SW New Mexico News

New Mexico State University (NMSU) is advancing towards becoming an R1-designated research institution by 2025, while surpassing its research expenditure goals. Preliminary data from the National Science Foundation’s Higher Education Research and Development (HERD) Survey indicates that NMSU has achieved $141 million in research expenditures for 2024, with significant growth seen in biological and biomedical sciences.

Luis Cifuentes, NMSU vice president of research, creativity, and economic development, stated: "Behind this exciting HERD number are talented, hard-working, creativity faculty, students and staff who have overperformed on a key performance indicator in our LEADS 2025 Strategic Plan."

Additional notable increases were reported in chemistry and biochemistry, Extension animal resources, and the Research Cores Program at NMSU. The Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry has added eight new tenure-track faculty members since 2020. Shelly Lusetti, department head and professor, remarked: “Embracing a fresh approach to rebuilding... enabled us to attract dynamic, accomplished scientists who share our values.”

Other departments within the College of Arts and Sciences have also experienced substantial gains in research spending. These include computer science, geology, government, math, and physics departments which saw increases between 41% to 200%.

Geology professor Frank Ramos secured a $4.8 million grant from the Department of Energy for workforce training at National Laboratories. Geology department head Eric Ferre credits Ramos' success to his reputation in isotope geochemistry.

Computer science department head Son Tran highlighted increased visibility among minority-serving institutions as a factor contributing to their growth.

Government department head Neil Harvey noted that global issues have contributed to their success: “Our tenured and newly hired faculty have been successful... on issues concerning energy and environmental policy."

John Harding from mathematics acknowledged junior faculty's recent successes.

Physics department head Stefan Zollner pointed out the impact of new faculty members on departmental achievements.

Interim Provost Lakshmi Reddi emphasized NMSU’s commitment: “NMSU’s growth in research expenditures underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence.” As NMSU approaches R1 status, efforts will focus on sustaining momentum across various fields.

Cifuentes confirmed that current expenditures exceed baseline requirements for R1 institutions. He noted the increase in post-doctoral fellows and expanded doctoral programs as indicators of NMSU's robust research enterprise.

The university aims to maintain STEM expenditures while increasing those in non-STEM areas as part of its strategic goals towards R1 designation.