Welcome to the Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Conservation Ecology.
We apply traditional and emerging scientific methods to understand the ecology of fish and wildlife and the communities they inhabit. We apply this knowledge to help make more informed conservation and management decisions as well as to further society’s understanding of the structure and function of ecological systems. We strive for excellence in research, teaching and outreach with our efforts focused on the diverse ecosystems of the American Southwest as well as on issues occurring nationally and internationally.
FWCE Mission
The mission of the Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology at New Mexico State University is to prepare students to become competent professionals that use traditional and emerging scientific methods, and apply this knowledge to the conservation and management of fish and wildlife. Particular attention is placed on research that solves complex natural resource problems in New Mexico, the Southwest and elsewhere.
Goal 1 - The Department's academic program will prepare quality graduates for diverse employment options, enabling them to serve the collective interests of society by:
providing a rigorous education for undergraduates that adequately prepares them to enter the professional workforce or graduate school.
producing competent graduate students who will assume leadership roles in research and management within local, state and federal agencies or continue on to academic positions.
continuing as a leading department in recruiting and graduating a significant number of Native Americans, Hispanics and women.
Goal 2 - The Department's research program will provide innovative solutions to natural resource problems by:
Maintaining a competitive research program that results in peer-refereed publications and technical reports that advance our knowledge and enhance the management and conservation of fish and wildlife.
Working collaboratively with state, federal, tribal and private stakeholders to resolve wildlife management challenges.
Goal 3 - The Department's service and outreach will disseminate information concerning fish and wildlife resources in New Mexico, the Southwest and elsewhere by:
Working cooperatively and sharing information with public and private interests to help sustain and manage fish and wildlife resources.
Providing continuing education opportunities for resource professionals.
Being a leader in responding to emerging fish and wildlife-related needs.
FWCE Vision
The Department of Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology strives for excellence in teaching, research, and outreach in ecology, conservation, and management of aquatic and terrestrial resources, with an emphasis on ecosystems in southwestern North America. The major components of our vision include
practical field experience and leadership for students of diverse backgrounds,
competitive extramurally funded research programs focused on basic and applied science, and
technical advice and guidance for resource agencies and the public.
Southwest Natural Resource Career Track Program
The Southwest Natural Resource Career Track Program (SWNRCT) aims to mentor students for careers in Natural Resource fields. Annual Programs include USDA PATHWAYS workshops and travel to on-site hiring events; summer internships and research experiences; field courses; travel to professional meetings; faculty and professional mentoring; and an annual program retreat. These programs will improve student recruitment, retention, academic performance, and graduation rates, and will increase students seeking and obtaining careers with the USDA.
Affiliated Programs
GALS | Girls on Outdoor Adventures for Leadership and Science
USGS Coop Fish and Wildlife Research Unit
Wildlife Museum
New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service
