New Mexico State University
Research, Creativity and Economic Development

Welcome to Fall Semester 2025! 

The Office of Research, Creativity, and Economic Development welcomes everyone back to campus for the start of Fall 2025. The Research Digest is published quarterly but RCED is working on many exciting updates this semester. Look for addditional RCED news via NMSU Hotline. 

News from Research Administration: Monitoring Federal Activity and Thank You, DC

By Ms. Alisha Giron, Associate Vice President, Research Administration

NMSU researchers continue to submit proposals and receive awards despite the uncertain federal funding environment. Research Administration Services (RAS) development and pre-award teams report a very busy summer. So thank you, researchers, for your determination while gambling with insecurity. We are regularly reviewing the communication that comes out of every major sector (i.e., sponsors, professional organizations) in preparation of potential twists and turns but thankfully, there isn’t anything new at this time. We are, however, anxiously awaiting news on a few flagship NMSU programs funded by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Education; new allocations of funding have been delayed and without any legitimate guarantee. RAS continues to maintain open, frequent interaction with points of contact to ensure timely receipt and dissemination of information. We are still awaiting the outcome of discussions concerning potential capped indirect costs as well as proposed additional oversight of federal grant making by the U.S. presidential administration.  

In closing, summer is ending and that means that Luis Cifuentes’ last few work days at NMSU are upon us. DC, as many of us call him, has been a tour de force for how we cultivated and celebrated research at this great institution over the last seven years. I am personally grateful for his forward-looking leadership and bold dedication to the mission while serving as our Vice President for Research. 

News from Infrastructure and Partnerships: Listening and Responding

By Dr. Tanner Schaub, Assistant Vice President for Research

After a busy summer, the Infrastructure and Partnerships unit has many high-impact efforts taking shape. This week we hosted senior leaders from Fujitsu Japan. With participation from the President, Provost, VPs, Deans, and faculty from across all colleges, NMSU showed that we are serious about partnership and Fujitsu feedback has been very positive. A collaboration would be transformative, positioning NMSU at the forefront of edge computing, IoT, remote sensing, and smart agriculture. Don't miss the upcoming State of the Science on Water at the Las Cruces Convention Center on August 26 to see how NMSU is tackling water issues head-on.

As part of President Ferme’s Impact Tour, I visited 33 counties across the state. Two research needs emerged:  we need to address water challenges in every corner of the state, and nearly all sectors have high demand for applied AI and high-end computing. 

Another outcome of the tour is opening our doors to future researchers. On that front, I’ve committed the research office to helping coordinate visits for 4-H and FFA groups, giving students the chance to see our Research Cores facilities and college/departmental labs such as the impressive facilities in Chemistry and Biochemistry, the Non-Destructive Testing Lab, The Applied Exercise Physiology Lab and Biomechanics Labs, and the Aggie Innovation Space.Please contact Assistant VPR Dr. Tanner Schaub (tschaub@nmsu.edu) if you’d like to join us on any of these topics.  

Finally, RCED welcomes Dr. Amy Wagler, NMSU’s inaugural Director of Research Computing and Data Science. Her leadership will expand our capacity in HPC, AI/ML, and data infrastructure, taking Research Computing at NMSU to a new level. We also advanced our collaboration with VDURA, which could bring new data storage capabilities and opportunities to campus (see the press release here).

Cost-Share Funding Available through State of New Mexico

By Dr. Tanner Schaub, Assistant Vice President for Research

Faculty seeking cost-share opportunities should be aware of two major state-level programs: the  Technology Enhancement Fund and the New Mexico Match Fund.

Current guidance for TEF notes that matching funds can be requested for pending or upcoming proposals that require cost share, institutional commitment, or similar language—seeking TEF funding is an excellent opportunity to strengthen proposals. The NM Match Fund is strictly for required cost share, and is an excellent opportunity for commitments with a short turnaround time. The NM Match Fund is administered on a rolling basis to help New Mexico entities leverage federal funding for research, infrastructure, and economic development.

Faculty are encouraged to contact Assistant VPR Dr. Tanner Schaub (tschaub@nmsu.edu) with questions about either program.

News from the Arrowhead Center

By Ms. Dana Catron, Deputy Director, Arrowhead Center

In July 2025, the National Science Foundation announced the Energized Watershed Engine as one of 29 semifinalists for the Regional Innovation Engines competition. The Energized Watershed Engine is led by University of New Mexico and NMSU is involved through Arrowhead Center, College of Engineering and College of ACES. The purpose of the Energized Watershed Engine is to develop and commercialize technologies that decrease the cost or reduce the use of processed water, increase water supply resilience, and increase  access to low-cost water. The team was awarded a $1M NSF Engine Development Award in 2024 and recently participated in a Virtual Site Visit with NSF as part of the ongoing competition. For more information, visit: https://news.unm.edu/news/unm-led-team-selected-as-semifinalist-in-2025-nsf-engines-program

In August 2025, a study of Spaceport America’s Economic Impact over the last six years was released. The study was prepared by Arrowhead Center and Center for Border Economic Development and builds upon an initial study completed in 2022. The study analyzed economic impacts generated by Spaceport America’s operations, its tenants, and related visitor spending. For more information, visit: https://www.spaceportamerica.com/six-year-economic-impact-study/

New Mexico Space Grant Consortium Welcomes New Staff

By Dr. Paulo Oemig, Director, New Mexico Space Grant Consortium

In addition to a brand-new logo, the New Mexico Space Grant Consortium (NMSGC) has welcomed a new Program Manager & Program Specialist: Ms. Estela Luz Heredia and Ms. Victoria Alfonzo-Westphal.

Estela Heredia has worked for NMSU since 2011. During her employment she completed a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. Ms. Heredia worked for several private practice attorneys in Las Cruces before joining NMSU. Ms. Heredia has worked for NMSU in Procurement Services, the College of Arts and Sciences Advising Center, University Registrar, University Accounts Receivable, and University General Counsel. Ms. Heredia joined the NMSGC office earlier this year as Program Manager.

Though Victoria Alfonzo-Westphal is a new NMSU employee, she has been an Aggie since 2016. She received her bachelor's in Psychology and a minor in Counseling and Educational Psychology (2020) and is currently enrolled in NMSU’s E.D.S. School Psychology program. Ms. Alfonzo-Westphal has previously worked as an educational assistant at Zia Middle School. She joined the NMSGC team as Program Specialist in July and is excited to contribute to enhancing student and faculty education and research.

Fall 2025 Grants Workshops and Information Sessions

Understanding the 2025 Funding Landscape

Wednesday, October 15 from 3:30-4:30 pm OR Friday, October 17 from 11am-12pm

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This information session will discuss current issues in the 2025 funding landscape, including changes to private and public funding, new federal funding rules, internal funding resources, and recommended strategies for seeking funding in our current context.

Read the RfP in 10 Minutes: Pro Tips & Tricks 

Wednesday, November 12, 2:30-3:30pm OR Friday, November 14, 11:30-12:30

Milton Hall, room 50 (Teaching Academy)

Most grant proposal rejections occur because the proposal does not match the funder's priorities. In this hands-on workshop participants will learn how to quickly and effectively read requests for proposals (NOFO, RfP, etc.) to determine whether it’s worth the time to write a grant proposal. Participants should bring a funding opportunity relevant to their own research and/or outreach activities.

For further information, contact Allison Layfield at layfield@nmsu.edu

Grants & Coffee: Research in Community

By Dr. Allison Layfield, Proposal Development Specialist, RAS

Been meaning to write that grant (or article, or book)? Drop in for coffee and dedicate time to your research. Bring your headphones and zone out while you write or bring your questions to discuss with a proposal specialist. We provide the snacks and you bring your laptop.

There are two rules at write club: no emails and no grading!

Grants & Coffee sessions are for faculty only. 

September 12, 9-10:30 am, Gerald Thomas 297

November 17, 10-11:30am, Goddard Hall 200

For further information, contact Allison Layfield at layfield@nmsu.edu

Limited Submission Funding Opportunities

By Dr. Allison Layfield, Senior Proposal Development Specialist, RAS

Research Administration Services maintains a list of limited submission funding opportunities for NMSU research community. The list is accessible through a link on the Research website, through the Research Administration tab. NMSU users can also access the list directly on SharePoint.  We encourage NMSU researchers to periodically visit the site and if they are interested in any of the opportunities to please inform us by sending email to ras@nmsu.edu, subject line Limited Submission, and the name of the agency and the title of the funding opportunity in the body of the email.

Streamlyne FundFit: A Grant-Matching Resource

By Dr. Allison Layfield, Senior Proposal Development Specialist, RAS

NMSU now has access to the Streamlyne FundFit grant-matching tool, which matches grant-seekers to grant opportunities based on individualized researcher profiles. This tool helps faculty target grant opportunities relevant to their research and publications. Streamlyne FundFit will replace Pivot in October 2025.

Access FundFit using your NMSU login information here: https://fundfit.streamlyne.org/sso-login

FundFit training is also forthcoming through the RCED homepage: https://research.nmsu.edu/

Questions and comments regarding NMSU’s Research Digest should be directed to Dr. Allison Layfield at layfield@nmsu.edu, (575) 646-3110.