logo
#

Latest news with #UNM

'Not like your high school science fair': UNM engineering students build race cars and rockets -- and job-market skills
'Not like your high school science fair': UNM engineering students build race cars and rockets -- and job-market skills

Yahoo

time3 days ago

  • Automotive
  • Yahoo

'Not like your high school science fair': UNM engineering students build race cars and rockets -- and job-market skills

Jul. 20—Tucked into the southwest corner of the University of New Mexico's main campus are three labs where a specific group of advanced mechanical engineering students spend most of their time — in class, on the weekends, even at 3 a.m. some days. They describe the work they're doing as a full-time job, and more. The students are building electric vehicles, solar-powered boats and rockets from scratch, in less than two years, to compete in international competitions. UNM's School of Engineering requires students to complete a senior design program to graduate. All of these hands-on, nontraditional education courses are offered as options. "We are training engineers; therefore, the engineer must prove that he or she is an engineer, can work in a team, can design, build, test and so on, a product," said John Russell, a professor in the university's Department of Mechanical Engineering. He also runs LOBOmotorsports, a three-semester course that prepares students to compete in the international collegiate competition Formula SAE. The students are responsible for designing, building and racing a small formula-style race car. But in the bigger picture, the skill sets taught help the students immediately enter the workforce upon graduation. "It's not like your high school science fair," Russell said. Past a software lab, 3D printing and design area, and an aerodynamics facility, seven racing cars in various stages of assembly sat in a small, walled-off space at the LOBOmotorsports building on Wednesday. In the corner of the room sat a mostly red electric racing car — No. 267. It's the most recently built competition racing car, just back from F-SAE last month and awaiting the results. Recent graduates Tim Crepeau and Andrew Suplicki led the team that competed against more than 100 other teams from around the world in the electric vehicle racing car category. "It's everything-engineering," Suplicki said. Judges score the cars based on a series of technical inspections and dynamic events. This year, the battery box inspection created some challenges for the team. After dousing the car in water, the students have to prove it can still run for two minutes without short-circuiting. Russell said the team this year reached 1 minute and 45 seconds. Despite the technical troubles, the hands-on experience is the real win for the students. Crepeau credited his current internship with Sandia National Laboratories to having participated in LOBOmotorsports. An alumnus of the course who works at Sandia saw the reference on Crepeau's application. He's entering graduate school at UNM in the fall and one day wants to build his own race car. "Coming out of the program, even just knowing how to weld is huge. That's something that really gives you an advantage," Crepeau said. A building over, a small wooden trophy sat in another much smaller lab. It's awaiting a first-place plaque, a recognition that the UNM Solar Splash team designed, built and piloted the best solar-powered boat in the international competition held last month. Solar Splash is another senior design course that goes beyond the black-and-white scenarios presented in academia, said faculty adviser Peter Vorobieff. What should a student do if a part doesn't arrive on time, he asked; can they build it instead? "It is a stress test for their skills and their temperaments, which I think provides some very useful real-world experience," he said of the two-semester course. "Plus, it also gives the students a good understanding of technologies whose combination will most definitely be more prominent in the immediate future." Preparing students for rapidly advancing technologies is also a priority over at Lobo Launch, the two-semester rocket-building senior capstone option. Across University Boulevard, recent graduate Luis Quintana waited outside a bright pink building that houses a sprawling assortment of partly assembled rockets. Quintana competed on a team with seven other students in early June at this year's International Rocket Engineering Competition in Midland, Texas, formerly hosted at southern New Mexico's Spaceport America. "This is our rocket," he said inside the dimly lit lab, gesturing to a 110-inch miniature rocket in two pieces. "Unfortunately, it didn't deploy the main parachute, which is why it fell apart." But, he added with a laugh, UNM beat New Mexico State University and New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. This year, UNM's rocket lab wrecked $30,000 worth of rockets — a test and trial process that's crucial to learning in the field, said rocket engineering Professor Fernando "Doc" Aguilar. He added that the equipment isn't cheap. Aguilar is currently in talks with the university seeking more funding to help professionalize Lobo Launch, including hiring a full-time program manager. He also recently secured two unpaid mentors to assist the students, starting in the fall semester. All three capstone programs rely on fundraising through private sponsors in addition to university money. All of Aguilar's rocket lab students have been hired right out of college or accepted into a master's degree program, he said. "My students, when they graduate, they hit the ground running," he said. Solve the daily Crossword

Stormy day with a drop in temperatures around New Mexico
Stormy day with a drop in temperatures around New Mexico

Yahoo

time5 days ago

  • Climate
  • Yahoo

Stormy day with a drop in temperatures around New Mexico

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – Muggy conditions have remained this morning with patchy fog in the east and lingering showers in the higher elevations to northeast New Mexico. Above freezing temperatures are confined to most of the higher peaks of the northern Mountains, with valley floor locations starting off in the high 40s or in the 50s. Elsewhere is mostly starting off in the 50s to the lower 70s. Forecast Continues Below News: Ruidoso flash floods lead to several swift water rescue operations Trending: New Mexico State Police explain middle of the night cell phone alert Community: What's happening in New Mexico July 18-24? Route 66 Summerfest and more Sports: Eck ready to build for the future, Mendenhall provides clarification on UNM departure A low pressure system to the southwest, in combination to a high pressure system moving away to the southeast, will combine to for more monsoon storms across many of the burn scars. Flooding is likely, across the mountains, and partially down some of the valleys floors, including parts of the Rio Grande Valley. Thick clouds will dampen temperatures with most reaching the 70s, 80s and near 90 degrees. Some highly-elevated areas or northern areas may not get out of the 60s. The pattern of muggy mornings with breezy afternoons will still continue. More storms will fire off, with an influx of low-level moisture from the Gulf and lower pressure approaching from the Rockies. This will keep the stormy, muggy pattern in place with gusty winds. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword

Land access near Holloman Air Force Base to temporarily close due to PFAS levels
Land access near Holloman Air Force Base to temporarily close due to PFAS levels

Yahoo

time5 days ago

  • Health
  • Yahoo

Land access near Holloman Air Force Base to temporarily close due to PFAS levels

ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (KRQE) — To protect the public from potential PFAS exposure, land surrounding the Holloman Evaporation Pond near the Holloman Air Force Base will temporarily close starting Aug. 14. To some, it might look like a lake you'd want to go swimming in. However, taking a closer look shows otherwise. PFAS levels near Holloman AFB at record high 'Given the recent scientific evolution of it becoming a hazardous substance about a year ago and especially with it just last month being found in the soil surrounding the lake is what drove us to implement this closure that is coming up in 30 days,' said Colonel John Ethridge, Commander of the 49th Wing at Holloman Air Force Base. Also known as 'Holloman Lake,' the Holloman Evaporation Pond and the land around it near the air force base will be closing to public access on Aug. 14. The base said it's to protect people from forever chemicals called 'PFAS.' Which are linked to health problems. The land was initially transferred through the 1995 National Defense Authorization Act to the Department of the Air Force from the Department of the Interior. PFAS chemicals found in the soil and water are at least partly linked to the prior use of Aqueous Film Forming Foam products in firefighting operations and training programs on base, according to the public affairs office of Holloman Air Force Base. In June, UNM researchers found PFAS levels at the site are at the highest levels recorded anywhere. The area is a wastewater treatment facility and was not meant for recreational use. For years however, people have been allowed to visit Holloman Lake. Report reveals record-breaking levels of PFAS at Holloman Lake The air force base said concerns over PFAS levels have lead to changes over the years including more fencing to prevent animals getting access to the water. They also ended their hunting program in 2019 and prohibited all recreational activities in the water. Recent research showing PFAS chemicals in the nearby soil is what pushed the base to close the pond at least for the next two years. Wildlife at Holloman AFB have high levels of chemical contamination, UNM study says 'Ultimately the timeline for reopening the area will be dependent on the evolution of that science and our ability to clean up and remove the PFAS from the area,' added Colonel Ethridge. The base said their water and water for Alamogordo and surrounding areas has not been affected by the PFAS at the lake. Reacting to the closure, the New Mexico Environment Department sent KRQE this statement: 'This is a clear admission that the U.S. Air Force poisoned Holloman Lake with toxic PFAS. With world-record-breaking contamination documented in the lake's wildlife and plants, the time for cleanup is now.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword

Kobakhidze says participation in local elections won't help opposition parties circumvent ban
Kobakhidze says participation in local elections won't help opposition parties circumvent ban

OC Media

time5 days ago

  • Politics
  • OC Media

Kobakhidze says participation in local elections won't help opposition parties circumvent ban

Sign in or or Become a member to unlock the audio version of this article Join the voices Aliyev wants to silence. For over eight years, OC Media has worked with fearless journalists from Azerbaijan — some of whom now face decades behind bars — to bring you the stories the regime is afraid will get out. Help us fuel Aliyev's fears — become an OC Media member today Become a member Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze clarified that the ruling Georgian Dream party will request the Constitutional Court to ban major opposition parties regardless of whether or not participate in the municipal elections. Kobakhidze's comment came in response to a question regarding Lelo — Strong Georgia and For Georgia: two opposition groups that have announced their intent to participate in the upcoming October 2025 local elections, despite the bulk of the country's opposition parties boycotting the vote. A journalist had asked Kobakhidze whether the ruling party would still seek to ban Lelo and For Georgia should they manage to secure mandates at the municipal level. 'We will appeal [to the court] regarding all four parties, because all four are essentially one political power — this is the collective UNM. It is a foreign agency that, for years now, since 2003, has been collectively working against Georgia's national interests', he said. When asked for clarification on whether Lelo and For Georgia's participation in the elections would change anything, Kobakhidze responded saying: 'Of course not'. Kobakhidze was referring to all four major pro-Western opposition groups that managed to cross the electoral threshold in the disputed 2024 parliamentary elections. Those include the United National Movement (UNM), which ruled Georgia between 2003–2012, as well as Coalition for Change, Lelo, and For Georgia. The ruling party and their satellites regularly refer to the four groups as the 'collective National Movement', claiming that they are either spun off from the UNM, led by former UNM officials, or cooperated with the former ruling party in some way. Advertisement Georgian Dream's accuses the UNM of being a criminal regime that has committed serious offences while in power and, therefore, should no longer be allowed to exist. In February, Georgian Dream established a 'fact-finding commission' in parliament, with the aim of investigating the UNM's rule in order to ban the party. Initially, its mandate was limited to the UNM's years in government, but it was later expanded to cover the period up to the present day — effectively allowing the ruling party to target virtually any opposition figure. Numerous opposition leaders have been arrested for boycotting the commission. Georgian Dream has already announced that the commission's conclusions will serve as the basis for its petition to the Constitutional Court, where it will seek to ban the UNM and its 'satellites.' Later, in April, the ruling party passed a law that would allow the banning of political parties if they are deemed similar to previously banned parties. Critics believe that Georgian Dream could use this bill to request the banning of existing and future parties deemed to be successors of previously banned groups. In April, Georgian Dream also stated that, due to procedural issues, the party bans would not happen before the October municipal elections. Several opposition groups — including the UNM and the Coalition for Change — have declared a boycott of the October elections. For supporters of a boycott, taking part in the elections would undermine the policy of refusing to recognise Georgian Dream's legitimacy following the disputed 2024 parliamentary elections, which were marred by major electoral violations. Parties in favour of participating in the elections have argued that opposition involvement in the process will strengthen the anti-government momentum and prevent Georgian Dream from gaining full control over all state institutions.

Arthur Joseph Ahr Albuquerque native, Arthur Joseph Ahr, age
Arthur Joseph Ahr Albuquerque native, Arthur Joseph Ahr, age

Yahoo

time13-07-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Yahoo

Arthur Joseph Ahr Albuquerque native, Arthur Joseph Ahr, age

Jul. 12—Arthur Joseph Ahr Albuquerque native, Arthur Joseph Ahr, age 93, our loving father and family rock passed away peacefully at home on Monday, July 7, 2025. Arthur was known for his intellect, polite manner, generosity, and willingness to help others with tax and legal matters. After graduating from St. Mary's High School in Albuquerque, he served in the U.S. Air Force and then earned his business degree from UNM. Arthur then spent most of his career as a computer programmer in various departments at Sandia National Labs (SNL). While at SNL, Arthur also earned a MBA degree from NM Highlands University. After he retired from SNL at age 59, Arthur achieved his life-long dream of earning his Law degree from UNM. He introduced his children to hiking and camping during their early years as a cub scout den leader and taking his children and their friends on backpacking trips in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Later in Arthur's life, at age 75, he achieved another of his life-long goals, that of reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Whenever possible, Arthur also loved visiting the family cabin located near Taos, NM. Arthur was the second of three boys born to Amos Ahr and Elizabeth Ann Simon Ahr. His siblings were Theodore (Ted) Paul Ahr (eldest) and Edward August Ahr (youngest). As young boys, during the Depression, the three brothers would come up with ingenious ways to make money. Arthur and his brothers would sell cards, magazines, and glued alphabet pasta letters onto wood depicting pleasant sayings or quotes and sold these things to people in downtown Albuquerque. He was a creative and industrious individual. He consistently offered his support and assistance to his family and friends. Arthur loved reading novels, working in his yard, and he loved animals, especially cats, and always had a pet by his side. He had an adventurous spirit and explored numerous countries across six continents alongside his wife, Patricia. Arthur is survived by his wife of 44 years, Patricia J. Ahr; his children, Cynthia Greenberg (Jack), Andrew Ahr, John Joseph Ahr; and his grandchildren, Joseph Greenberg (Lesley) and Jacob Greenberg (Cash), and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his step-children, Michele Apodaca, Marty Apodaca, and Lisa Apodaca. On Wednesday, July 16, 2025, a rosary prayer at 9:30 AM will precede the funeral mass at 10 AM at the Risen Savior Catholic Church located at 7701 Wyoming Blvd NE. Internment at the Gate of Heaven Cemetery will follow the funeral mass.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store