New Mexico State University government students Rose Ann Vasquez, a Las Cruces native, and Talia Lapid, a graduate of Las Cruces High School, were recently selected as scholars in the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Career Development Program. The scholarships are awarded through the National Center for Food Protection and Defense (NCFPD).
These prestigious scholarship awards provide academically exceptional students pursuing degrees in Homeland Security-STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) related disciplines with support for educational expenses, including tuition, books, software, travel-related research and a monthly stipend.
Students are conducting interdisciplinary research through the Frontier Program (http://frontier.k-state.edu/), a joint New Mexico State University - Kansas State University program for the historical studies of food safety and security, border security, trade policy and cross-border cooperation. Lapid, a double major in government and philosophy, is investigating contemporary border security issues.
Vasquez, a student in the department of government’s Master of Arts program, is examining multilateral cooperation in food security efforts in a globalized world.
“The NCFPD award has enriched my education with vast opportunities such as travel, professional networking, and optimal resources to conduct my research. In addition, the Frontier program offers a unique experience to work in an interdisciplinary and multi-institutional environment. Both programs fit my interests in researching border issues and cross-border collaboration in food security,” Vasquez said.
NCFPD, a Department of Homeland Security Center of Excellence, administers the awards through the HS-STEM Career Development Program. NCFPD scholars are exposed to a range of professional development opportunities in the homeland security community. Upon graduation, scholars fulfill a one-year paid service commitment at a DHS approved STEM venue.
For more information regarding HS-related courses, internships, scholarships and the Frontier Program, please contact NMSU Frontier Program Coordinator Cristina Dominguez at crimdo@nmsu.edu, or Frontier Director Jason Ackleson at jackleso@nmsu.edu.
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CUTLINE: New Mexico State University graduate student and Las Cruces native, Rose Ann Vasquez has been awarded the prestigious National Center for Food Protection and Defense (NCFPD) Scholars scholarship.
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http://ucommphoto.nmsu.edu/newsphoto/lapid_talia_120508.jpg
CUTLINE: New Mexico State University undergraduate student and Las Cruces High School graduate, Talia Lapid has been awarded the prestigious National Center for Food Protection and Defense (NCFPD) Scholars scholarship.
Cristina Dominguez
Dec. 10, 2008
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