Production Of Natural Low-Calorie Sweeteners

Description:

The COVID-19 lockdown triggered several negative food-related behaviors (e.g., food hoarding, emotional and mindless eating) that might have worsened the already alarming rates of obesity in the U.S.A. The work proposed here studies the synthesis of low-calorie natural sweeteners (e.g., D-tagatose, D-allulose, and D-Xylulose) from abundant byproduct streams. The increased consumption of sugar-sweetened foods during the current pandemic reveals a dire outlook for obesity and an increase in our population’s already staggering health care costs. Producing low-calorie natural sweeteners from inexpensive and abundant carbohydrates will have social benefits beyond expanding the portfolio of reduced-calorie foods without compromising the craving for a sweet taste.  

Key Faculty:

• Lead: Sergio Martinez-Monteagudo
• Joseph Holles 

CESFAS Internships with area Value-Added Stakeholders

Description:

CESFAS has five participating value-added companies to host CESFAS interns from May through August 2025. Currently two interns have been successfully hired and are submitting hours via the NMSU employee portal. In June two additional interns will come on board with Roadrunner Food Bank and Stampede Culinary Partners. In total four NMSU students will have internship experience and will provide a written report and presentation upon the completion of their internship. These experiences provide students with real work experience while allowing stakeholders the opportunity to assess the student’s skill set and work ethic. These workforce development opportunities will assist CESFAS with building the network of stakeholders while providing NMSU students with connections and employment.

Mid-summer evaluations will be distributed in the first week of July to both student interns and their supervisors.

Key Faculty:

• Chaddy Robinson

New Mexico State University Container Farm Innovation Initiative

Description:

In collaboration with CESFAS, over 60 students from the NMSU College of Engineering and DACC are developing a prototype container farm to strengthen efforts reserach and commericlization efforts aimed at reduing food insecurity in rural and underserved communities throughout New Mexico. This innovative farm will incorporate movable hydroponic racks, advanced lighting systems, innovative HVAC solutions, enriched atmosphere, and a custom digital control system developed in partnership with Reliable Controls Corporation. Insights gained from its design, fabrication, and operation will inform new strategies to address food security challenges, foster a robust research pipeline for agricultural engineering at NMSU, and promote sustainable solutions for those most in need.

Key Faculty:

• Lead: Alexander Wilson
• Dr. Sergio Martinez-Monteagudo

Key Partner:

• Reliable Controls Inc,
• New Mexico Farm and Ranch Museum
• NMSU College of Engineering / Dona Ana Community College