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Diverse paths, shared success: UNM's 2026 Inspiring Graduates

Sat, 16 May 2026 18:00:00 GMT

Each year in the days leading up to Spring and Fall commencement, the University Communication and Marketing team honors graduating Lobos whose stories reflect the many paths that lead to success at The University of New Mexico. It has become a meaningful tradition celebrating the leadership, resilience, determination, and individuality that define the Lobo experience.

For the campus community, commencement is more than a ceremony — it is a celebration of journeys shaped by different experiences, backgrounds, and ambitions. As graduates cross the stage to receive their diplomas, they represent the many schools, colleges, programs, and communities that make up the fabric of UNM. Though their paths may differ, they are united by a shared commitment to learning, growth, and making an impact beyond the University.

The Class of 2026 reflects the spirit of UNM: diverse paths, shared success. These graduates are researchers, artists, educators, advocates, entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, and future leaders whose stories demonstrate the strength found in community and the power of perseverance.

While it is impossible to feature every graduate, we hope these stories offer a glimpse into the diversity, spirit, and achievements of the Class of 2026.

Congratulations, Lobos — you’ve earned this moment.

Danielle Cummings | Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Psychology
By Chris Ramirez | Photos and Video by Jeff Sargent

Danielle Cummings, who will graduate from The University of New Mexico School of Medicine in May 2026, hasn’t just defied the odds—she has rewritten what people thought those odds were in the first place.

When doctors told her she probably wouldn’t run again, she didn’t accept that as the final word. Today, she is competing internationally in paratriathlon, with her sights set on the Paralympic stage.

And when she was warned that a needed surgery might prevent her from finishing medical school, she faced that challenge head-on too.

Read the full story...

Mutazz Jaber | Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Psychology
By Cameron Goeldner

Mutazz Jaber will become the ninth member of his family to graduate from The University of New Mexico this spring as he walks across the stage with a double major in political science and psychology.

Jaber, who lost his father during his freshman year, used his memory as motivation to get involved on campus.

“I didn’t have any strive to do anything, but entering my sophomore year I decided to get involved and actually make a difference,” Jaber said. “My father was an immigrant from Palestine and he and my mom built such an amazing life for me and my siblings and I thought how privileged of me to throw that all away because I’m grieving. I decided to not let his legacy be in vain.”

Read the full story...

Kingsley Nelson Jr. | Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering
By Cameron Goeldner

Kingsley Nelson Jr.’s impact on The University of New Mexico will remain long after he graduates. Nelson, who is majoring in chemical engineering with a minor in economics, plans to complete a master’s degree at UNM in December via the shared credit program, which allows students to complete graduate credits during their undergraduate studies.

“I grew up around engineering my entire childhood,” Nelson said. “Choosing chemical was the struggle for me, I was fortunate to take part in an LPN nursing program while I was in high school and that’s where I got introduced to a lot of medical principals, anatomy and physiology. That’s where my love for medicine grew and I wanted something that combined the two.”

As a freshman, Nelson walked into African American Student Services and found a community.

Read the full story...

Emily Notsinneh | Bachelor of Arts Journalism and Mass Communication
By Anna Padilla

Emily Notsinneh is what she calls a parenting student. She received her associate's degree right out of high school from Central New Mexico College. Nine years later, she’s returning to school with the support of the family she built in that time.

“UNM was the right choice because of all the support they offer students, especially parenting students,” Notsinneh said.

As a first-generation, non-traditional student, Notsinneh felt out of place amongst students who were in a different stage of life that she was. “No one ever made me feel unwelcome or uncomfortable. It was something I had to get through for myself, for the sake of furthering my education,” Notsinneh said.

Read the full story...

Jasmine Hobbs | Doctor of Nursing
By Christina Rodriguez | Video By Martín Castaneda

Jasmine Hobbs, RN, grew up in Grants, N.M., spending time in the hospital with her grandfather and watching nurses show up with compassion and warmth for families on their hardest days. That memory stayed with her.

This spring, she will graduate from The University of New Mexico College of Nursing with her Doctor of Nursing Practice in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, ready to return to her rural community as the kind of provider she always admired.

Hobbs is very close with her grandfather, who she described as a miracle man. He survived multiple heart attacks over the years.

Read the full story...

Rachel Swanteson-Franz | Juris Doctor
By Anna Padilla

As a child, Rachel Swanteson-Franz used to run and play on what is now UNM’s School of Law campus. She never thought she would end up right back at that school years later to complete her juris doctorate.

She attended the University of New Mexico for both her undergraduate and graduate studies, something she says ultimately changed the trajectory of her academic career.

“I initially wanted to major in dance, but in high school I fell in love with biology. At that point was when the impacts of climate change were becoming very apparent in New Mexico,” Swanteson-Franz said. “I was super lucky to know someone from the biology department, Dr. Ben Hanelt, who brought me on as a volunteer when I was 17 and that really solidified that UNM was where I wanted to go for undergrad."

Read the full story...

Macaiah Shendo | Master of Public Health
By Bryan Schroeder and Photos & Video by Allan Stone

Macaiah Shendo, a student in The University of New Mexico College of Population Health (COPH), is pioneering a new field of brain health care for Indigenous peoples in New Mexico. But if you ask him, he’s no trailblazer. He believes he’s simply doing what he was raised to do: help his community.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Shendo, who is from the Pueblo of Jemez, saw his community struggling and knew he had to do something to help.

He switched his educational track from mechanical and aerospace engineering to psychology, eventually landing at the COPH. In a matter of days, he will graduate with a Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in epidemiology—and he will be one step closer to becoming potentially the first-ever “Indigenous neuropsychological epidemiologist,” he said.

Read the full story...

Solomon Gbara | Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication
By Megan Borders and Video Dylan DeYapp

If you’ve spent any time in the McKinnon Center for Management on The University of New Mexico’s central campus, chances are you have crossed paths with Solomon Gbara. He is a constant presence in the second-floor open study area. It’s his favorite place to connect with his fellow students, study, and coordinate impactful meetings and events, all of which make him a cornerstone at the Anderson School of Management.

Gbara entered UNM knowing he wanted to get the most out of his education. He learned early on that it's not just what you know, it’s also who you know. So, he hit the ground running, knowing that an education from the Anderson School with a concentration in entrepreneurship would leverage his skills and future.

Read the full story...

Malia Dumlao | Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication
By Dani Rae Wascher and Video Justin Otsuka

Malia Dumlao’s college experience took an unexpected turn, leading her from the track & field all the way to the sidelines of an NFL stadium. She is living proof that nothing is out of reach — if you’re willing to try.

Growing up in Roswell, New Mexico, Dumlao came to The University of New Mexico on the Presidential Scholarship, one of the most prestigious awards a student can earn.

“Being able to be one of those students, to represent the scholarship, is amazing,” Dumlao said. “I got to know my donors and seeing them every year at the Presidential Dinner is such a cool feeling. Being able to thank the people who helped support my education means so much.”

Read the full story...

Dava Manes | Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
By Megan Borders

Dava Manes is living proof that it’s never too late to rewrite your story for yourself, your family, and every future student who has ever wondered whether they waited too long to earn a college degree. Making her an inspiration to everyone she meets.

She has reframed education as a lifelong endeavor rather than a youthful requirement. She is the mother of two teenagers, a successful TikTok creator, an entrepreneur, and a lifelong learner.

At this spring’s undergraduate commencement ceremony, Manes will walk across the stage, highlighting years of hard work, perseverance, and navigating life’s challenges to earn her bachelor's degree in sociology. A dream she has had for more than 20 years, and at 40, she will achieve it.

Read the full story...

Taya Perales | Bachelor of Business Administration
By Dani Rae Wascher

“My perspective on UNM has definitely changed throughout my time here and has become more and more positive each year.”

While Taya Perales calls Albuquerque home, she has also found a new one at The University of New Mexico. Originally drawn to the university because of the Lottery Scholarship, her perspective quickly shifted once she set foot on campus.

t was during her sophomore year that her journey truly began to unfold. At the time, Perales was serving as an American Indian Student Services ambassador when one of her supervisors encouraged her to apply for student employment full-time positions. That’s when she discovered Anderson’s SEED — Student Engagement, Empowerment and Development.

Through her work with SEED, Perales helped organize events and guided students as they navigated scholarship and internship opportunities. Working primarily with seniors, she gained early insight into what was possible.

Read the full story...

Rebecca Merzke | Doctor of Pharmacy
By Tamara Lopez and Photos & Video by Allan Stone

“It was terrifying.”

Those are the words Rebecca Merzke used to describe going back to school.

“I was going from making a six-figure salary to selling my house and moving in with my in-laws,” said Merzke, a soon-to-be graduate of The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy.

She was chosen as this year’s “Inspiring Graduate” for the College, in recognition of Merzke’s years of dedication to her education.

She said she’s what society calls a “non-traditional student.”

Read the full story...

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'U.S. News & World Report' announces 2026 graduate school rankings

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 22:27:00 GMT

U.S. News & World Report today released its 2026 Best Graduate Schools rankings, showcasing a number of The University of New Mexico's graduate programs. UNM has several programs in the top 100 with Nursing Midwifery leading the pack at No. 7, up three spots from No. 10 last year.

UNM has long been a cornerstone of nurse-midwifery leadership and practice in New Mexico. UNM college of Nursing graduates make up more than one-third of the state’s practicing certified nurse-midwives.

“We are proud of the national reputation of our program. It reflects the dedication of our faculty, students and community-based preceptors,” said Abigail Reese, UNM College of Nursing Nurse-Midwifery Program director. “ We are preparing midwifery leaders to serve New Mexico’s communities.”

This ranking reflects the program’s consistently strong national reputation among peer programs. Faculty, staff and students are contributing to new approaches in education, research and clinical training that support the future nurse-midwifery workforce.

Continued support for nurse-midwifery education and practice is a priority for the UNM College of Nursing.

“Midwifery care is foundational, and it is a privilege to be part of strengthening that foundation for families and communities across the state,” said UNM College of Nursing Dean Rosario Medina. “Midwifery has deep roots in New Mexico and that is something that we carry with us in everything we do.”

Nurse-midwives are essential health care providers. They are licensed advanced practice professionals with full-scope practice and prescriptive authority. They provide care across the patient lifespan, including primary care, prenatal and postpartum care, birth, newborn care, sexual and reproductive health, gynecologic care, and culturally respectful counseling to support informed decision-making.

Overall, 41 UNM colleges/schools and or programs were ranked in the top 100 either as graduate programs or survey-based rankings for various disciplines.

Business
#67 in Part-time MBA (tie)
#80 in Information Systems (tie)
#85 in Management (tie)
#100 in Executive MBA (tie)
#107 in Accounting (tie)
#123 in Finance (tie)
#158 in Business Analytics (tie)

Engineering
#14 in Nuclear Engineering
#74 in Electrical/ Electronic/ Communications Engineering (tie)
#78 in Chemical Engineering (tie)
#82 in Environmental/ Environmental Health Engineering (tie)
#91 in Computer Engineering (tie)
#92 in Civil Engineering (tie)

#105 in Best Engineering Schools (tie) - The School of Engineering corrected an error in how research expenditures have been reported in previous years to U.S. News and World Report, resulting in a change in the school's overall ranking for Best Engineering Schools.

#106 in Best Computer Science Schools (tie)
#114 in Biomedical Engineering / Bioengineering (tie)
#115 in Mechanical Engineering (tie)

Tier 1 in Best Medical Schools: Primary Care
#7 in Nursing-Midwifery (tie)
#44 in Pharmacy (tie)
#51 in Occupational Therapy (tie)
#53 in Clinical Psychology (tie)
#54 in Speech-Language Pathology (tie)
#89 in Public Health (tie)
#91 in Best Nursing Schools: Doctor of Nursing Practice (tie)
#57 in Physical Therapy (tie)
#75 in Physician Assistant (tie)

Tier 3 in Best Medical Schools: Research
#17 in Most Graduates Practicing in Health Professional Shortage Areas
#39 in Most Graduates Practicing in Primary Care (tie)
#63 in Most Graduates Practicing in Rural Areas (tie)

Law
#12 in Law Schools With the Most Graduates in Public Interest Law (tie)
#15 in Clinical Training (tie)
#31 in Environmental Law
#66 in Legal Writing (tie)
#89 in International Law (tie)
#92 in Health Care Law (tie)
#98 in Contracts/Commercial Law (tie)
#100 in Criminal Law (tie)
#108 in Constitutional Law (tie)
#116 in Tax Law (tie)
#117 in Best Law Schools (tie)
#121 in Trial Advocacy (tie)
#124 in Business/Corporate Law (tie)
#127 in Intellectual Property Law (tie)

Other ranked graduate programs
#34 in Best Fine Arts Programs (tie)
#53 in Clinical Psychology (tie)
#58 in Earth Sciences (tie)
#56 in History (tie)
#71 in Sociology (tie)
#73 in Physics (tie)
#74 in Political Science (tie)
#78 in Statistics
#80 in English (tie)
#89 in Public Health (tie)
#92 in Public Affairs Programs (tie)
#92 in Biological Sciences (tie)
#93 in Mathematics (tie)
#104 in Education Schools (tie)
#105 in Economics (tie)
#107 in Psychology (tie)
#111 in Chemistry (tie)

Each year, U.S. News & World Report ranks professional schools and programs in business, education, law, engineering, medicine and nursing. The Best Graduate Schools rankings in these areas are based on two types of data: expert opinion about program excellence and statistical indicators that measure the quality of a school's faculty, research, students and post-graduate outcomes for them.

Data for the rankings in the six disciplines came from statistical surveys and often from peer assessment surveys sent to academics and professionals in their respective fields, conducted in fall 2025 and early 2026. In some cases, data from these surveys was combined with third-party information.

The rankings focus only on graduate programs, as opposed to other rankings released from U.S. News & World Report that focus on undergraduate and online programs. The publication releases rankings every year but focuses on different programs with each release.

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Avoid food poisoning this summer cookout season

Tamara Lopez and Tom Szymanski — Fri, 23 May 2025 22:00:00 GMT

In backyards around the country, grill masters are dusting off their aprons and firing up their barbecues. But as the summer cookout season kicks off, it’s important to remember the science behind a safe picnic.

Fortunately, the experts at The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy have tips to keep food preppers and their loved ones out of urgent care.

Watch the video below for an inside look in a UNM College of Pharmacy lab, where researchers tested a variety of food for bacteria.

Food Poisoning: What is it?

The USDA defines food poisoning as an illness that comes from eating contaminated food, and estimates there are 48 million cases and three thousand deaths from foodborne illnesses each year, in the United States.

Amer El Ghali, PharmD, an assistant professor at the UNM College of Pharmacy, said bacteria just needs the right conditions to grow.

“The perfect temperature is around 72 degrees for these bacteria to continue to propagate over time,” he said.

One of the more well-known types of bacteria that causes foodborne illness is salmonella.

“Salmonella is a big producer in food that you leave out and can produce toxins that cause irritation to the gastrointestinal lining,” El Ghali said.

Seth Daly, Ph.D., a research assistant professor in the UNM College of Pharmacy, said two other bacteria that often cause food poisoning are Campylobacter and E. coli.

All three culprits can cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever.

How to Avoid Food Poisoning

Proper Preparation

Sometimes, foodborne illness can result from picking a bad vegetable at the store, but there are things you can do to avoid food poisoning at home.

It all starts with proper hygiene.

“It’s gross, but one of the major routes for bacteria transmission is the oral fecal route,” Daly said. “If someone uses the restroom and doesn’t wash their hands properly that gets on food and can grow.”

To avoid cross contamination, you should use different cutting boards for raw meat, cooked meat, vegetables and fruit, he said.

“Putting meats on a cutting board, loading up the grill and putting the cooked meat back on the same cutting board is a huge no-no,” Daly said. “But you can put a piece of foil down on the board for the raw chicken and remove it for the cooked chicken.”

Cautious Cooking

One of the most important things you can do to keep yourself safe from foodborne illness is cooking food to the right temperature, Daly said

“Most people don’t think to stick a meat thermometer in their food, but it can be an important thing,” he said. “It’s better to be safe than sorry.”

The CDC recommends all poultry be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit, whole cuts of beef, veal, lamb and pork be cooked to 145 F and ground meat, including beef and pork be cooked to 160 F.

Leftover Limbo

Just because the cooking is done, does not mean the risk of foodborne illness is gone.

“The time between food getting prepared and getting put away is critical, especially when you don’t know how it’s been handled before,” El Ghali said. “You don’t want to pass the four-hour mark. That can lead to overgrowth of bacteria to a level your immune system can’t fight.”

Both El Ghali and Daly recommend putting leftovers away after two hours and tossing anything left out after four hours.

They also said the refrigerator might fight off initial bacteria growth, but it can still grow over time if food is left long enough, and the shelf life of leftovers depends on the type of food.

“Heavily processed foods usually have a lower shelf life, but foods with higher salt contents are preserved a little bit,” El Ghali said. “Usually, one to two days on some of those processed foods is safe but just try to be as cautious as possible.”

He also said a lot of times you can use your best judgment.

“The smell test is another great thing,” El Ghali said. “If it smells off or looks funky, just toss it. It’s better than having some sort of illness.”

Proof is in the Petri Dish

Amer El Ghali, PharmD, an assistant professor at the UNM College of Pharmacy, prepares food samples in his lab

El Ghali is a pharmacist and researcher in infectious diseases, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and health outcomes. His lab is researching therapeutic strategies to fight antimicrobial resistance, like combining bacteriophages with antibiotics to treat Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a multi-drug-resistant germ that causes infections in plants, animals and humans.

Daly’s lab investigates methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a bacterium resistant to many antibiotics. His research focuses on discovering new drugs and vaccines to combat MRSA.

So naturally, they were well equipped to try and grow bacteria from some common summer cookout foods.

Putting Food to The Test

Seth Daly, Ph.D., a research assistant professor in the UNM College of Pharmacy, swabs Petri dishes with food samples

They prepared swabs of some classic cookout staples: hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken, potato salad, watermelon and a spring mix salad.

The samples were placed in a greenhouse and left to grow bacteria for at least four hours.

Most of the samples did see growth, but just because there was growth, El Ghali said, they don’t know exactly what type of bacteria was grown and if it was harmful or not.

There are “good” bacteria that aid with digestion and overall gut health, he said. A lot of times, food poisoning wipes out the good bacteria from your gut.

A hot dog did not show much growth, and Daly said that may be because of how much the food was processed.

Potato salad also didn’t have much growth. El Ghali said the higher salt content may have contributed to the lack of growth.

Raw chicken showed the most bacteria growth from start to finish.

A slice of watermelon also had substantial growth. Daly said the sugars in the fruit, plus heat, most likely created a perfect breeding ground for growth

A tossed salad also had growth and a pigment produced by the bacteria.

The color shows there’s a factor that could cause a bodily response, El Ghali said. With food poisoning, it could be a toxin or molecule made by the bacterium itself that cause an illness.

Overall, in this small-scale experiment, the fresh whole foods showed more growth over the more processed and preserved foods.

Watch the video at the top of the article for more in the lab.

The bottom line? Experts advise food preppers to wash their hands and their produce. Cook meat thoroughly, get cooked food in the fridge within two hours and toss it after four hours, if it’s been sitting out.

“It can affect you and your family,” El Ghali said. “It's very important that we are mindful of food safety regulations.”

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2025 Inspiring Graduate | Diana Martinez-Nava

Chris Ramirez & Allan Stone — Tue, 13 May 2025 22:30:00 GMT

While other 8-year-old kids played at the park with their parents, Diana Martinez-Nava had other responsibilities.

College of Pharmacy Inspiring Grad Diana Martinez-Nava.

Before fully learning how to read and write herself, she was in charge of interpreting for her father and mother during their medical appointments or trips to the pharmacy. The role required her to brush up on medical terminology ahead of appointments to know how to say various diseases, medications and pain conditions in both English and Spanish.

Her parents, who immigrated from Mexico before Martinez-Nava was born, did not speak English. And often, the clinicians and pharmacists who treated her parents did not speak Spanish.

“I did feel like I had to grow up very fast,” Martinez-Nava said. “My childhood came and went very fast. I was using big words in both languages and I felt the pressure on me.”

Martinez-Nava, who graduated with her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from The University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy in May 2025, says she was motivated to pursue a career in health care to ensure none of her future patients apply the kind of pressure on their children that she experienced.

With her drive to serve her community and her mission to ensure other children aren’t put in the roles of medical translators, Martinez-Nava is this year’s UNM College of Pharmacy Inspiring Graduate. Fluent in both Spanish and English, she wants to have open, free-flowing conversations with her patients about their medications and therapies.

“That was the main reason why I chose this career,” she said. “Pharmacists are the most accessible health care providers. If I’m able as a Spanish-speaking pharmacist to take that weight off a child, that look of relief in a child’s eyes when I say, ‘Buenos días,’ is amazing. This is why I went through four years of hard studying and pursuing this degree.”

After graduation, Martinez-Naza will train as a pharmacy resident at The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She plans to return to New Mexico to specifically serve Latino and immigrant communities, which need more bilingual health professionals to help break down the many barriers that prevent access to care. Speaking to patients in their native language can reduce anxiety and fear and ensure they are receiving the right medications.

Martinez-Nava adds that when patients see a health care provider who looks like them and shares the same culture and skin color, there can be a real sense of relief and a deeper willingness to open up about their health concerns.

“Anywhere I can use my Spanish is where I’m meant to be,” she said. “The immigrant community is home to me. If I can use my talents and knowledge that the UNM College of Pharmacy provided to me, I feel like my mission is set.”

She added, “Mis pacientes pueden sentirse seguros conmigo (My patients can feel a sense of safety with me).”

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Inspiring graduates: Celebrating the diversity, spirit and success of the Class of 2025

Thu, 08 May 2025 22:00:00 GMT

Each year, during the days leading up to Spring and Fall commencement, the University Communication and Marketing team highlights Lobos who have inspired us through their exceptional leadership, courage, and perseverance at The University of New Mexico. This has become a tradition.

It is exciting for the campus community to watch graduating Lobos walk across the stage to receive their diplomas, which for many marks the culmination of their education at UNM. These inspirational graduates come from all walks of life—they represent different schools, colleges, and programs that comprise the fabric of the University. They are the next generation of innovators, leaders, and our future.

To all the graduating students, your time here has truly embodied the spirit of UNM, a place where each of us defines all of us. Although it is impossible to showcase every student, we hope these stories provide a snapshot of the Class of 2025's diversity, spirit, and success.

Congratulations to all graduating Lobos; you've earned this day!

Josh Marquez | Doctor of Medicine

Like most kids his age, at 13-years-old, Josh Marquez was much more interested in landing kick-flips on a skateboard than studying for school. Today, he is preparing to graduate from The University of New Mexico School of Medicine with a Doctor of Medicine degree and will soon begin his neurosurgery residency at UNM.

In recognition of his incredible journey, resilience, and dedication to patient care, Marquez has been named this year's School of Medicine "Inspiring Graduate." Read more…

Kaelyn Moon | Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

For Kaelyn Moon, the path to UNM was paved by ambition, strong women and family ties.

Her inspiration for success began at home with her mother and grandmother. Her grandmother, Alta Maxine Harper, instilled in her the family values of hard work and dedication. At the same time, her mother, Debilyn Moon, shared her passion for education and UNM, having attended UNM herself. Moon’s mother even took her on her campus tour, pointing out where she hung out and her former classrooms.

As she prepares to graduate, Moon reflects on her past four years at UNM and how she transformed her mother’s inspiration into her own legacy. Driven by resilience, purpose and deep family roots, she has made her mark on the UNM campus and paved the way for future students who will come after her. Read more…

Mark Freeland | Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts

For Mark Freeland, graduating with his bachelor's degree is a lifelong dream he will soon realize. In just two years, he earned a Bachelor of Arts in liberal arts, two minors in communication and political science and a certificate in honors interdisciplinary liberal arts. Freeland has worked year-round to achieve this goal.

He began college right after high school but took time off to gain valuable life experience. After a 26-year break, Freeland returned to UNM in the fall of 2023 to earn the degree to help him take the next step in his life’s journey.

While away from UNM, Freeland had numerous jobs, but the most significant roles were becoming a father, a grandfather and a tribal leader. Now, he can also proudly add graduate of The University of New Mexico to his list of achievements. Read more…

Diana Martinez-Nava | Doctor of Pharmacy

While other 8-year-old kids played at the park with their parents, Diana Martinez-Nava had other responsibilities.

Her parents, who immigrated from Mexico before Martinez-Nava was born, did not speak English. And often, the clinicians and pharmacists who treated her parents did not speak Spanish. Read more…

Manali Girish Narkhede | Master of Business Administration

Manali Girish Narkhede is driven by a passion for creativity and innovation. Born in India, she grew up watching her father work as an electrical engineer for the state government and was raised with the values of integrity, humility and service. From a young age, she was encouraged to pursue a stable, practical career.

"The entire environment was about having a stable, practical career. But beyond that, I had a natural inclination toward the creative arts — like making drawings or digging trenches and gardening with my dad. All of that brought me great joy,” Narkhede said.

Narkhede was also inspired by her uncle, a civil engineer who went on to build a successful real estate business in India while staying true to his values. His stories of working late on drawings — and building a career without political patronage — left a lasting impression on her and influenced her decision to pursue civil engineering. Read more…

Hakim Bellamy | Juris Doctor

What do a poet, a lawyer, and a kid from New Jersey have in common? More than you’d think—and for Edward Hakim Bellamy, it all starts with how you tell a story.

Born in Philadelphia and raised in South Jersey, Bellamy grew up a passionate Eagles fan and a self-described “beach guy.” When he was a kid spending summers at the Jersey Shore—just “the Shore” if you’re local—he dreamed of becoming a pediatrician. But his path, like poetry itself, would take unexpected turns. Read more…

Ramon Baca | Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Ramon Baca was 7-years-old when a childhood injury shifted how he saw nursing.

“I thought only women could be nurses,” he remembered telling the male nurse treating his broken wrist. The nurse laughed and replied, “We all take care of people here.”

Seventeen years later, Baca is graduating with his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from The University of New Mexico College of Nursing. He completed the Pre-Licensure BSN program at the UNM Health Sciences Rio Rancho campus and is preparing to join the trauma intensive care unit at UNM Hospital as a full-time registered nurse. Read more…

Maya Shamsid-Deen | Doctor of Philosophy in Biology

Some kids dream of being astronauts or imagine themselves as the next President of the United States, but Maya Shamsid-Deen knew early on that her path was always a little greener. In a world full of weeds, she grew a love for plants—all of them.

"Biology has always been a passion of mine," Shamsid-Deen said. "My mom likes to tell this story about how I used to hug trees as a kid."

That childhood curiosity blossomed into a beautiful academic career. For the last 12 years, she has been planting ideas, growing knowledge, and digging deep into research at The University of New Mexico, where she will soon walk across the stage with her Ph.D. in Biology, officially becoming Dr. Maya Shamsid-Deen. Read more…

Brandon Salazar | Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

If you had asked Brandon Salazar where he would have ended up during his freshman year, the first-generation student would not have thought it would be working in higher education.

“I’m the first in my family to ever go to college,” Salazar said. “I didn’t know working with students to help guide them through college was even a career option.”

He’s graduating with a psychology degree, but he plans to apply his knowledge of psychology in his pursuit of working with college students. “I was a new student orientation leader for two years and I really fell in love with the aspect of helping incoming and transfer students, even their families,” Salazar said. Read more…

Edain Larios | Bachelor of Science in Construction Management

Edain Larios has been building a new life for herself from the ground up. Though attending the University of New Mexico was a no-brainer for her, she was overwhelmed when she came to Albuquerque.

Her family lives in Lovington, and her older sister attended the university before she did. “I came from a really, really small town where everybody stayed there and went to work the oil field," Larios said.

When Larios got to UNM, she wanted to only focus on her classes and didn’t make an effort to meet many people. She felt like she was burning herself out without a balance of fun and schoolwork. Read more…

Sofia Olay | Master of Public Health

As Sofia Olay prepares to graduate with a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from The University of New Mexico College of Population Health (COPH), she’ll carry with her more than a diploma. She carries a sense of purpose, renewed direction and a vision for what public health should be.

Olay’s path to graduation wasn’t a straight line. She completed her bachelor’s degree in humanities a few months before the COVID-19 pandemic started. That prompted her to realize she was drawn to something bigger. Read more…

Amy Goodman | Bachelor of Integrative Studies & Innovation

Some people say they’re “shooting for the stars” as a figure of speech, but Amy Goodman took that literally.

While many graduates will soon land their first job, Goodman will land in New Mexico’s history book.

Come graduation, the Albuquerque native will be walking across the stage and soaring straight to new heights as the first female to be commissioned into the United States Space Force (USSF) from any New Mexico university. Read more…

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