DEMING – Western New Mexico University, long known for its teaching mission, is also a hub of innovative research across disciplines. From psychology and computer science to art and early childhood education, faculty are making national and international impact.
Associate Psychology Professor Jennifer Johnston is on sabbatical in the U.K., completing a book on human cognition and co-editing a media psychology handbook. Meanwhile, Computer Science Professor Kamal Nyaupane is partnering with major research labs on AI modeling of soil carbon and dryland ecology.
In the arts, Professor Erin Weary draws from residencies in Colombia and Arizona to explore environmental themes through sculpture, while Sociology Professor Andreea Nica studies emotional well-being among people leaving institutions like family or religion.
Early Childhood Professors Candi Running Bear and Wenjie Wang are tackling Indigenous health needs and border community education. Wang, who’s published widely and earned the Early Childhood Champion Award, was recently named WNMU’s Faculty Excellence in Research winner.
University leaders praised the faculty’s groundbreaking work and noted its impact on student engagement and real-world learning.
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