Dear colleagues, 

I have had the privilege of participating in several events this semester to welcome our newest faculty members to campus. It has been a joy engaging with them and learning about their academic aspirations. Earlier this week, I also led two sessions on Informal Mentoring designed specifically for faculty, which provided a relaxed space to exchange experiences from my own academic journey.

Each new faculty member brings unique perspectives, expertise, and passions that enrich our classrooms, research laboratories, and the broader Aggie community. I am pleased to introduce representatives of our new faculty, as selected by their colleges.

Dr. Matthew J. Guberman-Pfeffer (Assistant Professor)
Chemistry & Biochemistry - College of Arts & Sciences

Originally from Connecticut, Dr. Guberman-Pfeffer’s path to chemistry began when his curiosity for understanding the molecular world overcame early doubts others expressed about his ability to pursue science with vision impairment. His journey has taken him through National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and Baylor University fellowships, and now to NMSU as an Assistant Professor. His research focuses on exploring how the world works at the molecular level, while his teaching is guided by the belief that education can transform lives. He is also passionate about creating opportunities for disabled individuals in science.

Guiding quote: “You never know how far you'll go when you don't know exactly where you're headed. Pursue your passion, enjoy the adventure, and enable serendipity mode on your GPS.”

Dr. Gonzalo Miyagusuku-Cruzado (Assistant Professor) 
Family & Consumer Sciences - College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences

A native of Peru, Dr. Miyagusuku-Cruzado is an engineer by training and a foodie at heart. His academic journey has spanned South America, Japan, and the United States, culminating in a Ph.D. in Food Science from The Ohio State University. At NMSU, his research explores natural pigments from crops and food waste as alternatives to artificial dyes and investigates preservation methods that maintain nutrition and flavor. He brings his passion into the classroom by connecting science with everyday meals.

Guiding quote: “Doryoku ni masaru tensai wa nashi (努力に勝る天才はなし)”

This quote reminds Dr. Miyagusuku-Cruzado that even the most naturally gifted cannot outperform someone who is committed to steady, persistent effort.  

Dr. Hugo Leenders (Assistant Professor)
Management - College of Business 

Dr. Leenders, originally from the Netherlands, began his professional life as a tennis player, coach, and entrepreneur before transitioning to academia. He holds an MBA from DePaul University and a Ph.D. in Strategy & Entrepreneurship from the University of Colorado Boulder. At NMSU, he researches and teaches strategy, with a focus on the role a business’s reputation in decision-making. He was drawn to NMSU by its values of leadership, access, and diversity, and looks forward to contributing to an inclusive and supportive community.
 

Guiding quote: “Discipline equals freedom.”  – Jocko Willink

This quote reminds Dr. Leenders that consistent discipline creates real freedom. Waking up early gives him more time and clarity. Hard work opens up professional opportunities. Regular exercise gives him the freedom to move and feel good. Financial discipline creates long-term security. It’s a mindset that helps him stay focused and intentional every day.

Dr. Xianjue Deng (Assistant Professor)
Civil Engineering - College of Engineering

Dr. Deng earned his bachelor's degree in China before completing his M.S. and Ph.D. in civil engineering at The University of Texas at Austin, where his work influenced national bridge design codes. His professional journey has included roles in industry and a postdoctoral appointment at UC San Diego. At NMSU, he focuses on accelerated bridge construction, seismic safety, and finite element software development, while inspiring students to pursue impactful research in structural engineering. He hopes to contribute by mentoring the next generation of civil engineers and conducting research that directly benefits the community and the state.

Guiding quote:
1.0³⁶⁵=1.0
 
1.01³⁶⁵=37.78
 
“If a person can finish just a little bit more work every day, even as small as 1%, by the end of the year they will achieve nearly 38 times more progress than others.”

Dr. Ava S. Armstead-Cozart (Assistant Professor)
School of Teacher Preparation, Administration, and Leadership - College of Health, Education and Social Transformation

A first-generation college student from Tulsa, Oklahoma, Dr. Armstead-Cozart brings deep expertise in Human Development and Family Science to her role as Assistant Professor and Principal Investigator for NMSU Head Start. Her research focuses on attachment theory and the importance of nurturing teacher-child relationships in early childhood education. She was inspired to join NMSU by the warmth and community she experienced and looks forward to strengthening partnerships and preparing high-quality teachers and programs.


Guiding quote: “My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.” – Desmond Tutu
 
To Dr. Armstead, it means that love matters most – that we are deeply connected, and our greatest strength lies in caring for and supporting one another.

Dr. Elana Karshmer (Assistant Professor)
Library 

A proud NMSU alumna and Las Cruces native, Dr. Karshmer returns home as Head of Reference & Research Services. She brings experience from her time at Florida International University and holds advanced degrees in both literature and library science. Her research interests include information literacy, assessment, and creating inclusive workspaces. Having grown up on the NMSU campus with parents who were professors, she is excited to give back to the community that shaped her.

Guiding quote: “Even after all this time / The Sun never says to the Earth / ‘You owe me.’ Look what happens with a love like that – it lights up the whole sky.” – Hafiz, 14^th century Persian poet
 
This quotation reminds Dr. Karshmer that we can never expect rewards for the work we do, for the love we show. The reward is what we can all accomplish together, sometimes without even knowing it.

The guiding quotes shared by our new faculty remind us that persistence, discipline, passion, and compassion shape both individual success and collective progress. As we learn from one another and work together, we embody these values and strengthen our shared commitment to shaping the future. Please join me in welcoming them to our Aggie community.

We would be remiss not to recognize the profound significance of this day, 24 years ago, when countless lives were tragically cut short. Today calls us to pause and reflect on the grief and sorrow that still echo from that moment – a day that, even in its devastation, united our nation in mourning and remembrance. As we honor those who were not granted another tomorrow, we reaffirm our shared resilience and compassion. We are NMSU.

Sincerly,
Laskshmi N. Reddi
Interim Provost
New Mexico State University