Good afternoon Lobos –

In recent weeks, the Lobo community has been shaken by acts of violence in and around our campus neighborhood. I want to address directly the tragic death that occurred near the Frontier Restaurant last week, which has touched our community deeply. The University of New Mexico extends its sincere condolences to the victim's family and loved ones.

We are aware that three currently enrolled UNM students are among those charged in connection with this crime. We are cooperating fully with the Albuquerque Police Department and will continue to do so as the investigation moves forward.

The conduct alleged in this case is deeply troubling and wholly inconsistent with the values of this university and our community. As someone who not only works on campus but also lives here, I share the very real impact of a horrific event that has hit too close to home. We are reviewing the situation carefully with the Albuquerque Police Department and will take appropriate actions through our established university processes.

The safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff remain The University of New Mexico’s highest priority. UNM has continued to invest significantly in campus safety enhancements, with new improvements still underway—including security gates to better control evening access to campus from Central Avenue and the opening of a new UNM Police Station on our campus this summer. But make no mistake--there is always more to be done. We also understand that safety is not achieved through any single action, but through ongoing partnerships, compassion and a shared commitment to caring for one another across our campus community. Let’s continue to look out for one another, Lobos. It matters.

Two Lobos Earn Prestigious Goldwater Scholarships

The University of New Mexico is celebrating two outstanding students, Adrienne Garcia and Richard Justice, who have been named 2026 Goldwater Scholars — one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for undergraduate students pursuing careers in science, engineering and mathematics research. Selected from a highly competitive national pool of 1,485 nominees, Garcia and Justice exemplify the curiosity, determination and academic excellence that define our Lobo community. Garcia, a chemical engineering major with a focus on bioengineering, and Justice, a biochemistry major researching prenatal alcohol exposure and brain health, are both pursuing paths toward advanced research careers. Congratulations to these remarkable Lobos on this notable achievement.

UNM Leadership in Ebola Response



This past week, just days after the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, Project ECHO at The University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center partnered with the World Health Organization to respond to the emergency and held an open access learning session for medical providers throughout the region and around the world, providing life-saving expertise and guidance in a time of crisis. The session brought together over 1,700 providers from 98 countries. This rapid response to a public health emergency showcases the continued leadership of UNM as a leading institution for healthcare worldwide.

Graduate Students Showcase Research Excellence Across UNM



Nearly 100 UNM graduate and professional students recently shared their innovative research during the 2026 Graduate Poster Showcase at the Student Union Building, highlighting the remarkable breadth of discovery taking place across our university. Representing 34 departments and five schools and colleges, students presented work spanning health care, engineering, climate resilience, education, technology and the social sciences. This year’s newly expanded format featured 13 topical research tracks, creating even more opportunities for students to connect across disciplines and engage with faculty, peers and community judges. From advancing cancer treatments and environmental solutions to exploring Indigenous pedagogies and public health challenges, our graduate students continue to demonstrate the talent, creativity and impact that define UNM research.

UNM Researcher Leads Effort to Combat Space Science Misinformation


As public interest in asteroids, comets and planetary defense continues to grow, UNM researchers are helping ensure that science and facts remain at the center of the conversation. Research Professor Mark Boslough recently led an international study examining how misinformation spreads about Near-Earth Objects, space impacts and planetary defense, and why accurate communication is critical to public safety and global decision-making. Published in Meteoritics and Planetary Science, the study outlines strategies for strengthening scientific literacy and countering false narratives amplified through social media and emerging technologies. I’m proud of the work that’s being done, which reflects UNM’s ongoing leadership in advancing research that informs, protects and benefits communities around the world.

Lobo Basbeall Season Comes to an End

UNM Baseball went into its postseason play riding strong momentum, with four Lobos earning All-Mountain West honors ahead of the conference tournament. Ryan Castillo was named First Team All-Conference, while Akili Carris, Khalil Walker and Cooper Corkrean earned Second Team recognition, marking the third consecutive year that four or more Lobos have received all-conference honors. The Lobos won their first MW Tournament game since 2017 on Thursday night with a 13-4 rout of No. 4 seed Nevada – their third win in a row – but dropped back-to-back matchups to No. 1 seed San Diego State and No. 3 seed Air Force the following two days to conclude their postseason run. At the conclusion of the tournament, second baseman Luke Mansy and pitcher Ryan Castillo were both named to the All-Tournament team for their efforts. UNM Baseball finished the 2026 season with a 29-24-1 record and a 12-11-1 mark in Mountain West games. Congratulations to Coach Tod Brown, his staff, and our entire Lobo baseball team on another exciting season.

It’s Official: Haptom Samuel is the Fastest Man in the World in the 5K in 2026

New Mexico’s Habtom Samuel continues to redefine excellence on the track. Competing against a world-class field at the LA Track Fest this past weekend, the Lobo junior ran a remarkable 12:57.23 in the men’s 5,000 meters—the fastest time in the world this year, a new collegiate record and a new Eritrean national record. Habtom now owns the three fastest outdoor 5,000-meter performances in NCAA history and became the only athlete in the race to break the 13-minute mark. His determination, humility and competitive spirit embody the very best of Lobo Athletics, and we look forward to cheering him and our 25 Lobo runners on as they head into the NCAA Championships in June. Photo credit: Paul Merca