Goals for Success: Economic Engine

This summer NMSU launched the University-wide Research and Economic Development committee, chaired by Engineering Professor Steve Stochaj. The group will make recommendations toward a 10-year plan for linking the research and economic development efforts of New Mexico State University.

Earlier this year, the Arrowhead Center launched Studio G, the first business incubator in New Mexico targeted toward college students at any level from all academic disciplines. Since February, two clients, one profit and one nonprofit, have joined the operation. A recent national study showed that companies started in an incubator are 84 percent more likely to succeed than those that do not.

NMSU maintains vineyards at a number of other agricultural science centers in Alcalde, Artesia, Farmington and Los Lunas. The vineyard at NMSU's Sustainable Agriculture Science Center at Alcalde has been used for a recent study of organic alternatives to petroleum-based fertilizers. NMSU is contributing greatly to the New Mexico wine industry which is expanding by 10-15 percent annually, what brings in state-wide revenue of over $60 million a year.

The 2011 Domenici Public Policy Conference was held Aug. 31-Sept. 1, at the Las Cruces Convention Center. The nation's debt crisis, national security and health care reform were the hot-button topics experts addressed during the conference. Speakers included former U.S. Sen. Thomas A. Daschle, on health care reform; Gov. Susana Martinez, who discussed matters affecting the state; and retired Air Force Gen. Michael Hayden, who as former director of the National Security Agency and the CIA spoke on cyber security. This year, former senator Domenici provided his thoughts on the national debt, a topic informed by his past experience as chairman and ranking minority member of the Senate Budget Committee.

New Mexico State University received more than $2.3 million to find improved ways to turn algae into a sustainable source for jet fuel. The research project is part of the grant funded by the Air Force where NMSU will study better ways to grow algae and refine its oil while working with the University of Central Florida to determine the effects of algae-based fuel on jet engines.