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El Puente Research Fellowship

Season 4
Episode #2
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IPNRS sits down with Alejandro Mendiaz-Rivera and Rodolfo Becerril from El Centro de la Raza to discuss the El Puente Research Fellowship, a program that gives undergraduate students an introduction to research, and the importance of getting students involved early. Some of the other programs offered by El Centro are also discussed. Keep up with the latest happenings at El Centro de la Raza on Instagram.

About Our Guest(s)

Alejandro Mendiaz-Rivera

Mendiaz-Rivera is the associate director of El Centro de la Raza, a UNM alumnus and the former program director for El Puente Research Fellowship. His involvement with El Centro de la Raza dates back to his time as a student at UNM and working for the organization helps him to fulfill his dreams of helping students.

Rodolfo Becerril

Becerril is the program director for El Puente Research Fellowship, a former student in the program and a UNM alumnus. Originally from Chicago, he came to UNM to pursue a degree in Criminology, which led him to get involved with El Puente Research Fellowship. He has been the director of El Puente since 2025.

Hosted by UCAM's Cameron Goeldner

Carly Bowling headshot

Cameron Goeldner is a senior public relations specialist on The University of New Mexico’s Communication and Marketing Team (UCAM). In addition to his work producing It’s (Probably) Not Rocket Science, he also produces stories, photos and videos for the UNM Newsroom.

Goeldner, who attended UNM, won multiple New Mexico Press Association Awards while at the Valencia County News-Bulletin before a stint designing newspapers, including the Denver Post, for MediaNews Group. As the newest member of the UCAM team, Goeldner is excited to help spread the word about the incredible research happening at The University of New Mexico.