New Mexico State University’s Domenici Institute for Public Policy is now accepting applications for the 20-person student cohort who are tasked with asking Domenici Public Policy Conference speakers inquisitive questions. The conference is set for Sept. 12 and 13 at the Las Cruces Convention Center. Panelist applications are due by March 30.
Applications are open to both undergraduate and graduate students from NMSU, Eastern New Mexico University, New Mexico Highlands University, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, New Mexico Military Institute, University of New Mexico, Western New Mexico University, Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine and the NMSU Community College campuses in Alamogordo, Carlsbad, Dona Ana and Grants. Crossing the state line for the first time, the scholars program also will be accepting applications from NMSU’s I-10 neighbor, the University of Texas at El Paso.
Applications require both a nomination from a faculty member or school administrator and a one-page student letter of interest expressing why the student would like to be a panelist. All materials must be received by March 30. Applicants will be notified via email of their selection status on or before April 11.
“We continue to honor Sen. Domenici’s legacy with our scholars program,” said Garrey Carruthers, chancellor of the NMSU system and director of the Domenici Institute. “By opening the program to panelists from additional schools, we’re ensuring that even more students are allowed to show their academic skills by researching topics that are important to our state and nation.”
Panelists will participate in research initiatives during the summer to expand their understanding of the conference speakers and topics while learning to develop probing, concise questions. A Domenici Institute Advisory Council committee led by NMSU Vice President for Economic Development Kevin Boberg will select the panelists and mentor their work.
Panelists have the opportunity to extend their summer research into a fall semester course as a Domenici Student Scholar. In its third year, the Domenici Student Scholars program is expanding to include panelists from all of the eligible institutions. Students interested in learning more about this option should contact the Domenici Institute for additional information.
Information sessions will be held at 9 a.m. Feb. 7 and at 3 p.m. Feb. 14 for students to learn more about the Domenici Institute student programs. The events will be held in Domenici Hall, Room 252, and streamed online. For online access contact Aaron Stoddard at stoddard@nmsu.edu.
Each selected panelist will receive a two-night hotel stay in Las Cruces, a $250 Visa gift card and a group dinner Sept. 11.
Since 2008, NMSU has hosted the Domenici Public Policy Conference, which is named for the late U.S. Sen. Pete Domenici. The annual event attracts more than 1,000 attendees and highlights current policy topics with national and local significance. Previous speakers have included current and former U.S. cabinet secretaries, career diplomats, members of the U.S. Congress, governors, political strategists, military commanders and business leaders.
Topics for the 2018 conference will be national defense, immigration and the changing political landscape in the state and nation. Speakers for this year’s conference will be announced at a later date.
Application instructions to include the faculty/administrator nomination form and student letter details are available on the conference page of the Domenici Institute’s website at http://domenici.nmsu.edu. For questions about the Domenici Student Panelist Program contact Kevin Boberg at 575-646-1334 or kboberg@nmsu.edu.
Information from NMSU