ACES UG Research Scholars Program
About the Program
The ACES Undergraduate Research Scholars Program engages undergraduate students in research. Faculty members serve as mentors while students gain valuable experience working on cutting-edge research projects alongside experts in the field. The program provides undergraduates with a solid foundation in research methods to better prepare them for entry into professional and scientific fields.
Eligibility Requirements
- Classified as an “undergraduate” at New Mexico State University in the College of ACES.
- Completed a minimum of 12 credit hours at New Mexico State University.
- Achieved a minimum of a 3.0 GPA.
- Commit to a minimum of 10 hrs/week for research each semester.
- No more than 2 participants per lab group.
- May only participate in 2 application cycles.
- Must have distinct project objectives.
*If you are selected to participate, you must commit to attending 1 program meeting per semester, the Annual Progress Report Meeting (scheduled for February 19, 2027), submitting progress and final reports, and presenting research at ACES Open House and/or URCAS (dates TBD).
Program Benefits
- Learn how to conduct research by working directly with ACES faculty.
- Apply course content to your own independent research project.
- Be part of making new discoveries.
- Develop critical thinking and communication skills.
- Present research and scientific meetings.
- Gain a competitive edge for professional or graduate school.
How to Apply
Use the application below to apply for the program. Incomplete applications, including those without a mentor endorsement letter, will not be accepted or considered.
2026-2027 ACES UG Research Scholars Program Application
Contact Information
Dr. Jennifer Hernandez Gifford
Program Director, Professor
Department of Animal Range Sciences, Knox Hall #219
Email: jgifford@nmsu.edu
Research Project Summaries
2025-2026 Student Award Recipients
Best Poster by Undergraduate Student (Annual Biosymposium)
Effects of Peri-Conception Maternal Immune Activation on Wool Characteristics at Weaning
- Savannah Monroe
- Dr. Jennifer Gifford Hernandez (Faculty Research Mentor)
Best Poster Award at the Joint Annual Meeting of the Wildlife Society
Assessing Efficacy of Autonomous Recording Units (ARUs) for Surveying Rare Small Mammals in New Mexico
- Sebastian Comtois
- Dr. Jennifer Frey (Faculty Research Mentor)
Outstanding Poster at NMSU's 31st Annual Undergraduate Research & Creative Arts Symposium (URCAS)
Chemical and Physical Characterization of Cold-Pressed Pecan Oil
- Diana Tapia
- Dr. Gonzalo Miyagusuku-Cruzado (Faculty Research Mentor)
