SW New Mexico News

Since 2021, Rebecca Torres has been a key member of the team working to ensure safety at New Mexico State University (NMSU). In addition to her role, she is pursuing a bachelor's degree in public health.

Torres serves as a program compliance specialist for NMSU's Environmental Health Safety & Risk Management (EHS&RM). Her responsibilities include assisting with the development and management of various programs aimed at maintaining safety across the university. These programs cover research and lab safety, chemical and waste management, occupational safety, risk management, environmental compliance, among others.

She provides administrative support to EHS&RM Executive Director Polly Saenz and collaborates with assistant directors to maintain the department's learning management system. Her tasks also involve updating safety trainings, managing reports on the EHS&RM website, processing permits for hazardous waste pick-up, and handling departmental communications.

Throughout her career, Torres has held various positions involving public interaction in service, retail, and medical fields. "Since I was in high school," she shared about her work experience. "I enjoy helping people."

Her decision to pursue further education aims to advance her career. She holds an associate degree and two professional certificates from Doña Ana Community College. "I am proud to know our department is doing what we can to keep the NMSU community safe," she said about her work motivation.

Torres plans to complete her bachelor's degree by 2026. Jagdish Khubchandani praised her contributions: “Rebecca is a practicing expert in environmental health who is taking classes with public health professors. The learning is bidirectional.”