Carlsbad Environmental Monitoring and Research Center - CEMRC

04/29/2025

Have you ever asked yourself, what exactly goes on at CEMRC? Well, we hope this video helps answer some of your questions!

03/18/2025

🔬 Behind the Data: Meet Ricky Nuñez 🔬

Continuing our "Behind the Data" series, we’re introducing Ricky Nuñez, Environmental Manager at CEMRC. Ricky ensures the safe storage and disposal of radioactive and chemical waste, maintaining a secure environment for daily research and testing. He also conducts containment tests to monitor and prevent contamination in labs and work areas.

A New Mexico State University graduate with a B.A. in Chemistry, Ricky is passionate about applying his knowledge to environmental and safety management. His dedication helps CEMRC uphold the highest standards in radiation safety and research integrity.

Stay tuned for more spotlights on the incredible team behind CEMRC!

02/18/2025

🔬 Behind the Data: Meet Jeremy Standiford 🔬

In our "Behind the Data" series, we’re introducing Jeremy Standiford, an Associate Research Scientist at CEMRC. With over 12 years of experience in radiochemistry, regulatory compliance, and analytical method development, Jeremy plays a key role in monitoring potential radiation releases from the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP).

His expertise in alpha spectroscopy, liquid scintillation counting, and gamma counting ensures precise data for environmental safety and regulatory compliance. Beyond research, Jeremy refines radiochemical methods, maintains lab instrumentation, and trains team members to uphold the highest standards.

A New Mexico State University alum, Jeremy’s background spans biofuel technology, regulatory reporting, and technical innovation. His contributions help CEMRC advance its mission of scientific excellence in environmental monitoring.

Stay tuned for more spotlights on the incredible minds behind CEMRC!

02/14/2025

02/07/2025

🔬 Behind the Data: Meet Ila Pillalamarri 🔬

In our "Behind the Data" series, we’re highlighting Ila, a scientist with expertise in nuclear physics and radiation health physics. With years of experience in radiometric gamma-ray spectrometry and trace element analysis, she plays a vital role in environmental monitoring and radiation safety at CEMRC.

Before joining us, Ila managed the INAA lab at MIT and contributed to deep-sea drilling research for the National Science Foundation. She is passionate about low-background radioactivity measurements and science outreach, helping to make complex research accessible to the public.

Stay tuned as we continue showcasing the brilliant minds behind CEMRC’s work!

02/05/2025

As we launch a new page, we're also starting a post series titled "Behind the Data", where you'll meet the people behind the scenes of CEMRC.

Our staff includes administrators, researchers, engineers, IT specialists, and scientists from all backgrounds, working together to ensure the health and safety of Carlsbad and the surrounding areas.

We're kicking off the series by highlighting our Director, Lambis Papelis.

Papelis brings more than 25 years of research, teaching and managerial experience in water chemistry and water quality, remediation of metal and metalloid-contaminated waters and groundwaters, fate and transport of pollutants, radionuclide migration, and interaction of potential contaminants with soils and aquifer materials.

He received his Ph.D. and M.S. from Stanford University in environmental engineering and science. He joined the civil engineering faculty at NMSU in 2010.

NMSU College of Engineering NMSU Civil Engineering

02/05/2025

CEMRC is part of NMSU College of Engineering and specializes in radiochemistry and environmental monitoring. Working with national labs and industry partners, CEMRC conducts research on radiation safety, nuclear waste, and environmental protection.

The Department of Energy operates the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) near Carlsbad, New Mexico, to store nuclear waste from defense activities. CEMRC supports WIPP and other partners by monitoring the environment, studying radiation exposure, and providing scientific research.

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El Centro Ambiental de Monitoreo e Investigación de Carlsbad, también conocido como CEMRC, que forma parte de la facultad de Ingeniería de New Mexico State University se especializa en radio química y monitoreo ambiental.

En colaboración con laboratorios e Industrias ambientales, CEMRC investiga la seguridad contra la radiación, los residuos nucleares y la protección ambiental.

Apoya la Planta Piloto de Aislamiento de Residuos, también conocida como WIPP, del Departamento de Energía cerca de Carlsbad, por medio de investigaciones científicas, monitoreo del ambiente y estudios a la exposición de radiación.

El Centro Ambiental de Monitoreo e Investigación de Carlsbad, también conocido como CEMRC, que forma parte de la facultad de Ingeniería de New Mexico State U...

01/31/2025