The New Mexico State University College of Engineering invites students, faculty, staff and community members to attend a public lecture and expert panel focused on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances contamination in New Mexico’s water systems. 

Titled “PFAS in New Mexico: What’s in Our Water – And What Comes Next?”, the event will take place from 9 a.m. to noon May 1 in Hernandez Hall, Room 103 on the NMSU Las Cruces campus. 

“Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances have become an important focus of ongoing state rulemaking efforts, highlighting the need for strong scientific understanding and collaboration,” said Runwei Li, assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and event organizer. “It is important our community understands what PFAS are, how they affect our environment and what we are doing to help.”

PFAS are a group of persistent chemicals that have raised increasing concern due to their historically widespread applications, their presence in the environment, and their potential impacts on human health and the environment. This event brings together researchers, regulators and the community to provide insight into current research, regulatory developments and solutions related to PFAS contamination in New Mexico. 

Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of key topics, including: 

• The presence of PFAS in regional water systems. 
• Potential health risks associated with exposure. 
• Treatment and remediation strategies. 
• The impact of evolving PFAS regulations in New Mexico. 
• Emerging career pathways in PFAS science and environmental engineering. 

The event will be hosted by NMSU Civil and Environmental Engineering Department faculty member Li and the New Mexico Environmental Department. It aims to foster informed discussion and connect attendees with experts working at the forefront of environmental protection and water quality research.  

“We welcome students, faculty, water professionals and community members to join this important conversation,” Li said. “The event offers a unique opportunity to hear directly from both state regulators and researchers, engage in discussion, and explore how science, policy and workforce development come together to address PFAS challenges in New Mexico.”

This is a free event and is open to the public, with no registration required. Students interested in environmental engineering, sustainability, public health and policy are especially encouraged to attend, along with community members seeking to better understand water quality issues affecting the region. 

“The College of Engineering continues to support initiatives that promote public awareness, interdisciplinary collaboration and solutions to pressing environmental challenges,” said Satyajayant “Jay” Misra, associate dean of research for the NMSU College of Engineering. “This event exemplifies the College of Engineering’s commitment to advancing interdisciplinary research, education, and public engagement on critical environmental challenges. By strengthening collaboration with state agencies like NMED, we are creating opportunities for students to contribute to real-world solutions while supporting science-informed policy and workforce development in New Mexico.” 

Those who plan to attend are asked to visit the campus map and the parking website for location and parking details.

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CUTLINE: Runwei Li, assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, is one of the organizers of the “PFAS in New Mexico: What’s in Our Water – And What Comes Next?” talk at New Mexico State University taking place beginning at 9 a.m. May 1 in Hernandez Hall. (NMSU Photo by Vladimir Avina) 

Description: A man in a coat stands in a research lab with various instruments used in the field of environmental and civil engineering