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.
- Classified as a sophomore, junior, or senior.
- Commit to a minimum of 10 hrs/week for research for each semester.
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
The application cycle for the 2025-2026 academic year has closed. Applications are being reviewed and awards will be announced soon.
Contact Information
Dr. Jennifer Hernandez Gifford
Program Director, Professor
Department of Animal Range Sciences, Knox Hall #219
Email: jgifford@nmsu.edu
Research Project Summaries
2024-2025 ACES Open House Poster Awards Recipients
1st Place
Artibeus Jamaicensis as a Novel Model: Quantifying and Comparing Leptin Receptors in Bat Placentas
- Alana K. Pedersen-Kamaka
- Thomas Eiting
- Sheena Bettis
- Teri Orr (Faculty Research Mentor)
2nd Place
Using eBird Data to Explore Trends in Wintering Abundance of American Kestrels (Falco Sparverius) in Mesilla Valley
- Ellary Battle
- Megan Lemmo
- Martha Desmond (Faculty Research Mentor)
3rd Place
Effects of CXCL12 Inhibition/Activation on Cytokine Expression in the Developing Sheep Placenta
- Kassandra Valdez
- Ema Alvarez
- Samantha Baez
- Ryan Ashley (Faculty Research Mentor)
4th Place
Exploring Biostimulant Impact on Lettuce (Lactuca Sativa) Growth and Nutrient Uptake
- Anahi Flores
- Maria Alvarez
- Dr. F Omar Holguin (Faculty Research Mentor)
Honorable Mention
Impacts of Manipulating the CXCL12/CXCR4 Chemokine Axis During Implantation on Glucose and Amino Acid Transporters in the Developing Placenta
- Makayla Mullins
- Kyla Saucedo
- Samantha Baez
- Ryan Ashley (Faculty Research Mentor)
