Michael V. Martin
President

 

Vimal Desai Chaitanya
Vice President for Research, Graduate Studies and International Programs

Message from NMSU President Michael V.Martin and Vice President for Research Vimal Desai Chaitanya

In a time when climate change is underscoring the need for innovative ideas, the importance of relevant and responsible research cannot be overstated. Researchers at New Mexico State University are stepping up to the challenge, looking for new ways to address issues like efficient use of resources and alternative sources of fuel, whether by taking a fresh look at campuswide energy efficiency or by considering a most unlikely candidate – poplar trees grown at NMSU’s Agricultural Science Center at Farmington – as a supplemental feedstock for coalfired electrical power plants in the Four Corners.

We welcome readers to this third edition of Research & Resources magazine, an update on some of the leading research activities at the university, from high-performance computing and borderland air quality monitoring to development of a spacecraft material that could heal itself while in orbit.

As in past issues, readers will find a broad cross-section of research by NMSU scientists, including a study of an ancient breed of cattle that could bring some answers to modern-day challenges faced by ranchers. Another project is looking at the impact from a chemical widely used in plastic beverage and food containers that can disrupt cell division by interfering with a protein that is critical to the process. NMSU faculty, staff and researchers also are working to assist the next generation of scientists through the development of a statewide center dedicated to expanding and coordinating Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs in New Mexico.

We hope you enjoy this issue of Research & Resources magazine, and we believe the topics discussed here will contribute to the dialogue about critical issues of the day.