UNM News Minute #1,847

Travel is revived for Arabic language students in recent trip to Oman
For the first time since before the pandemic, seven students were able to participate in a two-week-long trip to Nizwa, Oman. Thanks to the opportunity provided by the Department of Languages, Cultures, & Literatures (LCL), students deepened their connection to the Arabic language and culture. As one of the oldest cities in Oman, Nizwa was once a hub for trade, religion, education, and art. With such a rich history, the students on the trip benefitted from the abundance of cultural experiences that Nizwa provided each day.

COEHS professors 'work out' the importance of physical educators
The role of a teacher is one that has been heralded and applauded for decades. It's not just the ones who come and help you at your desk, however, but the one who gets you out of it. UNM College of Education & Human Sciences (COEHS) faculty Karen Lux Gaudreault and Victoria N. Shiver, coordinators of the Physical Education Teacher Education (PETE) program, are bringing that spotlight to physical educators.

Workshop will delve deep into neuroscience
Students and teachers from all over New Mexico and the country, including San Juan College, will meet for the third annual three-day Neuroscience Workshop hosted by The University of New Mexico. The workshop is set for April 11-13 at San Juan College in Farmington and the UNM campus in Albuquerque. Mubarak Hussain Syed, assistant professor of Biology at UNM and head of the Syed Neural Diversity Lab, coordinated the workshop as part of his Pueblo Brain Science project.

On the Brinck Book Symposium brings authors to UNM School of Architecture + Planning
The School of Architecture + Planning (SA+P) recently hosted the first of two On the Brinck Book Awards symposia for the spring semester. Authors Rosetta S. Elkin and Whitney Martinko presented their award-winning books, followed by a discussion moderated by Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture Catherine Page Harris, who served as this year's coordinating juror.

UNM-Taos branch Lobos awarded national scholarships
Two students at UNM-Taos campus were recently awarded national scholarships that will allow each to pursue their dreams. Megan Beck was selected as a 2024 New Century Workforce Pathway Scholar, sponsored by the Coca-Cola Foundation, with additional support provided by Phi Theta Kappa. More than 2,200 applications were received and evaluated on academic achievement, leadership, service, and significant endeavors. Beck received the highest score in New Mexico. In addition, Colman Lee was selected as a 2024 Coca-Cola Academic Team Bronze Scholar and will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Building a student to colleague pipeline: UNM attends Educators Rising State Conference
"So just how worried are you all about going to college?" UNM sophomore and Elementary Education major Izzy (Isabelle) Reeves asked. This all-important question was directed to a conference session of approximately 50 future educators during the recent 9th Annual Educators Rising State Conference in Albuquerque. This year's state Educators Rising conference hosted over 400 students from throughout New Mexico at the Embassy Suites recently. The College of Education & Human Sciences (COEHS) and UNM's Educators Rising chapter had the opportunity to engage and present to many of these attendees.

Volunteers needed for spring commencement ceremony
The Office of the University Secretary seeks volunteers for the spring commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 11, at 9 a.m. at The Pit. This is one of the many wonderful ways to celebrate the success of the Spring 2024 graduating class. There are many volunteer positions available. Service time frames vary by position, ranging from 7 a.m. until the end of the ceremony.  Anyone interested in volunteering can view the positions and times and sign up on the form at Signup.