Monica is the director of the Community Engaged Learning Research program at the University of New Mexico. Monica knows how to ask the right question by following the question back to its source. In regards to her role as an educational administrator, she compares her method of inquiry to the analogy of the good samaritan, yet Monica not only looks to help immediate problems but also to follow symptoms back to the source. Her work with the Community Engaged Learning Research program at UNM reflects this mission. In addressing systemic issues, she redesigned what was originally the Research Service Learning Program (RSLP) to incorporate ideologies of community advocacy and overcome symptoms of disconnect between administrative programs and student experience. Monica understands priorities of student retention and increased graduation rate, what could be barriers, as incentives for better student support. As the director of CELR, Monica interacts directly with student initiatives like Lobo Gardens that have run a class through her program. She represents faculty support by making sure students have access to student funded resources such as the Green Fund for projects around the gardens.
Monica sees the recent collaboration with STEAM New Mexico to add two AmeriCorps VISTAs to the Lobo Garden’s team as bringing together UNM. With prioritized help the gardens can now have year round caretakers to oversee long term projects. Monica’s hope is to expand Lobo Gardens into two grassy lots adjacent the RED garden. The overall hope is to garner more student attention. Existing in a visible space will help bring not only students but hopefully more community members to the on-campus gardens. Outside of her life at UNM, Monica raises bees with her family.
Monica sees the recent collaboration with STEAM New Mexico to add two AmeriCorps VISTAs to the Lobo Garden’s team as bringing together UNM. With prioritized help the gardens can now have year round caretakers to oversee long term projects. Monica’s hope is to expand Lobo Gardens into two grassy lots adjacent the RED garden. The overall hope is to garner more student attention. Existing in a visible space will help bring not only students but hopefully more community members to the on-campus gardens. Outside of her life at UNM, Monica raises bees with her family.