The Life Sciences at Northern

The life sciences impact almost every aspect of the modern world. Our programs incorporate fields and disciplines in the basic sciences, including biology, chemistry, environmental science, and radiation protection. We educate undergraduates in scientific concepts, laboratory methodologies, and the natural environment of northern New Mexico, to prepare them for graduate school and professional career opportunities in the broad sciences and health fields.

The Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Science (BCES) department at Northern New Mexico College actively trains undergraduates in scientific research and offers professional opportunities, such as attending national conferences, scientific seminars, and paid summer internships. Our students conduct research, learn in a small group setting, and interact daily with faculty mentors. Learn more about undergraduate research opportunities @Northern.

Through lecture and laboratory courses, BCES integrates critical thinking, quantitative problem-solving, leadership, team-building, and scientific research to provide a strong skill-set for successful post-baccalaureate and scientific careers. 

Student Research in the Bahamas

Students at Northern benefit from remarkable opportunities for undergraduate research. In December 2022, Dr. Rhiannon West, Associate Professor/Biology, took two students, Jazmyn Gutierrez and Vincent Benavidez, to the University of the Bahamas Gerace Research Centre for 28 days to conduct research on indigenous species of pupfish in the interior of San Salvador Island. Dr. West has brought three groups of students to the Bahamas to practice skills they had learned in the classroom and interacted with other researchers...

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STEM Exploration Day

From aspiring engineers to budding biologists, Northern New Mexico College’s STEM Career and Exploration event ignited passion and curiosity in students eager to explore the vast opportunities within science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. With engaging campus and laboratory tours...

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Questions? Contact Us!

(505) 747-2210

Meet the Team

Sushmita Nandy

Sushmita Nandy, PhD, Chair

Associate Professor, Biology

 
Rhiannon West

Rhiannon West, PhD

Associate Professor, Biology

 
Brenda Linnell

Brenda Linnell, PhD

Associate Professor, Chemistry

 
Scott Braley

Scott Braley

RadPro Assistant Professor

 
Wes Colgan

Wes Colgan

Research Professor

 
Reynold Silber

Reynold Silber

Professor of Environmental Science

 
Teresa Beaty

Teresa Beaty

Associate Professor

 
Maria Romero

Maria Romero

Lab Manager

 
Toni A. Atencio

Toni A. Atencio

Administrative Assistant