ACES Impact Stories | 2018
Family Development and Health of New Mexicans
Placental development in sheep as a model to study pathological pregnancies and tumor biology
Attachment and implantation of the embryo into the maternal endometrium and development of the placenta is central to pregnancy success. Similarities exist between placental and cancer cells such as evading the immune system, promoting inflammation, and sustaining proliferative signaling. Molecular mechanisms that underlie these similarities allow us to investigate factors controlling not only pregnancy establishment, but also tumor biology. Using sheep as a model, we are able to address gaps in knowledge relevant to agricultural production concurrent with biomedical research in hopes of identifying novel targets for diagnosis and treatment of pathological pregnancies and cancer.
Ryan Ashley, ryashley@nmsu.edu, Associate Professor, Animal and Range Sciences
Developing independent, creative, and critical thinking in ANSC students
To highlight importance of reproduction in my courses, I discuss issues/topics in popular press associated with reproduction (e.g., in vitro fertilization, human population growth, stem cell research, hormone therapy, etc.). This has proven positive as students realize how reproductive biology is associated with numerous "real-life" situations, which are frequently controversial and leads to productive class discussions. Students appreciate how I bring in "real-world" issues and research areas associated with reproductive physiology, which helps them, retain information. I also set up review sessions outside of class prior to each exam to help students prepare for exams.
Ryan Ashley, ryashley@nmsu.edu, Associate Professor, Animal and Range Sciences
Everything is Chemical
Chemistry is everywhere, especially in agriculture, but while most agricultural majors require chemistry, students are often poorly prepared and unenthusiastic about this subject. In "Everything is Chemical", we show how plants, animals, and the environment are comprised of atoms and molecules and that the just a few elements are combined or bonded affects their use. By incorporating concepts early, we hope students will be more engaged and less resistant to learning chemistry. The products are being integrated into introductory and upper level courses and will be evaluated using pre- and post-testing. All modules are posted online for free use at ScienceofAgriculture.org.
Laura White, lmwhite@nmsu.edu, Associate Professor, Equine Science Director, Therapeutic Riding Program, Animal and Range Sciences
Hands-on learning boosts students’ confidence and makes them more ready for the work-force
Traditional style classroom lectures have difficulty teaching and assessing a student's ability to perform a hands-on task or skillset. Equine courses with laboratory sessions allow students to experiment and practice hands-on tasks in a safe and controlled environment. Laboratory sessions also allow instructors to assess student's skillset acquisition throughout the semester. Students appreciate the opportunity to learn real-world skills and are better prepared for the workforce.
Laura White, lmwhite@nmsu.edu, Associate Professor, Equine Science Director, Therapeutic Riding Program, Animal and Range Sciences
Economic Entomology
My program studies the taxonomy, morphology, and bionomics of insects, especially the Heteroptera (stink bugs, assassin bugs, and relatives). Members of this group have tremendous economic impact as pests of crops, as biocontrol agents, as vectors of human disease, etc.; individual species cause millions of dollars in losses in the US alone.
Scott Bundy, cbundy@nmsu.edu, Professor, Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science (EPPWS)
Understanding the Swainsonine Biosynthetic Pathway
In collaboration, the Creamer laboratory helped determined the swainsonine biosynthetic pathway. Swainsonine is a toxin produced by specific fungi that live inside locoweed plants. When grazing animals such as cattle, horses, and sheep consume the plants, they are poisoned, causing large losses throughout the western USA and western China. Determining how fungi produce the toxin is an important piece of the puzzle that researchers have been actively trying to determine for more than 25 years. The work unexpectedly showed that dermatophytic fungi of animals and humans such as ringworm and athlete's foot produce the same toxin using the same pathway.
Rebecca Creamer, creamer@nmsu.edu, Professor, Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science (EPPWS)
Collaborative Insect and Plant Disease Studies
My group continued with several interdisciplinary collaborations. Outputs included continued work on the evolution of tomato spotted wilt virus that led to an invited talk on this topic and an accepted interdisciplinary manuscript showing that bed bugs may be able to transmit the Chagas disease parasite. With the continued loss of support for GMO work, my group continued to transition to work on biocontrols and biopesticides. Promising leads include the identification of microbes that strongly interfere with reproduction of nematodes on chile and microbes that produce biopesticides that may be useful for reducing the impact soilborne pathogens on crop production.
Steve Hanson, shanson@nmsu.edu, Associate Professor, Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science (EPPWS)
Reversing insecticide resistance in bed bugs
Romero laboratory reported for the first time the detection of populations of bed bugs resistant to neonicotinoids and identified metabolic mechanisms of resistance. Bed bugs have resurged globally and have become an important public health problem. Results of neonicotinoid resistance is having a great influence on the way pest management professionals (6,000 pest control companies are registered in the US), select appropriate insecticide, or design control programs, to effectively eliminate infestations. Recently, our lab also identified insecticide synergists that could reverse resistance in field bed bug populations. All these advances reduce the impact of bed bugs in society.
Alvaro Romero, aromero2@nmsu.edu, Associate Professor/Urban Entomology, Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science (EPPWS)
Alternative Management Strategies for Controlling Insecticide Resistant Bed Bugs
Development of insecticide resistance in bed bugs urge the development of alternative methods for management of infestations, and a liquid bait is an option. The development of a bait system for bed bugs requires the identification of compounds that elicit feeding behavior (phagostimulants). We identified Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as the most effective phagostimulant followed by two mixtures of sodium chloride (NaCl) and low ATP solutions. Identification of phagostimulants for bed bugs contribute towards the development of a bait-based system that reduce insecticide exposure in indoor environments.
Alvaro Romero, aromero2@nmsu.edu, Associate Professor/Urban Entomology, Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science (EPPWS)
Integrated Pest Management for Cockroaches
Cockroaches directly affect more people in the US than any other group of arthropods. Infestations of cockroaches in indoor areas can lead to both asthma and allergies, particularly in children. Turkestan cockroach, Blatta lateralis, has become the most important peridomestic species in urban areas of the Southwestern United States. We have identified three botanical essential oils that cause acute toxicity to Turkestan cockroaches. Since these compounds also have repellency properties they can be used by pest management professionals as part of an integrated pest management programs to repel cockroaches in sensitive environments such as hospitals, daycares, and schools.
Alvaro Romero, aromero2@nmsu.edu, Associate Professor/Urban Entomology, Entomology, Plant Pathology, and Weed Science (EPPWS)
Impact of Parenting Education on Preventing and Resolving Adverse Childhood Experiences
Adverse Childhood Experience (ACEs) are traumatic experiences such as child maltreatment or family dysfunction. Higher ACE scores are linked to physical and mental health problems. New Mexico has very high rates of children with three or more ACEs. This research will determine if parenting education is effective in preventing ACEs, thereby reducing the likelihood of children's future school failure, substance abuse, depression, underemployment, and chronic disease. Preliminary information from the research was shared with 52 attendees of the Southern New Mexico Kids Count Conference which focused on ACEs.
Esther Devall, edevall@nmsu.edu, Professor, Family and Consumer Sciences
Horses help humans to understand relationships
Being with and around horses makes us better in our own relationships. In my research and outreach, I use horse behavior and herd dynamics to help humans understand critical aspects of their own relationships. Horses respond in predictable ways to hierarchies, power dynamics, and communication signals. I place participants with horses in interactive, experiential activities to help humans develop understanding about power dynamics, communication, assertiveness, and leadership skills. Participants in this research report happier and more highly-functioning relationships.
Marcel Montañez, marcel@nmsu.edu, Associate Professor, Family and Consumer Sciences
Childhood obesity remains a critical public health issue given that it can lead to significant health issues such as diabetes and other cardiovascular issues
In the research literature some studies examine diverse populations including Latino populations who have increased rates for obesity and other health issues. Yet, these studies concentrate on obtaining quantitative data from adults. New Mexico State researchers have chosen to examine this issue using qualitative interviews and have also chosen to examine the issue from children. The purpose of this is to better understand the perspectives of children while taking into account cultural aspects and design an appropriate intervention.
Merranda Marin, mmarin@nmsu.edu, Associate Professor, Family and Consumer Sciences
Understanding the healthfulness of convenience foods purchased for at home consumption
Research on diet quality has focused on time-saving foods eaten out, such as fast food, due to the rise in consumption of food eaten out relative to meals prepared at home. However, the majority of food consumed by Americans comes from the grocery store. This research examined the quality of convenience foods purchased at grocery stores by household income and convenience food type. It found that quality varied by type but not by income. This is the first step toward understanding where to focus policy efforts on improving convenience food offerings at the grocery store, which is a growing share of the American diet.
Stephanie Rogus, srogus@nmsu.edu, Assistant Professor, Family and Consumer Sciences
Night of the Living Debt
Financial literacy game Night of the Living Debt immerses players in a zombie world to navigate credit, debt, and choices about housing, education and transportation. Produced by NMSU's Learning Games Lab in the Department of Innovative Media Research and Extension, the game was designed for collaborative play in high school classrooms. In 2016, it won "Best Overall Digital Game" at the Meaningful Play Conference, Gold in the International Serious Play Awards, and was a finalist in the Serious Games Showcase & Challenge. It is available free at the iOS App Store for iPad and was played 7,000 times in 2018.
Barbara Chamberlin, bchamber@nmsu.edu, Asst Director/Professor, Innovative Media Research and Extension
Potluck Panic
Innovative Media Research and Extension collaborated with the University of Delaware to create an online, card-based game to help increase knowledge in food safety, food production and consumer health for post-secondary food science classes. With IRB approval, pre-and-post surveys were administered to 513 students; 124 completed both surveys. As a result of playing the game, 83% indicated more awareness of food safety issues, 70% indicated they make an effort to learn more about food safety, and 46% showed further interested in the food science major. The game will further be utilized and tested at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
Pamela N. Martinez, pamelmar@nmsu.edu, Assistant Professor, Innovative Media Research and Extension
Ninja Kitchen Food Science Game
Ninja Kitchen, a middle-school food safety game, was played 245,000 times in 2018 and accessed 2.3 million times since 2013. Developed in collaboration Rutgers University and NMSU's Innovative Media Research and Extension (USDA-NIFA 2007-51110-03813), a lunch counter staffed by ninjas addresses youth helps youth develop good cooking and storing foods habits, employing temperature control and avoiding cross-contamination. Rutgers researchers found the game effective in improving food safety knowledge, attitudes and intentions among middle schoolers. Distributed on NMSU's website and via the educational website GameUp (part of BrainPOP), a source for educational games and multimedia.
Barbara Chamberlin, bchamber@nmsu.edu, Asst Director/Professor, Innovative Media Research and Extension
Learning Games Lab: User Testing and Related Research
The Learning Games Lab is a user testing and game research space; annually hosting youth for game testing, workshops and digital media activities, including nine sessions with 92 students in 2018. With IRB clearance, these "learning games consultants" provided important feedback for games and products in development. Two sessions, hosted by iThrive, focused on building the socio-emotional skills of teens. In these sessions, youth created a game pitch on an issue that concerns them. One proposed game helped teens learn how to counsel friends who suffering loss; another helped families of veterans with PTSD understand special needs of loved one.
Barbara Chamberlin, bchamber@nmsu.edu, Asst Director/Professor, Innovative Media Research and Extension
Gastronomic Festivals and Events
Dr. Keith Mandabach is studying Gastronomic Festivals and Events in New Mexico. After a thorough review of current research on the topic, he is currently cataloging all events in New Mexico county by county and surveying event organizers on success factors for events and their economic impact. Dr. Mandabach published his overview of the topic in a book chapter "Gastronomic Festivals and Events: Future Scenarios" in The Routledge Handbook of Gastronomic Festivals and Events edited by Dr. Saurabh Kumar Dixit (2019).
Keith Mandabach, kmandaba@nmsu.edu, Professor, School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management (HRTM)
Certifying all Classes Through Quality Matters and Teaching innovations
Dr. Keith Mandabach's Cost Control class was certified this year by Quality Matters. Beverage Management (already certified) is being updated to meet new standards. Both classes offer interactive content and are easy to navigate in Canvas. I incorporated web videos with text to add value to the classes. In addition, he piloted two new classes hospitality technology and Purchasing and Procurement at the suggestion of advisory board.
Keith Mandabach, kmandaba@nmsu.edu, Professor, School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management (HRTM)
Hospitality Technology and Website Research
Dr. Betsy Stringam conducts leading edge research on how the rapid integration of technology is changing core elements of the hotel industry, such as labor needs, service practices, and reservations systems, at an accelerated pace. One example is her completed and disseminated research which identified slow load times for hotel reservation websites, particularly through mobile devices. Slow load times cause consumers to abandon websites, which results in a loss of reservations for hotel guests. This study assists the hotel industry by highlighting a key element of service delivery and provides information to help hoteliers improve websites and capture more reservations.
Betsy Stringam, betsys@nmsu.edu, Professor, School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management (HRTM)
Hospitality Sustainability Project
Dr. Betsy Stringam founded the Hotel Sustainability Project wherein students connect with local hotels, and community organizations, to encourage sustainable practices. A large portion of the project is collecting items such as toiletries and lost and found items from local hotels to donate to community organizations. This project builds student leadership skills and prepares students to become a part of, and to give back to, the community.
Betsy Stringam, betsys@nmsu.edu, Professor, School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management (HRTM)
Developing Guar as a Stress Tolerant, Water Efficient, Low Input, Soil Building, Economically Viable, and Industrial Crop for the Southern High Plains for Sustainable Bioeconomy
With new uses of guar gum, including fracking, the demand for gum has exponentially increased. United States imports $1 billion worth of gum annually. Since the growing environment in New Mexico is very similar to where guar is currently grown (Thar desert of India and Pakistan), we are trying to develop guar as an alternative crop for rainfed and limited irrigation conditions. A 25% of guar produced locally, will assure steady supply and stabilize guar gum market. In addition to sustaining Ogallala aquifer for longer, guar crop produces raw materials for oil and natural gas, food, dairy and bioenergy industries.
Sangamesh Angadi, angadis@nmsu.edu, Crop Physiologist/Professor Agricultural Science Center at Clovis
Professor, Plant & Environmental Sciences
Breeding for disease resistance class
The Breeding for Disease Resistance course introduced students to the theories and concepts of breeding for disease resistance. The students had to develop and create a disease screen that would differentiate susceptible from resistant individuals. Students gained an appreciation for the amount of time, effort, and planning that goes into breeding for disease resistance. Furthermore, students gained real-world experience by culturing the pathogen and the host plant. Among the many positive results student course evaluations results was revealed was that all rated the instructor as excellent compared with other instructors at NMSU.
Paul Bosland, pbosland@nmsu.edu, Emeritus Faculty, Plant and Environmental Sciences