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David Santisteven sets up a lab rig on Monday used to create cells that could be used to regenerate heart valves. Santisteven is a biology graduate but the lab consists of a diverse group of researchers.

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Novel research techniques grow tissues

Lauren Topper | February 18

The science of tissue engineering — scientists growing new organs in a laboratory setting — is the type of futuristic technology most often seen in movies or TV shows. But it’s closer than one might think, literally; it’s happening right here on campus. Elizabeth Dirk, assistant professor in the department of chemical and nuclear engineering, is leading an interdisciplinary team in the Center for Biomedical Engineering, working to tackle several aspects of this complex science. In particular, her lab focuses on the regeneration of heart valves and bone tissue to replace current transplant options, such as biological, from a donor animal or human, or synthetic.

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Campus briefs for Feb. 18

February 18

UNM has partnered with Albuquerque’s Emerging 2030 District, a nationwide initiative formed to meet the urban sustainability standards set by the 2030 Challenge for Planning, according to a UNM press release. Albuquerque’s Emerging 2030 District is a private sector-led effort utilizing collaboration, incentives, shared resources and public-private partnerships to promote the development of high-performance buildings and a healthier, livable city of the future, the statement said.

Patrick Smith, a three-year veteran at the UNM Surplus Department, moves old computer towers into a warehouse Monday. Smith and other workers at the department categorize and store all of UNM's unwanted equipment.

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Surplus Property Department stores, recycles old equipment

Lena Guidi | February 18

In the old Elks Lodge building located on North Campus, a multitude of miscellaneous items are warehoused: computers, old CRT monitors, gym equipment, projectors, furniture, medical tools and framed posters. There are even oddities like a handmade globe, a mysterious medical instrument from the early 20th century and a baby dummy. This is where UNM’s property comes to die — or, ideally, to be resold to a different department.

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Q and A: Lack of international communication path to terrorism

Jonathan Baca | February 17

Dr. Emile Nakhleh is a retired Senior Intelligence Service Officer, a research professor and coordinator of national security programs at UNM, a National Intelligence Council/IC Associate and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations. He has worked with the CIA as a senior analyst and director of the Political Islam Strategic Analysis Program. He is also the author of several books and articles, and has won several awards and accolades. As the White House prepares for a major summit discussing how the root causes of terrorism and violent extremism, the Daily Lobo talked with Nakhleh about why people become terrorists, and what governments and communities can do to deal with the problem.

Teachers gather on Monday afternoon at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe to protest legislative proposals that could be detrimental to the education profession.

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Educators protest proposals in Santa Fe

Marielle Dent | February 17

Educators from across the state rallied at the Capitol on Monday to protest legislative proposals dealing with third grade retention rates, changes to the teacher licensure process and the proposed right-to-work law. Participants marched from the Santa Fe Railyard to the Roundhouse and weathered cold winds outside while multiple speakers rallied the crowd and encouraged them to visit their legislators’ offices inside. The “United Voices for Our Students” rally was organized by the American Federation of Teachers New Mexico and the National Education Association New Mexico, two groups that represent public education and higher education employees in the state.

Karen Foss, chair of the Department of Communication and Journalism, will be retiring in August after working at UNM for 22 years.

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Retiring chair championed feminist perspectives

Marielle Dent | February 16

Karen Foss, chair of the Department of Communication and Journalism, will be retiring in August after having held various positions at UNM since 1993. Foss originally came to UNM from Humboldt University in northern California and worked as a faculty member until she became director of Women’s Studies in 1995. After two years she became chair of the C&J department and remained in that position until 2000, when she returned to being a faculty member. Two years ago Foss became department chair once again. “There has always been a nice community in C&J. I have enjoyed my colleagues, my graduate students and the opportunity to do administration,” Foss said. “It’s a different way to contribute than just being a professor or researcher.”

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Grad students help prisoner dads reconnect

Sayyed Shah | February 16

Graduate students at the Department of Communication and Journalism are collaborating with Fathers Building Futures, an Albuquerque business, to help felons integrate into their families after incarcerations. Tema Milstein, associate professor at the Department of Communication and Journalism, said the students from a PhD professional seminar class are collaborating with PB&J, a nonprofit organization working for the rights of children, and specifically with Fathers Building Futures. “This unit of the class in which we are collaborating is focused on using research and teaching to help bring about positive change,” Milstein said. “We really wanted to engage our graduate students, who are going to be future professors, in understanding how they can bring about positive change in their work.”

Protesters gathered on Wednesday evening after an eviction notice was posted on the fence in Tent City outside of downtown. The inhabitants were relocated to a vacant lot between Second and Third street with the help of The Barelas Community Coalition and Barelas Neighborhood Association.

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No sunny retreat for Tent City residents

Moriah Carty | February 13

After a safe transition from one side of the street to an empty parking lot on the other, things seemed to be going well for Tent City’s residents. It looked like they had found a new place for their temporary settlement. But that changed when the owner of the lot withdrew his support for the new camp on Thursday. Initially, the Barelas Community Coalition came to a unanimous decision during an open meeting Tuesday night to allow the residents of Tent City to move their camp to an empty lot a few blocks south. The announcement was made Wednesday night, and was followed by a celebratory potluck provided by nonprofit group Albuquerque Center for Peace and Justice.

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UNM student reports sexual assault

Jonathan Baca | February 13

The UNM Police Department is looking for a man who allegedly attacked a female student outside of Zimmerman library on Tuesday night, threatening her with a knife and attempting to unbutton her jeans. According to the UNMPD report, the victim was able to fight off her attacker by kicking him in the groin, after which he fled the scene in an unknown direction. The suspect was described as a white male, 5’6” in height, wearing a black hoodie. The victim did not know the suspect and was unable to give a better description of him, according to the report.

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UNM student becomes celebrity after 'Saul' debut

Fin Martinez | February 13

Early Thursday morning Sarah Minnich, a communications graduate student, watched someone taking pictures of her on the way to school. Later, she found herself tagged in that photo on Facebook. This was Minnich’s first paparazzi encounter. Minnich is an Albuquerque actress who appeared in the recently aired series “Better Call Saul.” She played the role of Brenda, the secretary of Hamlin, Hamlin & McGill law firm. Minnich’s role in the show, which is set and filmed in Albuquerque, had an almost immediate effect on her IMBD.com page. “Better Call Saul” was the most anticipated network show prior to its premier, which broke records as the most-viewed premier in cable network history with 6.9 million viewers tuning in, according to HollywoodReporter.com.

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UNM crime briefs for Feb. 12, 2015

Erika Eddy | February 12

On Feb. 3, UNM Police Department was dispatched to the SUB in reference to harassment. According to the report, a student told police that a subject continues to flirt with her and constantly engage her in conversation. Also, the subject has reportedly showed up at the student’s work and asked her co-workers for her schedule. UNMPD has been asked to advise the subject to leave her alone and will be called the next time the subject shows up at the students work.

A 3D printed dinosaur skull and human hand lay on a table at the office of Del Alex Sanchez at UNM Valencia campus on Tuesday. UNM Valencia will offer a certificate in 3D printing in the fall.

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UNM Valencia to offer certificate in 3D printing

Matthew Reisen | February 12

UNM Valencia will offer a mini certificate in 3D printing, starting this fall, according to a Board Of Regents proposal. The mini certificate will encompass a total of 12 credit hours and meet industry needs, the document states. The classes included are “Intro to 3D Printing,” “Modeling for 3D Printing” and “3D Printing Project.” These courses will be offered at UNM Valencia in face-to-face lectures and lab classes. According to the proposal, students are required to pay a $25 lab fee that will cover basic equipment maintenance and upgrades.

A member at the ASUNM Arts and Crafts Studio carves intricate designs into a clay object. The Arts and Crafts Studio, located in the bottom level of the SUB, offers a variety of materials for making jewelry and ceramics.

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UNM Arts and Crafts Studio creates student outlet

David Lynch | February 12

Art history majors go to class every day to perfect their craft for a prospective career in the field, but for those students who simply want to make some art on the side, ASUNM’s Arts and Crafts Studio provides the space and materials essential to creating masterpieces. Executive Director Helen Atkins said the studio, located on the bottom floor of the SUB, provides a creative outlet for students. “Not everyone has the ability, with their busy schedules, to set aside time or a space to make art that is important to them,” Atkins said. “We offer something that I think is essential. It’s really therapeutic and sort of meditative for students.”

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College legend passes away

Kyle Tomasi | February 12

College hoops lost a legend on Wednesday morning when former UNLV coach Jerry Tarkanian died at 84. The national championship-winning coach for the Runnin’ Rebels faced many years of battling health issues later in his life, including a mild heart attack in March of 2012. Tarkanian, known for his winning ways and always having a damp game-day towel handy to bite down on, took the Runnin’ Rebels to four Final Fours and won a national championship in 1990. UNM men’s basketball head coach Craig Neal had nothing but praise for Tarkanian. “His footprint on college basketball is always going to be there,” Neal said. “He did a lot of great things at UNLV and a lot of good things at Fresno. It’s just a sad day and he was a really, really good guy. He was a funny character and he did a lot of changes in college basketball and he did a lot of great things for our conference.”

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New app intended to increase safety on campus

Sayyed Shah | February 11

UNM has introduced a new smart phone app that will allow anyone to immediately contact UNM Police Department to increase the safety of students, staff and faculty on campus. LoboGuardian uses real-time interactive features that create a virtual safety network of friends and family, according to a UNM press release.

During a forum Tuesday at the SUB, Grant McGimpsey holds up a Kent State based research article that he helped oversee. McGimpsey is one of four candidates running for the vice president of research position at UNM.

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Grant McGimpsey a vice president of research finalist

Marielle Dent | February 11

Grant McGimpsey, one of four candidates up for the position of UNM vice president of research, talked at an open forum held in the SUB on Tuesday about the important role research plays at universities. UNM Provost Chaouki Abdallah has invited each of the candidates to visit campus and meet with faculty, students and staff during their stay.

Gov. Susana Martinez greets GPSA President Texanna Martin, right, Rachel Williams and other student government representatives at the State Capitol building in Santa Fe. Monday marked UNM Day at the state Legislature.

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UNM Day at the Legislature recognizes efforts

Marielle Dent | February 10

UNM students, faculty, staff and alumni boosted awareness of the University’s accomplishments and lobbied legislators on issues that affect higher education, at UNM Day at the capital on Monday. The UNM Day is coordinated annually by the Associated Students of UNM Governmental Affairs and is a time for students to showcase their work and communicate the positive impact UNM has statewide, according to ASUNM website.

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ASUNM opposes license legislation

David Lynch | February 10

The Associated Students of UNM unanimously passed Resolution 2S at last Wednesday’s senate meeting, declaring their support of the University’s undocumented immigrant students’ ability to get driver’s licenses, a privilege which may be revoked during the current legislative session. Rachel Williams, president of the undergraduate student governing body, said that she strives to keep her positions very focused on UNM and the university’s various student populations. She said she advocates for anyone’s ability to get an education, which hinges on students providing identification.

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New scan technology harnessed for autopsies

Lauren Topper | February 10

Autopsies are on the decline in the United States. The Center for Disease Control shows a 50 percent drop in the rate of autopsies from 1972 to 2007, so that now they occur in only 8 percent of deaths. While no exact cause is identified, likely reasons include the high expense of autopsies for hospitals, as well as the limited number of medical examiners in the country. Yet while the rates are declining, the need for them is not. One disturbing study, published in Histopathology in 2005, showed that at least one third of death certificates are likely inaccurate.

Sam Donaldson, right, arrives at the Daily Lobo Journalism Boot Camp on Saturday. Donaldson served as the keynote speaker during the conference, which included panels and sessions for students interested in pursuing journalism.

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Sam Donaldson kicks Boot Camp into shape

David Lynch | February 9

Among the panels and sessions during this weekend’s Daily Lobo Journalism Boot Camp, one world-renowned television reporter took center stage Award-winning reporter Sam Donaldson served as the keynote speaker during the conference, and he had a simple message for young journalists: “Work really hard,” he said. “Beat the competition by doing the job better than they do. Just do your job.”