Good afternoon Lobos –

The University of New Mexico is proud to be our state’s premier Research 1 university—one of only 187 R1 institutions in the nation. This means that research is at the very foundation of our university’s mission. We’ve made a habit of looking at, and engaging with, the world differently--and our research is as diverse and as innovative as The University of New Mexico itself. Almost daily, we see our Lobo researchers—faculty, staff, and students—leading exciting new initiatives and making the kinds of groundbreaking discoveries that change lives, and our world, for the better.

For example, a seven-year study led by UNM Biology Distinguished Professor Scott Collins, alongside national and international partners, explored how grasslands respond to prolonged drought. Surprisingly, grass species in North America shifted rather than declined, demonstrating resilience to dry conditions, while grasslands overseas continued to deteriorate. These findings, published in Nature, provide crucial insights for land and water conservation, a matter we take seriously as an institution.

With March Madness just around the corner--and sports betting now legal in 38 states--what are some of the unexpected risks involved with state-sanctioned gambling? That’s the question taken on by UNM Psychology and CASAA Professor Joshua Grubbs, who recently published a JAMA Psychiatry study examining the link between sports betting and alcohol consumption.

Tracking 4,000 Americans over two years, his research found that increased sports gambling correlates with heavier drinking and alcohol-related problems. As advertising and ease of access grow, Grubbs calls for greater awareness, regulation, and research to mitigate these risks.

Over at The University of New Mexico Comprehensive Cancer Center, Dr. Michelle Ozbun and Dr. Jason McConville are pioneering a topical gel that could intercept HPV-related cancers before they develop. HPVs cause nearly 5% of cancers worldwide, but no antiviral treatments exist—yet. With a $4 million grant from the National Cancer Institute, Dr. Ozbun and her team are bringing hope for a new, easier, and more accessible treatment against HPV-related cancers.

Once again, we’ve just made research personal—and on Wednesday, Vice President for Research Ellen Fisher will tell you more about the accomplishments of our Lobo researchers as she delivers her 4th annual State of UNM Research presentation, celebrating innovation and the spirit of collaboration that leads to the groundbreaking research that defines The University of New Mexico. Immediately following her presentation will be a town hall panel discussion and Q & A with some key members of UNM’s leadership team, including Vice President for Research Ellen Fisher, Executive Vice President for Student Affairs & Provost James Holloway, Executive Vice President for Health Sciences Mike Richards, and Vice President for Health Sciences Research Hengameh Raissy. The presentation begins at 4 p.m. in PAIS 1100, but space is limited, so please register in advance for the in-person presentation (and if you prefer to attend the event online, you can register here). You can also submit any questions you might have for the panel in advance.

Men’s Hoops, Women’s Track and Field Clinch Mountain West Titles

Last week was an exciting week for Lobo athletics as two of our teams clinched Mountain West titles. Last Friday night, with an 81-67 win over UNLV, the men’s basketball team capped a regular season record of 25-6 by taking sole possession of the Mountain West regular season title, their first since 2013. They’ll head into this week’s Mountain West conference tournament in Las Vegas as the number one seed.

Meanwhile, our women’s track and field team won its first Mountain West title in more than a decade, pulling away from the competition in decisive fashion at the Mountain West Indoor Track & Field Championships here in Albuquerque. Habtom Samuel was named the Mountain West Outstanding Track Performer of the Meet for the second year in a row, and UNM Head Coach Darren Gauson earned his first Mountain West Women’s Track Coach of the Year. Five Lobos will now be competing at the 2025 NCAA Indoor Track & Field Championships on March 14-15 in Virginia Beach. Habtom Samuel and Ishmael Kipkurui will compete in the 3,000m and 5,000m, Brodie Young will compete in the 400m, Pamela Kosgei will race in the women’s 3,000m and 5,000m, and Collins Kiprotich will run in the men’s mile.

Congratulations, Lobos! We’re so proud of you.

Updated Website on Guidance

I want to take a moment to assure you again that we are continuing to monitor and review federal executive communications that may have an impact on The University of New Mexico community. Our rapid response teams are committed to providing guidance and information based on specific and actionable federal requirements. It can be a daunting task, as information and speculation often seem to go hand in hand, but we are continuing to update our provisional guidance in real time, so please check back regularly.