Teaching at New Mexico State University

Course: Environmental Science 110 Laboratory
Course objectives:

  • Illustrate the concepts of Environmental Science in an active learning environment including experiments, demonstrations, team projects, and field trips.
  • Introduce field and laboratory techniques used in Environmental Science using an Earth System Science approach.
  • Improve learning and critical thinking skills.

Course Summary

This course explores Earth system science by examining the interactions among the solar, atmospheric, hydrological, lithospheric, and biological systems that regulate environmental processes. Through a combination of computer-based labs, hands-on experiments, and a field trip, students investigate global recycling of matter and energy, climate processes, soil functions, and ecosystem services.

Key topics include climatology and environmental change, soil as a natural filter, soil erosion, microbial roles in soil and water systems, carbon sequestration in both the biosphere and lithosphere, global dust patterns, and water quality. The course also introduces energy systems with a focus on fuel cells, efficiency, and environmental impacts, as well as modern tools such as remote sensing. The course culminates in student-led final presentations that integrate concepts across Earth’s interconnected systems.

Graduate Research Assistant at New Mexico State University

Dissertation title: Integrating compost and cover cropping to sustain soil health and soil water storage in the semi-arid agroecosystment ( Jan, 2022 to Dec, 2025)

During my PhD at New Mexico State University, I conducted multi-year field and laboratory research evaluating how compost and cover cropping influence soil health, soil water storage, and nutrient cycling in semi-arid agroecosystems of the Southern High Plains (Clovis, NM and Akron, CO).

My research integrated field experiments within sorghum–wheat–fallow rotations, continuous soil water monitoring at multiple depths, and comprehensive soil health assessments spanning biological, biochemical, chemical, and physical indicators. I evaluated microbial communities, soil organic matter fractions, aggregate stability, infiltration, and nitrogen dynamics to link soil biological processes with soil structure and water function.

Using advanced statistical and multivariate analyses, including PCA and mixed models, I identified key soil health indicators that best explain soil water behavior in water-limited environments. Overall, my work provides practical insights into how compost and cropping system intensification can enhance soil resilience and support sustainable crop production under semi-arid conditions.

Community outreach

Cultivating Young Minds

Cultivating Young Minds is an annual outreach program for 5th-grade students from Clovis elementary schools that introduces youth to plant science and agriculture. I had the opportunity to directly engage students through hands-on activities and guided discussions at the research center. The experience concludes with a visit to the pumpkin field, where students select pumpkins to take home.

Field Days and Producer Engagement

Field days provide an opportunity for producers and researchers to interact, tour ongoing research projects at the Center, and engage in one-on-one discussions. I presented my research during farmers’ field days, sharing findings directly with producers and responding to questions about management practices and on-farm applications.

Open house event

I participated in the New Mexico State University College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES) Open House, a campus-wide outreach event that brings together students, researchers, producers, and community members. During the event, I presented my research and engaged with visitors of all ages, sharing insights on soil health, composting, and sustainable agricultural practices while answering questions in an interactive setting.