New STEM-Based Research Program at CNM Receives National and Local Recognition

CNM is proud to announce that the first cohort of the Meta Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience Program (M-CURE), spearheaded by instructor Melanie Will-Cole, was recently recognized by a number or organizations for its research on the impact of the Urban Heat Island Effect in Albuquerque.  

"Seeing all of this come to fruition had been so uplifting," Melanie says. "I had no idea how the first cohort of this program would go, and it's safe to say this group accomplished things above and beyond anything I could have expected. I am so proud of them and all of the work they've put into this research over the last year." 

The M-CURE program, which launched this spring, is designed to provide CNM students with real-world research opportunities that are typically reserved for students at four-year institutions. Over the course of a year, students gain hands-on experience conducting research and learning advanced STEM concepts. 

Eleven students were selected to participate in the inaugural cohort of M-CURE to study the Urban Heat Island (UHI) Effect, which occurs when heat-absorbing materials elevate overall temperature in urban areas. Albuquerque is currently one of the top 10 cities in the country experiencing this effect. 

Over the Summer Term each student walked a designated route of three miles, three times per day, three days a week.  They carried sensors that recorded air temperature, surface temperatures of concrete and asphalt, barometric pressure, humidity, along with several other measures. Then they spent the Fall term analyzing their results and sharing their findings.  

Seven students from the cohort have been selected to present their findings at the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society in New Orleans in 2025. The research conducted by the students will also be added to the National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS).  

"To be able to present my research at a national conference is an amazing opportunity," says Heather Fox-Gardner, an M-CURE student studying Physics at CNM. "I'm so excited to share what I've collected and to hear feedback from other professionals from around the world." 

At the local level, all 11 students will showcase their work at the New Mexico Research Symposium. The City of Albuquerque will also use the data to inform urban planning and heat mitigation moving forward.  

The students also gained more than academic expertise. Micah Watkins, an Electrical Engineering student, landed an internship at Sandia National Laboratories because of the experience and professional development he completed during the program.  

"This program has opened so many doors for me," Micah says. "A year ago I was working a regular job and now I'm an intern at Sandia because I had research experience to put on my resume. I'm also working on another research project at UNM all because of M-CURE." 

For chemical engineering student Adrian Casas, the M-CURE program helped solidify his passion for STEM.  

"My favorite part of the program was being able to represent the Latino and first-generation community," he says. "M-CURE and CNM as an institution have helped me hit my stride academically, and I'm thrilled to have been a part of something this impactful." 

While this cohort is getting ready to take their next steps, Melanie is already preparing for the next cohort of M-CURE, which will start in Spring 2025.  

"The next group is going to study the Urban Heat Island effect, but every group is going to bring their unique perspectives," she says. "I'm really excited to see what's next, and this first cohort has certainly set a precedent of success." 

Interested in learning more or applying to M-CURE? Visit the M-CURE webpage to explore how this program could be your gateway to STEM success.