Good afternoon Lobos –

The State of New Mexico and UNM have long been global leaders in scientific discovery—from our state’s pivotal role at the beginning of the atomic age to our university’s innovative thinking on Artificial Intelligence--and now, together, we are stepping boldly into the quantum future. The New Mexico Economic Development Department has announced a $25 million investment to create a cutting-edge quantum venture studio in partnership with Roadrunner Venture Studios. At the heart of this initiative is the Quantum New Mexico Institute (QNM-I)—a collaboration between The University of New Mexico, Sandia National Laboratories, and Los Alamos National Laboratory—which will be a primary partner in this exciting new venture.

The new QNM-I headquarters at the Roadrunner facility will bring together Lobo researchers with national lab scientists, pioneering startups, and investors to accelerate breakthrough quantum technologies. It will also help create high-value jobs, advance innovation, and spark a thriving technology district in downtown Albuquerque. This transformative investment builds on UNM’s decades of expertise in quantum science, all while creating new opportunities for our students, faculty, and partners.

By connecting world-class research to entrepreneurial growth, the Quantum New Mexico Institute positions our state—and The University of New Mexico--as a hub of discovery and a driver of critical economic development. Together, we’re not just imagining the quantum future; we’re building it right here in New Mexico.

Lobo Professors Bring Chicano Art Legacy to Light

A remarkable project seven years in the making has come to life at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, thanks to the vision and scholarship of Lobo professors Irene Vásquez and Ray Hernández-Durán. Their new exhibition, Voces Del Pueblo: Artists of the Levantamiento Chicano in New Mexico, highlights the work of six groundbreaking Chicana and Chicano artists who helped shape the state’s activist and artistic landscape. Featuring paintings, murals, textiles, and more, the exhibit brings long-overdue recognition to these influential voices. With support from UNM Press and an upcoming catalog, the project ensures their legacy will inspire future generations. The exhibition runs through February 2026.

Grand Challenges Day Showcases UNM Research Excellence

Since its launch in 2018, UNM’s Grand Challenges program has been bringing together researchers, faculty, staff, and students from across disciplines to tackle the most pressing problems facing New Mexico--and the world. As the state’s premier Research 1 institution, UNM is home to the expertise, creativity, and collaboration needed to address issues ranging from child health and energy transition to sustainability and artificial intelligence. On Friday, September 12, UNM’s Grand Challenges Day will showcase this bold spirit of discovery starting at 1 p.m. in Student Union Building Ballroom C. The program will feature a panel on private funding opportunities, highlight progress from existing Level 1 and 2 teams, and celebrate our six newest Level 1 teams. The event is free and open to the community, offering a chance to connect, share ideas, and join the work of creating solutions with far-reaching impact.

UNM’s Schwoebel Lab Team Transforms Breast Cancer Detection

The University of New Mexico’s Schwoebel Lab has received a $1.56 million award from the National Cancer Institute to develop a groundbreaking X-ray system that could transform breast cancer detection. Led by Research Professor Paul Schwoebel in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, the team is pioneering a stationary two-dimensional X-ray source for digital breast tomosynthesis (3D mammography). This innovation promises clearer images, faster scans, reduced patient discomfort, and lower costs—expanding access to life-saving screening technology. The project builds on years of NIH-funded research at UNM and includes collaborations with MD Anderson Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins, and UC Davis. By leading this effort, UNM continues to push the frontiers of medical imaging while training the next generation of scientists.

Advancing Digital Accessibility at UNM

Digital accessibility has long been a priority at The University of New Mexico, and now a new federal rule is accelerating this work nationwide. On April 24, 2024, the Department of Justice issued new requirements under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act mandating that all public universities ensure their websites and mobile apps are fully accessible by April 2026.

At UNM, this effort is already well underway. Guided by the principle that “Everyone’s a Lobo” and “Each of Us Defines All of Us,” the University has adopted the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, Level AA, for all digital platforms. Additionally, a new Digital Accessibility Committee—bringing together IT, CEEO, CTL, UNM Online, UCAM, ARC, branch campuses, and faculty—has been formed to coordinate compliance and training. Working together, we’re ensuring that every member of our community can fully engage in and with UNM’s digital presence.

Nominations Open for 2025 ACE Awards

Do you know a colleague who sets the standard for ethical leadership at UNM? Each year, the University honors four individuals with the ACE Awards—recognizing those who exemplify Advancing Compliance and Ethics and help create a healthy, trustworthy, and supportive workplace and learning environment. Nominations for the 2025 ACE Awards are now open and will be accepted through Friday, September 19, 2025. Winners will be selected by the ACE Award Committee and celebrated at a special event alongside nominees and compliance partners. This is a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on colleagues who embody integrity and guide others in doing the right thing.

Join Me for the Annual Campus Safety Walk

Each year, as a part of our annual Campus Safety Week activities, I invite you to join me to walk the Albuquerque campus together, as we identify places where better lighting or pruning can make our campus safer. This year’s walk is tomorrow night, Tuesday, September 9. To join the walk, please meet me at the Atrium of the Student Union Building starting at 6:30 p.m.--and I look forward to seeing you.

Lobo Football Marks First Win of Eck Era; Soccer, Volleyball Start Strong

It’s been an exciting few weeks for Lobo Athletics, with plenty to celebrate. First, congratulations to our Lobo football team for their first win under head coach Jason Eck, with a thrilling 32-22 victory over Idaho State this weekend at University Stadium. Our team takes on UCLA on the road this Friday, then returns home to University Stadium for the interstate rivalry game against New Mexico State University (NMSU) at 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 27. Come out and get loud for a new era of Lobo football!

Next, our soccer team remains undefeated on the season, standing at 4-0-2 after this past weekend’s win over NMSU, with many of our home-grown athletes leading the way. The win over the Aggies extends the winning streak of Lobo Coach Heather Dyche, who earned her 100th win at UNM with a victory two weeks ago over Oregon. And for her strong performance on the field against the Ducks, Lobo freshman Savannah Sanchez was named the Mountain West Freshman of the Week. Up next: a road game at UC Santa Barbara on Thursday.

Finally, congratulations to the Lobo volleyball team, which remains undefeated at 6-0—their best start since 2021—following their road win over Prairie View A&M over the weekend. Additionally, Lobos Madeleine Miller and Addison France were named the Mountain West Defensive Player and Freshman of the Week, respectively, the first weekly conference honor for both Lobos and the first of the season for UNM. The volleyball team plays three on the road, starting with Portland State on Thursday, before returning home to take on NMSU on Tuesday, September 16, in Johnson Gym.