Ricardo Ramirez has taken the reins of the department he once navigated as a first-generation college student at NMSU. An entomologist with El Paso roots, Ramirez began serving as the head of NMSU’s Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science in August.
“For me, it was a homecoming to be a part of the program where I was initially trained and to bring my additional experiences back to share,” he said. “I am particularly excited about the opportunity to lead the department, develop collegial partnerships and contribute to the foundational training of the next generation of applied science professionals.”
Ramirez started his academic career a quarter century ago at NMSU. As an undergraduate student, he followed an interest in animals and neuroscience to the pre-veterinarian program in the College of ACES. But, while working in his mentor’s research lab, he discovered a passion for entomology and switched majors.
After completing a Ph.D. in entomology at Washington State University, Ramirez joined Texas A&M University as a postdoctoral researcher. He then spent 12 years as a faculty member at Utah State University, where he served as an Extension entomologist and biology professor.
Ramirez said his background as a first-generation college student has shaped his career.
“Entomology was not in my vocabulary before finding my major, but now I look for ways my field links with others I may be less familiar with to solve problems,” he said. “Learning to be empathetic with those from different backgrounds was key in establishing relationships with clientele in my Extension career and continues as I engage people from diverse backgrounds.”
Ramirez said his top priorities at NMSU include growing his department’s recruitment and retention efforts.
"To do this, we will continue our efforts to provide hands-on experiences and training by growing the department and expanding on the research enterprise of our interdisciplinary work that positively impacts New Mexico residents and communities beyond,” he said.
A version of this story first published in the fall 2023 issue of ACES Magazine. For more stories, visit nmsu.news/aces-magazine-fall-2023.
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CUTLINE: As head of the Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science, Ricardo Ramirez aims to grow recruitment and retention efforts.