Fall 2018 SFCC Inside

inside SFCC S A N T A F E C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E | fall 2 0 1 8

In this issue Involving Students in Hands-On, Real-World Research Projects An Emmy-Winning Student SFCC Foundation Board Supports Student Success

FEATURE

Research Fuels Engineering Students F

or as long as Engineering Technologies professor Miguel Maestas can remember, the discipline of research — the systematic and handson exploration and application of facts — has served as inspiration for his engineering mind. Maestas tries to instill this same fascination in his students, developing curriculum that gets students involved in hands-on, real-world research projects.

“I don’t just want them to learn the subject area,” Maestas said. “I want them to be able to bounce off ideas and develop practical designs with their engineering skills.”

Maestas sees one of the best ways to provide opportunities to his students is through research internships. He encourages all of his students to develop résumés and submit applications. Four

Engineering Technologies professor Miguel Maestas and student Sara Lanctot

Garcia and Chason Simpson.

Three of those students transferred to New Mexico Tech this fall.

Maestas also fosters the development of soft skills that are essential for employment: He works with students to develop communication competence, encourages team building and emphasizes learning from peers. of his students worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory this past summer: Matthew Vigil, Aliyah Lucero, Adriana

Maestas also fosters the development of soft skills that are essential for employment: He works with students to develop communication competence, encourages team building and emphasizes learning from peers.

Engineering Technologies students can earn a certificate and/or an associate degree. “Students can easily transfer to a university, but some find career opportunities such as entry-level positions at Los Alamos National Labs,” he said. “In those jobs, people can start earning about $60,000 and work their way up to higher positions.”

“I love it,” said current student Sara Lanctot, 29, who landed a summer research internship at the University of New Mexico through the Summer Community College Opportunity for Research Experience as part of the

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New Mexico Alliance for Minority Participation program, based at New Mexico State University. “Miguel Maestas and others at the college have been so supportive,” she added.

Lanctot is continuing that research this fall through SFCC’s paid internship program PILAS (Programa de Internos, Los Alamos), made possible through support from Los Alamos National Security, LLC, Los Alamos National Laboratory, SFCC and Santa Fe Community College Foundation.

A Mexico native and U.S. resident, Lanctot earned two bachelor’s degrees in business (international and administration). She said, “I worked in banking for five years and I knew that wasn’t where my passion is. My dream was always to work in the aerospace industry. My teachers and family always pushed me to study something they thought was practical, like business. It was time to really go for my dreams by studying engineering at SFCC.” When she’s not working in space research, she’s discovered a whole new world at the cellular level. Her project at UNM is to pattern cells with precise location and distance on silicon chips

to study cell-to-cell communication. This project incorporates aspects of semiconductor processing methods, polymer science and cell biology.

“Sara has made key contributions to this work and we expect that she will be listed as a contributing author when we publish this work in a scientific journal,” said UNM’s principal

“ It was time to really go for my dreams by studying engineering at SFCC.” Sara Lanctot SFCC Engineering Technologies student and Los Alamos National Lab intern investigator for the project, Nick Carroll, Ph.D. “This is my first experience working with an SFCC student. It is clear there is a rich STEM talent pool at SFCC, and I look forward to engaging with these students in the near future.”

In addition to Lanctot’s main research project, she’s worked with a 3-D printer at UNM and designed a special holding tray to store cells without cross-contamination.

Holding tray to store cells without cross-contamination designed by student Sara Lanctot.

Whether she decides to pursue her aerospace dreams or go down another engineering path, it’s clear the sky’s the limit.

Professional Filmmaker/Student Wins Regional Emmy Kaela Waldstein took home a Rocky Mountain Southwest Regional Emmy Award on Sept. 22 in the category of Special Event Coverage Live or Edited for her short film, “International Folk Art Market.” Milton Riess, head of the SFCC Film Department, said, “An Emmy is the greatest honor awarded in television. Kaela Waldstein deserves this recognition. She’s a stand-out student. I’m glad to see a woman get this recognition, since women do not always get acknowledgment in the male-dominated profession. It’s all about the quality of the work and that’s what it should be, not the gender.”

A self-taught filmmaker with her own production company, Mountain Mover Media, Waldstein came to SFCC to fill in the gaps of her knowledge and connect with the local film community. She said, “I love the film program. I’m being pushed further outside my comfort zone, and am experimenting with equipment and techniques I hadn’t considered before.”

The 35-year-old filmmaker moved to Santa Fe from San Francisco about a year and a half ago. Studying at the college has connected her to more people with similar goals and aspirations. “The faculty is of a high caliber and having access to all the equipment in the Film Cage is a super valuable resource all on its own,” she said.

Another of her short films, “Zozobra: The Original Burning Man,” also received a nomination in the same category. To see her award-winning film and other work samples visit mountainmovermedia.com.

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Profile

Q&A:

Valerie Nye, Library Director SFCC’s new library director, Valerie Nye, has worked in academic libraries for more than 15 years, most recently as library director at the Institute of American Indian Arts.

The New Mexico native serves on the executive committee of the national Freedom to Read Foundation board and co-edited True Stories of Censorship Battles in America’s Libraries. She is working on a forthcoming book – a collection of library censorship stories to be published by the American Library Association in 2020. She enjoys New Mexico’s cuisine and co-wrote and edited two books about breakfast: Breakfast Santa Fe Style and Breakfast New Mexico Style, both available through Santa Fe-based Sunstone Press.

Q: What are you most passionate about?

Q: What is the library’s greatest resource?

A: Intellectual freedom in libraries. We need to protect libraries from censorship. Libraries are for all points of view – even if they are controversial. There should be a wide spectrum of books available to all users.

A: The people who work there! The depth and breadth of knowledge of the staff is amazing. We’re here to help students, faculty and staff.

Q: What role does the library play in the SFCC community?

A: We want students to be successful in conducting research or in finding books to read. We also teach students that libraries are there for them for lifelong learning, not just to finish a research paper.

We want students to be comfortable with coming in and talking with a librarian. We want them to know that their privacy is maintained. Students will sometimes seek out information about alcoholism, drugs or domestic abuse. We want them to be comfortable when seeking information. When you visit with a librarian, it becomes a conversation rather than a Google search.

Q: What is your main priority?

A: Our priority is service. I recognize we’re serving diverse needs and we’re here for everyone. We want to assure everyone that they belong in the library. We provide a huge spectrum of service: Some students just need a little guidance and others might need more. We meet them where their skills are and move them to the next level. The library is here to help with coursework or help you start a new business.

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Q: What is your favorite book?

A: To Kill a Mockingbird. I was in middle school and I read it when I was starting to read books on my own. I can’t believe that it’s a book that’s been banned. It’s a book I was able to connect with and have read it again and again. I still really enjoy it.

The SFCC Library is open to the public for research; however, check-out privileges are reserved for students, faculty and staff. The SFCC Library hosts a variety of readings open to the public.

Upcoming readings Weds., Nov. 7, 6 p.m.

Terry Wilson and her Exploring Creative Writing Class Mon., Nov. 12, 2:30 p.m.

Emily Stern and her Memoir Class Thurs., Nov. 29, 5 p.m.

Faculty and Staff Annual Holiday Reading

SFCC Foundation Board Supports Student Success SFCC would not be able to support as many students in achieving their educational goals or faculty and staff in their professional development were it not for the SFCC Foundation.

And, the SFCC Foundation could not meet its goals without the support of the expertise and contributions from dedicated community leaders who are serving on the Board: Chair Carmen Gonzales, Ph.D., members Martha Romero, Ph.D., Patricia McNeill, SFCC Interim President Cecilia Y.M. Cervantes, Ph.D., Elise Arena, Ed Barker, SFCC Foundation

Executive Director Deborah Boldt, Natalie Fitz-Gerald, George Gamble, Ph.D., Stephen Gaber, Vince Kadlubek, Fred Nugent, Danika Padilla, Regis Pecos, Adam Stramel, Jeff Szabat, Sandy Zane and Leona Zastrow.

SFCC Foundation also appreciates the continued support from Emeritus Members: Richard Abeles, Rachel Belash, Carole Brito, Robert Glick, Ph.D. and Nancy Witter.

SFCC Foundation welcomes new Board members

Stephen Gaber, President, Doris Goodwin Walbridge Foundation Stephen Gaber was a founder and CEO of the Investment Counseling Division of Mesirow Financial Services, a diversified financial services firm headquartered in Chicago. A Chicago native, he worked at Mesirow from 1972 to 1996 when he retired and moved to Santa Fe. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Washington University, St. Louis, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of California at Berkeley. He is currently the treasurer on the Communities in Schools New Mexico Board. He was a board member and treasurer of the Santa Fe Community Foundation (2003-2008 and 2011-2016) and was on the board and treasurer of Con Alma Health Foundation (2008-2014).

He previously served on the boards of Santa Fe Forum and Compassion Beyond Borders.

Danika Padilla, Director of Community Development, Meow Wolf Danika heads the company’s social and corporate responsibility planning. As part of this role, she is working to engage local stakeholders and to foster long-term community relationships across Meow Wolf’s locations in Santa Fe, Las Vegas, Nev., and Denver. With political activism, fundraising, and nonprofit experience, Danika is passionate about expanding the role businesses play in building and supporting strong communities. Previously, she served as Managing Director at Rio Strategies and on the South Central Finance team for Hillary for America.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Washington State University.

Danika is the alternate board member for Vince Kadlubek.

Jeff Szabat, Senior Vice President and Retail Manager, Century Bank Jeff directs a team providing financial solutions to consumers and businesses. Before joining Century Bank in 2002, he worked for Bank of America and its predecessors for 18 years. During that tenure, he rose from Commercial Teller to the Santa Fe Market President. Drawing on 34 years of banking experience, he now focuses on leading the largest area of Century Bank.

Passionate about giving back, Jeff has participated in various community activities including Habitat for Humanity, Santa Fe Plaza Painting and scholarship fundraising events.

He also has served on nonprofit boards including Santa Fe Chamber of Commerce (Vice-Chair), Food Depot (Board President), and Santa Fe American Little League (Board President). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Pennsylvania State University.

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NOTEWORTHY Education-Employer Alignment Improves Job Placement, Retention, Wages

new staff

New Mexico Skill Up Network: Pathways Acceleration in Technology and Health care (SUN PATH), a $15 million project funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, is an initiative of Santa Fe Community College and 10 New Mexico community colleges to pair the understaffed health care workforce with unemployed, underemployed or under-trained adults. The colleges collaborated with the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, New Mexico Higher Education Department and health care employers to create ways for New Mexicans to more quickly and more efficiently prepare for careers in health care, an understaffed workforce sector. SFCC served as the lead institution.

The group developed industry-recognized credentials that were required for highdemand jobs in allied health, emergency medical services and health information technology. The results are impressive: employment outcomes improved, employee retention rates increased and average earnings went up.

The program worked at filling the critical need for more trained health care workers, using the I-BEST model (Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training). I-BEST quickly boosts students’ literacy and work skills so that students can earn credentials, get living wage jobs, and quickly put their talents to work for employers. Through SUN PATH, students simultaneously studied math and English along with their health care subject area to complete certificates and degrees. A Workforce Solutions job coach was available on each campus to assist in job placement.

The SUN PATH Consortium shared its final progress report recently at a statewide gathering facilitated by New Mexico First, a public policy organization, to identify strategies that more effectively align higher education and workforce services with industry needs in high-demand fields. The participants developed plans to sustain and expand successful components of SUN PATH, which New Mexico First intends to use to develop legislation to strengthen career pathways and talent pipeline systems.

The statewide SUN PATH director, SFCC’s Kristen Krell, led the consortium and its team: Dean of Science, Health, Engineering and Math and principal investigator Jenny Landen, R.N., M.S.N., FNP-BC, Carmen Gonzales, Ph.D., (former principal investigator), Program Manager Carla Slentz, Data Manager and Programmer Analyst Tricia Kattell, Administrative Coordinator Margaretmary Woodd, SFCC’s SUN PATH Coordinator Cheryl Peachey and Ted Lech, Job Development Career Coach. Project evaluators with the University of New Mexico provided comprehensive consultation, planning and evaluation services.

SUN PATH Highlights ▶ Eleven colleges served 4,266 students, of which 2,792 completed the program and earned 3,125 credentials. ▶ More than 600 unemployed students became employed after completing the program. ▶ More than 2,000 students who were employed prior to participating received a wage increase.

Compared to non-participants, SUN PATH participants: ▶ Completed a certificate or degree at a 34 percent higher rate. ▶ Became employed after program completion at a 14 percent higher rate. ▶ Earned nearly $1,000 per quarter compared to $700.

Learn more about I-BEST: Kristen Krell, 505-428-1142, kristen.krell@sfcc.edu or www.sfcc.edu/i-best.

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Donna Wells, who previously served as Executive Assistant to the Boards, is the Executive Assistant to the President. Prior to joining SFCC, she worked with the Trust for Public Land, the Nature Conservancy and New Mexico Land Conservancy. She studied acting and worked behind the scenes in the film industry for production companies in Los Angeles before moving to Santa Fe in 1989. She holds a B.A. in Creative Writing from Vermont College and an MFA in Creative Writing from Goddard College.

SFCC welcomes Tammy Duran, Director of Advising, First-Year Experience and Career Services. She has more than 15 years of experience in education, much of it in higher education academic advising.

She worked for more than a decade at Central New Mexico Community College and is happy to be back serving the community where she grew up. Duran holds a master’s degree in Education – LLSS Language, Literacy & Sociocultural Studies and a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. She earned both degrees at the University of New Mexico.

Terence Donaldson, Executive Director of Human Resources, served as Assistant Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer of the Department of Human Resources and as the Executive Director of Human Resources for the Department of Children Services for the State of Tennessee. He holds a master’s in Organizational Communication and a bachelor’s degree in Communication from University of New Mexico where he played football for the Lobos. Donaldson is certified in Employment and Labor Law and is a graduate of LEAD Tennessee.

Dan Miller has joined the Marketing and Public Relations Department as Director of Marketing Communications. Miller brings with him more than 30 years of experience in marketing and communications including working as Marketing Manager for Santa Fe University of Art and Design; Director of Marketing and Sponsorship for the Santa Fe 400th Anniversary; Director of Marketing and Brand Equity for Santa Fe Natural Tobacco Company. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

SFCC student Mike Kimball received the first place award at the New Mexico State Fair in the fine arts exhibition printmaking category for his linoleum block print “Santa Fe Station.” The print depicts the New Mexico Rail Runner Express trains in front of the Santa Fe depot in the Railyard as passengers disembark.

The 18" x 18" block print was carved and printed in instructor Jennifer Lynch’s Relief Printmaking course. In addition to the blue ribbon, a cash prize was also awarded.

SFCC’s Entrepreneur Institute and the City of Santa Fe recently launched the Santa Fe Entrepreneurial Eco System Network to work with businesses and entrepreneurs to collaborate on developing effective and energizing ways to support existing, emerging and student entrepreneurs in Santa Fe. SFCC is the only community college among the recipients of a $20 million grant that will support development of a modern electric grid. Dean Camilla Bustamante, Ph.D., is the principal investigator, working with Luke Spangenburg, Director of Biofuels Center of Excellence, Training Center Corporation and Innovation Center; Stephen Gomez, Ph.D., Faculty, Science and Sustainability, and Ondine Frauenglass, lab technician, Biofuels Center of Excellence.

SFCC will receive more than $597,400 in federal funds over a five-year period.

Students in the PILAS paid internship program’s orientation meeting with the internship coordinator.

From left: Manche Babanek (business), Suzette Ungard (film), PILAS internship coordinator Ya’el Chaikind, Jane Bias (media arts) and David Plonski (water technology). Employers and students who would like information about next semester’s program should call Chaikind at 505-428-1418 or email randiyael.chaikind@sfcc.edu.

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Nonprofit Organization US Postage PAID Santa Fe Community College

6401 Richards Ave. Santa Fe, NM 87508-4887 www.sfcc.edu

InsideSFCC

Sa n ta F e C o mmu n i ty C o l l e g e Empower Students, Strengthen Community. Empoderar a los estudiantes, Fortalecer a la comunidad.

Inside SFCC Published by Santa Fe Community College SFCC Governing Board and President Linda S. Siegle Chair Jack Sullivan Vice Chair George Gamble, Ph.D. Secretary Martha G. Romero, Ph.D. Member Kathleen D. Keith Member Cecilia Y.M. Cervantes, Ph.D. Interim President Contact Board Members at www.sfcc.edu/about/ governing-board or call 505-428-1148.

Produced by SFCC’s Marketing and Public Relations Department mpr@sfcc.edu, 505-428-1667 Executive Director: Todd Eric Lovato Writing & Editing: Emily Drabanski, Todd Eric Lovato, Laura J. Mulry Design & Layout: Jeffrey Atwell Photos: Chris Corrie, Emily Drabanski, Dorothy Perez y Piriz

registration for spring begins mid-november Check www.sfcc.edu for the latest events.

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