant director at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory Dr. Patricia Henning, a UNM professor of physics and astronomy, and associate vice president for research was named the assistant director of science support and research at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO). “I look forward to working with […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Eirini Eleni Tsiropoulou
Engineering assistant professor appointed as associate editor in IEEE Networking Letters The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) named University of New Mexico Electrical and Computer Engineer assistant professor Dr. Eirini Eleni Tsiropoulou as an associate editor of their Networking Letters. “Being an associate editor, is not only an honorary position, but […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Jin Zhang
Women in STEM award winner will study Mars geological interior Dr. Jin Zhang, an assistant professor at UNM’s Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences is among the 2020 Women in STEM winners for her proposal to study Mars interior and grow knowledge of the planet’s geological history. The Women in STEM awards are hosted […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Heather Himmelberger
UNM researcher leads multimedia efforts on NM water sustainability and resource awareness Heather Himmelberger, the director of the UNM Southwest Environmental Finance Center, is leading multimedia efforts to spread awareness of New Mexico’s water resources as part of the UNM Grand Challenge on water sustainability. As the principal investigator of the pilot project Online […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Helen Wearing
Biology and Mathematics & Statistics associate professor promoted to professor Dr. Helen Wearing, an associate professor in the UNM Departments of Biology and Mathematics & Statistics, has been promoted to professor. Wearing is a scientist working at the interface of the biological and mathematical sciences. She uses mathematical models to understand the biological […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Jessica Feezell
Political science assistant professor promoted to associate professor Dr. Jessica Feezell in the political science department was promoted to associate professor this summer. She said that the most important tool to have in order to achieve tenure is a strong support network she established inside and outside the department. “The most important thing I […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Jessica D. Richardson
Associate professor of speech and hearing sciences named distinguished scholar for aphasia research Dr. Jessica D. Richardson, a University of New Mexico associate professor of speech and hearing sciences, was named one of four recipients of the Tavistock Trust for Aphasia Distinguished Scholar Award for her work studying the disorder. “The mission of the […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Felisa Smith
UNM biology professor selected as a Fellow of the Paleontological Society Dr. Felisa Smith, professor in the department of biology at the University of New Mexico, was recently selected as a Fellow of the Paleontological Society. “I am both humbled and honored to have been selected a Fellow of the Paleontological Society. These […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Stefi Weisburd
Stem UNM School of Engineering Education & Outreach Manager awarded 2020 Excellence in STEM Award Stefi Weisburd, University of New Mexico education and outreach manager in the School of Engineering, was recently awarded the 2020 Excellence in STEM Award by the Air Force Research Lab Tech Engagement Office. Over the years, Weisburd facilitated […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Kira Villa
UNM assistant professor of economics promoted to associate professor Dr. Kira Villa, former assistant professor of economics, was recently promoted to associate professor in the same department. She was inspired to teach economics at the University of New Mexico because of her love for research and working with students. “I have always loved […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Katie Witkiewitz
UNM clinical psychologist elected editor of the journal Psychology of Addictive Behaviors Dr. Katie Witkiewitz, professor of psychology and researcher at the UNM Center on Alcohol, Substance use, And Addictions (CASAA), was recently elected editor of the journal Psychology of Addictive Behaviors (PAB). “As a first generation college student and as a person who directly […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Melinda Morgan
Associate professor of geography and environmental studies named new director of sustainability studies Dr. Melinda Morgan took on the role as the new director of the sustainability studies program at the University of New Mexico in June after being affiliated faculty in the program since 2008. The director of the program also holds the W.K. […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Maria Lane
Geography professor to open center for community geography Dr. Maria Lane, a recently promoted professor in UNM’s Department of Geography & Environmental Studies, is set to open a student focused center for community geography in the next year. Lane’s research focuses on environmental knowledge in historical contexts. She studies claims from different actors such as […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Mousumi Roy
Women in STEM award winner will study effects of magma on continental plates Dr. Mousumi Roy, an associate professor at UNM’s Department of Physics and Astronomy is among the 2020 Women in STEM winners for her proposal to study continental plates. The Women in STEM awards are hosted by Advance at UNM in […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Sarah Stith
UNM economics professor publishes paper on effects of cannabis for medical treatments Dr. Sarah Stith, an assistant professor at UNM’s Economics Department, published in mid-July a paper on Cannabis effectiveness to treat headaches in the Journal of Integrative Medicine. Stith’s research generally focuses on examining the efficiency and equity effects of health care regulation […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Vanessa Svihla
Chemical and Biological Engineering Associate Professor awarded 2020 Harrison Faculty Recognition Dr. Vanessa Svihla, an associate professor in the University of New Mexico’s Chemical and Biological Engineering Department and Organization, Information & Learning Sciences Program (OILS), was awarded with the Harrison Faculty Recognition of 2020. The Harrison Faculty Recognition Award, established in 2005, honors Stanley […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Jingjing Wang
Economics assistant professor selected as a 2020 AAGE Teaching Fellow Dr. Jingjing Wang, an assistant professor of economics at UNM, was recently selected by the Provost’s Office as an Academic Affairs General Education (AAGE) Teaching Fellow for 2020-2021. This fellowship aims to foster more engagement in general education classes. Wang says her experience as […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Meeko Oishi
ECE Associate Professor promoted to Professor, receives SoE Research Award and is part of a recently funded NASA initiative Dr. Meeko Oishi, an associate professor at University of New Mexico’s Electrical and Computer Engineering Department (ECE), has been promoted to professor, received the 2020 SoE Senior Faculty Research Excellence Award and is part of a […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Michael Angel Gonzalez
Civil Engineering lecturer receives Stamm Outstanding Teaching Award Michael Angel Gonzalez, a lecturer II in UNM’s Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering Department, received the Stamm Outstanding Teaching Award during the spring 2020 semester. The Stamm award is named in honor of alumni Robert J. Stamm, a successful local civil engineer, general contractor and strong […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Davorka Gulisija
New biology faculty member conducts organism adaptation research Dr. Davorka Gulisija, a new Biology Department faculty member at UNM, is conducting mathematical and statistical modeling research examining fundamental questions about mechanisms of adaptation in organisms. Gulisija, who is from the Mediterranean coast in Croatia, joined UNM January 2020 as an assistant professor and […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Bruna Jacobson
UNM computer science research assistant professor promoted to assistant professor Dr. Bruna Jacobson, former research assistant professor in the University of New Mexico Department of Computer Science, has recently been promoted to assistant professor in the same department. “Since 2015, I have had fruitful collaborations at the computer science department, first as a […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Kamilla Venner
UNM psychology assistant professor wins Dora Goldstein award Dr. Kamilla Venner, an assistant professor at the University of New Mexico, and research assistant at UNM’s Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse, and Addictions (CASAA), was recently awarded the second annual Dora Goldstein Diversity in Sciences Award for the year 2020. Venner received the award […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Maria Cristina Pereyra
UNM math and stats professor promoted to department chair Dr. Maria Cristina Pereyra will be appointed the department chair of mathematics and statistics in fall 2020. As the overseer of one of the largest departments at UNM, her responsibilities include managing faculty (collaborating with the National Labs and scientists all over the world), supporting […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Siobhan Mattison
Anthropology assistant professor promoted to associate professor Dr. Siobhan Mattison, an assistant professor in the UNM Anthropology Department, has been promoted to associate professor for fall 2020. “I am thankful for all the support I have got from Advance and from my colleagues in Anthropology. The promotion, for me, is a way to expand research […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Frances Hayashida
UNM anthropologist selected as new director of the Latin American and Iberian Institute UNM professor of anthropology Dr. Frances Hayashida has been appointed as the new director of the Latin American and Iberian Institute(LAII). Hayashida accepted the offer effective July 2020. As director, she will oversee the research, educational, and outreach efforts of the […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Emily Jones
Anthropology professor co-authors chapter in book Dogs: Archaeology Beyond Domestication Dr. Emily Jones, an associate professor in UNM’s Anthropology Department, co-authored a chapter in Dogs: Archaeology Beyond Domestication book along with graduate student Victoria Monagle. The chapter, “Dog Life and Death in an Ancestral Pueblo Landscape,” focuses on the role dogs played in human […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Laura Crossey
Earth and Planetary Sciences professor paper featured on May’s cover of Geology Magazine Dr. Laura Crossey, a professor in UNM’s Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, was recently featured alongside her research team in May’s Geology Magazine for their work in Grand Canyon. A photograph taken by Crossey during the research made the cover […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Yuting Yang
New economics faculty member to research environmental regulations and policies Dr. Yuting Yang has joined UNM’s Department of Economics to research and teach environmental regulations and public policies related to climate change. Yang, who recently completed her PhD from The Toulouse School of Economics in France, has made the move to UNM to serve […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Naomi Shin
UNM linguist awarded 2020 Arts and Sciences Teaching Excellence Award UNM Associate Professor of Linguistics and Hispanic Linguistics, Dr. Naomi Shin has been awarded the prestigious 2020 Arts and Sciences Teaching Excellence Award. “This award is a tremendous honor to me. I care so deeply about teaching and supporting students, so to know […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Marygold Walsh-Dilley
UNM associate professor researches impact of COVID-19 on food security of UNM students Dr. Marygold Walsh-Dilley, an associate professor in the Honors College at UNM, is currently leading a study to determine the patterns of food insecurity among students at UNM with her co-PI Dr. Sarita Cargas (Honors College) and research team members Dr. […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Amanda Bienz
Computer programmer joins UNM’s computer science department in fall 2020 Dr. Amanda Bienz will join UNM as a new computer science professor in fall 2020. Her current research focuses on developing software for supercomputers to optimize their computing speed. “We are on the brink of exascale computing and have the hardware capability to solve […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Melanie Moses
UNM professor awarded NSF funding to study human lung response to COVID-19 Dr. Melanie Moses, a professor of computer science and biology, has been awarded National Science Foundation funding to understand how human lungs respond to viral pathogens like COVID-19. With the help of Research Assistant Vanessa Surjadidjaja, Moses hopes to answer how […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Devorah Romanek
Maxwell Museum curator creates virtual COVID-19 exhibit In response to the global pandemic, UNM’s Maxwell Museum curator Dr. Devorah Romanek has created Covid 19: Concepts of Sickness and Wellness, a virtual exhibition dedicated to expanding visitor’s perspectives on the virus through a historical context. The exhibit, which can be found here, has had 2,000 […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Heather Canavan
UNM professor spearheads COVID-19 relief and education efforts for community Dr. Heather Canavan, a professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering, is addressing the concerning trend of people attempting to make hand sanitizer out of denatured alcohol, which is a highly toxic substance. Canavan was first made aware of this issue through a colleague who […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Mala Htun
Political Science professor publishes series of papers on women rights Dr. Mala Htun, a professor at UNM Political Science Department, is a political scientist focused on comparative politics, women’s rights, and the politics of race and ethnicity. Dr. Htun is part of the Advance family and serves as a co-Pi and Deputy Director for the […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Helen Wearing
UNM biology and math professor on NM Covid-19 pandemic response Dr. Helen Wearing, a UNM professor in the biology and math departments, was interviewed by the New York Times about her opinion on New Mexico’s work against the Covid-19 pandemic. Wearing’s interests focus on “theoretical biology and disease ecology; using mathematical and statistical approaches to […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Siobhán Mattison
Anthropology professor publishes a paper on high-altitude health Dr. Siobhán M. Mattison, an assistant professor in the UNM Department of Anthropology, has published a paper on how high-altitude adaptations mitigate risk of chronic disease. The paper was published in the American Journal of Physical Anthropology April 1, 2020 under the title “High-altitude adaptations mitigate […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Sonia Gipson Rankin
Law professor looks at protections if AI software for correctional system is hacked University of New Mexico Law Professor Sonia Gipson Rankin combines her computer science and law training to research the protections in place if software used in the legal system is potentially hacked. Her work has recently been featured on a local news […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Jose Cerrato
Engineering Professor selected for Fulbright award in Spain Dr. Jose Cerrato, Associate Professor in the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, has been selected for a Fulbright award to Spain to study the detection of arsenic. The Fulbright Program is devoted to increasing mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Susan Bogus Halter
Engineering Professor awarded NAHB Outstanding Educator of the Year Dr. Susan Bogus Halter, professor of civil, construction, and environmental engineering, was named the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) Outstanding Educator of the Year at the International Builders Show (IBS) conference in January 2020. “After working in industry for 10 years, I made the decision […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Laura Crossey
UNM Earth and Planetary Science professor named AAAS fellow The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) named University of New Mexico Earth and Planetary Science Professor Dr. Laura Crossey as one of their 2019 fellows. “It is truly a highlight,” Crossey said. “I have had other recognitions from my discipline, such as being […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Corinne Myers
Earth and planetary science professor earned grant to research the last mass extinction Dr. Corinne Myers, assistant professor in the department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, received a $284,662 grant from the National Science Foundation to research the ecological, evolutionary, and paleoenvironmental changes that occurred during the last mass extinction, about 66 million years ago. […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Catherine R. Rhodes
New UNM assistant professor studies how contemporary Yucatec Maya speakers are using their language to study linguistics UNM Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology, Dr. Catherine R. Rhodes, is studying the relationships between language and processes of social identification, working specifically with Yucatec Maya speakers in Mexico. “In Mexico, the Yucatec Maya […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Kristina Yu
Associate professor of UNM architecture and planning studies how to build functional and long-lasting buildings Kristina Yu, an associate professor of architecture and planning at UNM works with different materials and practices, such as admixtures in concrete and photovoltaic integrated layering, to find construction methods that allow people to assemble longer-lasting buildings. “Currently, I […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Jaime Stearns
Associated professor at UNM researches better ways to track satellites with the Air Force Research Lab Dr. Jaime Stearns, associated professor of chemistry and chemical biology at UNM, works for the Air Force Research Lab to find better ways to track satellites as space gets more crowded. “There is so much opportunity for nations and […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Maria Lane
UNM historical geographer set to publish book on water management Associate professor and chair of the Department of Geography and Environmental Studies Dr. Maria Lane is set to publish a new book on New Mexico water management. “I’m interested in how people, communities, governments have produced environmental knowledge and made decisions about environmental management […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Renia Ehrenfeucht
UNM professor’s research focuses on how people are responding to rapid environmental changes Dr. Renia Ehrenfeucht, professor of community and regional planning at UNM, is investigating how climate change affects people and communities. Her current project is funded by The Water Institute of the Gulf. It is focused on assisting implementing Louisiana’s coastal master […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Sherry Nelson
UNM associate professor of anthropology studies changes in the fossil record to investigate the evolution of apes and humans Dr. Sherry Nelson, associate professor of anthropology, is currently researching the interaction of climatic, vegetation, and faunal changes in the fossil record. These changes give indications to the ecological requirements for changes in body size, brain […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Heather Canavan
UNM chemical and biological engineering faculty member promoted to professor Dr. Heather Canavan was recently promoted to professor of chemical and biological engineering at UNM. Canavan attributes her promotion to her group’s hard work over the years that culminated in 2018. She received the Women in STEM Award, she won the UNM Outstanding Teacher of […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Naomi Shin and Dr. Jill P. Morford
UNM linguists collaborate on project to evaluate multilingual/multicultural children’s performance on standardized tests Two linguists at UNM have recently won a McCune Award for their collaborative project to promote multilingual/multicultural competencies in children being raised by families in New Mexico. Dr. Naomi Shin is an associate professor of linguistics and Spanish and Portuguese and Dr. […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Rosa Vallejos
UNM linguist utilizes multiple grants for Amazonia research UNM associate professor of linguistics Dr. Rosa Vallejos was recently funded by the National Science Foundation/ National Endowment for the Humanities for her grammatical research of Secoya (sey), an Amazonian language. Linguistic research has found that human languages have dedicated mechanisms of specifying information about shape, […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Francesca Cavallo
Professor awarded grant for work on vacuum electronic devices Dr. Francesca Cavallo, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at UNM with an appointment at the Center for High Technology Materials, has been awarded a three-year, $860,000 grant from the Airforce Office of Scientific Research to establish a radical new concept for scaling the […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Diana Dragomir
New research assistant professor in UNM Physics and Astronomy studies composition, atmospheres and orbits of exoplanets in our galaxy Dr. Diana Dragomir will join UNM as a new research assistant professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy in August 2019. In August 2020, she will be a tenure-track assistant professor. Dragomir’s research focuses on […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Michael Lechuga
New Communication and Journalism faculty member to research migrant communities Dr. Michael Lechuga is joining the University of New Mexico Department of Communication and Journalism in August 2019 to research and teach Latinx communications. “I grew up in El Paso, so for me, coming back to the Southwest is a bit of a […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Ellen Martinson
New professor in UNM Biology to begin new lab studying wasp venom next year Dr. Ellen Martinson is joining the University of New Mexico Biology Department as an assistant professor in January 2020. “Overall, I just want to become a happy and productive member of the Biology department. I hope to do good […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Liping Yang
UNM Geography and Environmental Studies department welcomes new faculty to study data-driven analytics in geographic information science Dr. Liping Yang will be joining the University of New Mexico Geography and Environmental Studies department as an assistant professor in January 2020. According to her personal website, she is passionate about data-driven analytics in geographic […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Elizabeth Korver-Glenn
Dr. Elizabeth Korver-Glenn named a 2019 Women in STEM award winner UNM Assistant Professor Dr. Elizabeth Korver-Glenn of the Department of Sociology has been recognized as a 2019 Women in STEM award winner for her research proposal “Experiences of Rental Housing and Property Management in Albuquerque.” According to Korver-Glenn, this research will bring to light how historically […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Frances Hayashida
UNM associate professor of anthropology promoted to professor of anthropology in summer 2019 Dr. Frances Hayashida was recently promoted to professor of anthropology at UNM. Hayashida is an archaeologist who studies water, land, politics, and culture in arid environments in the Andes. “I study what happens to local people and landscapes following imperial (Inka) […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Hannah Mattson
Women in STEM award winner heads the archaeological investigation of Ancestral Pueblo farming settlements Dr. Hannah Mattson, 2019 Women in STEM winner and assistant professor in the Department of Anthropology, is heading up a project for the archaeological investigation of Ancestral Pueblo farming settlements associated with the Tonque Pueblo. Along with her Women in STEM […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Manuel Montoya
Dr. Manuel Montoya, an associate professor in the Anderson School of Management, is leading a student group on campus to publishing their second book focused on conflicts linked to mineral mining. “So much of our consumption is connected to armed conflict and human exploitation,” Montoya said. “This book is going to connect with major […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Anna Skripka
UNM math professor awarded prize to conduct research at Cornell University Dr. Anna Skripka, University of New Mexico associate professor in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, was awarded the Ruth I. Michler Memorial Prize by the Association for Women in Mathematics. The prize aims to enable women recently promoted to associate professor to […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Sakineh Chabi
Dr. Sakineh Chabi named a 2019 Women in STEM award winner Dr. Sakineh Chabi, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at UNM, has been recognized as a 2019 Women in STEM award winner for her research proposal “Design and Synthesis of Artificial Leaf for Solar Fuel Generation.” As we enter a period where renewable energy […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Christine Le
Dr. Christine Le joins UNM’s department of chemistry and chemical biology Dr. Christine Le will be joining the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology as a new assistant professor in fall 2019. Originally a postdoctoral researcher at UC Berkeley, Le brings her knowledge and interest in reaction and catalyst development to UNM’s campus where her […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Tamar Ginossar
UNM C&J professor named a UNM Presidential Teaching Fellow Associate Department Chair and Associate Professor of Communication and Journalism Dr. Tamar Ginossar has been recognized as a UNM Presidential Teaching Fellow effective 2019 – 2021. According UNM’s Center for Teaching Excellence website, the fellowship,“promotes excellence in teaching by establishing a core group of faculty […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Kuppu Iyengar
UNM architecture professor honored with Regents’ Professorship Professor of Architecture Kuppaswamy Iyengar has earned the prestigious regents’ professorship title effective 2019 – 2021. The School of Architecture and Planning (SA+P) dean and leadership team awarded Iyengar the title; Iyengar in 2015 received the regents’ lectureship. Together they choose a regents’ professor and regents’ lecturer […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Patricia Crown
UNM Anthropology professor awarded prestigious fellowship Dr. Patricia Crown has been awarded the School for Advanced Research (SAR) Weatherhead Resident Scholar Fellowship effective 2019-2020. The (SAR) Weatherhead Resident Scholar Fellowship awards nine months of housing in Santa Fe and a stipend for the researcher while they complete a book, manuscript, or dissertation. “In […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Megan Osborne
UNM research assistant tasked to do a genetic assessment of a native New Mexican fish Dr. Megan Osborne, a University of New Mexico research assistant in the Department of Biology, was awarded more than $12,000 in December by the New Mexico Game and Fish Department to do a genetic assessment of the Chihuahua Chub, a […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Jacob Vigil
UNM professor founds research fund to conduct new and innovative cannabis research University of New Mexico Psychology Associate Professor Jacob Vigil is leading the push for conducting new cannabis research at the university. In 2016, he founded the Medical Cannabis Research Fund (MCRF) to support innovative and multidisciplinary studies in marijuana. “At the end of […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Eirini Eleni Tsiropoulou
UNM faculty chosen to present research at the 2019 IEEE International Conference on Computer Communications Dr. Eirini Eleni Tsiropoulou from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering has been selected as a panelist to participate in the 2019 IEEE International Conference on Computer Communications (IEEE INFOCOM 2019). IEEE INFOCOM is a highly ranked conference with […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Angela Wandinger-Ness
UNM professor receives the STC Innovation Fellow Award Dr. Angela Wandinger-Ness’ work on ovarian cancer research recently received the 2019 Supporting Technology Transfer and Catalyzing Economic Development at UNM Award (STC.UNM). According to Wandinger-Ness, current ovarian cancer therapies are limited by heavy reliance on chemotherapies and have remained largely unchanged for 30 years. Her aspirations […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Darcy Barron
Dr. Darcy Barron named a 2019 Women in STEM award winner UNM Assistant Professor Dr. Darcy Barron of the Physics and Astronomy Department has been recognized as a 2019 Women in STEM award winner for her research proposal, “Improving Physics Retention Rates through Early Undergraduate Research Experiences at UNM.” “This award is seed funding […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Maryam Hojati
New UNM assistant professor’s research focuses on developing sustainable construction practices through 3D-printing UNM Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering, Dr. Maryam Hojati is hoping to alter the construction industry by utilizing additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D-printing in sustainable projects. “AM with a specialized process for 3D-printing […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Siobhán Mattison
UNM professor hired as rotator in the National Science Foundation Cultural Anthropology Program University of New Mexico Assistant Professor Dr. Siobhán Mattison was recently hired as a rotator for the National Science Foundation (NSF) Cultural Anthropology Program, where she will serve as a program director. “I’m very excited by this opportunity. Obviously, it’s going to […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Felisa Smith
UNM biologist studies body size of animals to analyze loss of biodiversity Dr. Felisa Smith, a professor in the Department of Biology at UNM, heads up a collaborative research team investigating the ecological consequences of the late Pleistocene extinction of large-bodied mammals in North America. “Today, the majority of large-bodied mammals around […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Elizabeth Yeater
UNM psychologist earns prestigious standing among the American Psychological Association Dr. Elizabeth Yeater, an associate professor of psychology, has been elected president of Division 12, the division dedicated to clinical psychology of the American Psychological Association (APA). The APA is “the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States, with more […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Meeko Oishi
UNM professor to serve with highly selective study group Dr. Meeko Oishi, a UNM associate professor and regents’ lecturer in the department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, has been selected to participate in the highly prestigious and selective 2020-2021 Defense Science Study Group. The Defense Science Study Group (DSSG) is a Defence Advanced Research Project […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Dr. Katie Witkiewitz and Dr. Brandi Fink
A proposal selected for the UNM Research Grand Challenges aims to reduce the amount of substance use disorders in New Mexico. Dr. Katie Witkiewitz, a Regents’ Professor in the Department of Psychology, and Dr. Brandi Fink, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, proposed this research and have composed a plan […] Read More

STEM Shoutout: Caroline Scruggs
Regents’ lecturer announced for the School of Architecture and Planning Dr. Caroline Scruggs, an Associate Professor in the School of Architecture and Planning, was selected for the Regents’ Lectureship through the 2020-2021 school year. Scruggs earned a Master of Science degree in Environmental Engineering from Virginia Tech and a PhD in Interdisciplinary Environment and Resources […] Read More