John G. Mexal

Image of John Mexal

Research area: Ecology and Conservation, Gardening and Landscaping, Water

Education:

  • Ph.D.: Plant Physiology, Colorado State University.

  • M.S.: Biology, University of New Mexico

  • B.S.: Biology and Chemistry, University of New Mexico.

TRAINING:

University Development Workshop, Las Cruces, NM 2005

WebCT Workshop, NMSU 2001

Professional Writing Workshop, Las Cruces, NM 1990

University Development Workshop, Baltimore, MD 1986

Writing Across the Curriculum, NMSU 1984

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY:

  • Assistant Department Head and Special Assistant to the Dean for Development, New Mexico State University, 2003 to 2014

  • Professor, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM. 1989 to present

  • Associate Professor, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM. 1986-1989

  • Head, Department of Horticulture, New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM. 1983-1986

  • Adjunct Professor, School of Forestry, Auburn University, Auburn AL. 1984 to present

  • Regeneration Specialist, Southern Forestry Research Center, Weyerhaeuser Co., Hot Springs, AR. 1974-1983

  • Research Assistant, School of Forestry and Natural Resources, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO. 1971-1974

  • Laboratory Instructor, Chemistry Department, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins, CO. 1973 (two semesters)

  • Assistant Curator of the Herbarium, Biology Department, New Mexico State University, Albuquerque, NM 1969-1971

Research Interests:

Research interests include tree physiology, nursery production, reforestation, establishment of plants in harsh environments, mycorrhizal symbiosis, and seed biology. Most of my work is with conifers, but increasingly my interests include native shrubs and tropical woody plants. I have over eight years experience in research with the forest industry, with work focused on reforestation and nursery production. I have been at NMSU 11 years, including three years as the Head of the Horticulture Department.

I teach Introductory Plant Science; Nursery Operation; Research Orientation and Perspectives.

AWARDS and RECOGNITIONS:

  • CAHE Distinguished Research Award (2003)

  • Blasker Environmental Science Award (nominee in 2000)

  • Rio Grande Border Environmental Award (2000)

  • Honorary State FFA Degree (1997)

  • SW Forest Disease Workshop Award (1985)

  • Weyerhaeuser Co. Research Awards (2 in 1980)

MEMBERSHIPS:

  • Society of American Foresters

  • New Mexico Academy of Science

  • Pi Alpha Xi

  • Gamma Sigma Delta (President 1988-1989)

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE:

  • Serbia (2005)

    Presented lectures on sustainable agriculture to farmer groups.

  • Mexico (1991 to present)[see Addendum for publications]

A. Reforestation Training (4 yrs)

  1. Training in US for ~30 students/yr (3 yrs)

  2. Training in Mexico for ~50 students (1 yr)

B. Ongoing research programs in states of Chihuahua, Quintana Roo and "Distrito Federal" (1995-present)

C. Seminars in Mexico City, Morelia, Chihuahua, Merida, Torreon and Durango

D. Grants exceeded $600,000.

  • Chile (2002-2003)

Nursery and Reforestation training course.

  • Egypt (1999 to 2001)

  1. Wastewater land application project in Ismailia, Egypt

  2. Grants = $75,000

  • Chile (1995-1996)

  1. Reforestation of Nothofagus in Tierra del Fuego, Chile

  2. Grants = $350,000

  • India (1990)

Reforestation and nursery production training in Madurai, India (Auburn U.)

  • Honduras (1984)

Visit agriculture research programs

  • New Zealand/Australia (1978)

CONSULTING ACTIVITIES:

  • BHP Minerals, Farmington NM 1991-1995, 1999

  • Auburn University, School of Forestry 1990, 1992-1994

  • Indian Mound Nursery, Texas Forest Service 1995

  • City of Las Cruces Wastewater Treatment Plant 1999

  • International Garment Processors, El Paso, TX 2000

  • Arizona State University, 2001

  • Brinkman and Assoc., New Westminster, BC, Canada, 2005

  • Entrix, Inc. Vancouver, WA 2005