SENMC Phi Theta Kappa Students Explore the Future of Water

SENMC Phi Theta Kappa Students Explore the Future of Water Through Research, Community Partnerships, and Upcoming Symposium

The Alpha Rho Xi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society at Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) invites the community to attend “Conserve, Preserve, and Restore: Water, the Key to Life,” a water symposium on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in Room 153 on the SENMC campus.

The event is part of the chapter's annual Honors in Action project, an international Phi Theta Kappa initiative that challenges students to connect academic research with real-world issues and develop projects that make a meaningful difference in their communities.

This year's Honors in Action topic, “What's Next: Imagining the Future,” encourages students to explore the challenges and opportunities that will shape tomorrow's world. The Alpha Rho Xi Chapter selected the theme question, “How can humans design a better future, and what barriers stand in the way?”

For students in southeastern New Mexico, that question has led them to examine one of the region's most valuable and essential natural resources: water.

Water plays a critical role in nearly every aspect of life in the Permian Basin, from agriculture and industry to economic development, environmental sustainability, and the health of local communities. As the region continues to grow, questions surrounding water availability, conservation, quality, and long-term sustainability become increasingly important.

Through their Honors in Action research, PTK students are examining the future of water resources in southeastern New Mexico, including the challenges of maintaining healthy water systems while balancing the needs of communities, agriculture, and industry. Their research explores how science, technology, environmental management, and community involvement can help create a more sustainable future.

Taking Research Beyond the Classroom

One of the important components of this year's project is providing students with opportunities to participate directly in water research. During October, chapter members will work alongside Rick Wiedenmann, Chair of Natural Sciences and Engineering at Southeast New Mexico College, to conduct water testing and examine the health of the Pecos River. This hands-on experience will allow students to better understand water quality, environmental conditions, and the importance of monitoring one of southeastern New Mexico's most significant waterways.

By participating in water testing, students will connect their academic research with the actual conditions affecting the Pecos River and gain a greater appreciation for the scientific work involved in protecting the region's water resources.

The project also extends beyond the college campus through a collaboration with Carlsbad High School and Early College High School's Business Professionals of America (BPA) chapters. Together, PTK and BPA students are working to raise funds to support local charitable organizations involved in protecting, conserving, and planning for the future of water resources in the Permian Basin.

This partnership brings together high school and college students around a shared commitment to environmental responsibility, community service, and leadership. By combining research with fundraising and community engagement, students are demonstrating how education and collaboration can contribute to meaningful change.

“Our goal with this project is to get students thinking about the future of water, not just as something we use every day, but as something we have a responsibility to protect,” said Dr. Raven Anderson, Phi Theta Kappa advisor at SENMC and New Mexico Regional Coordinator. “Water impacts everything we do here in southeastern New Mexico. Through our work with Rick Wiedenmann, Chair of Natural Sciences and Engineering at SENMC, and our partnerships with the high school BPA chapters, students are learning that they can take an active role in understanding the challenges and helping develop solutions for the future.”

Bringing the Community Together

The November 5 symposium will bring together students, faculty, water researchers, and community members for an evening of discussion about the future of water in the region. The program will feature presentations from hydrogeologists discussing water resources in the Permian Basin, along with conversations about water quality, conservation, environmental management, and the health of the Pecos River.

Presentations will be followed by opportunities for questions and discussion, allowing attendees to engage directly with experts and learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing southeastern New Mexico.

The symposium will also provide an opportunity to highlight the students' research and the importance of partnerships between educational institutions, scientific experts, and community organizations.

“Honors in Action is about much more than completing a research project,” Anderson added. “It is about helping students understand that they have a voice in shaping the future. When we bring college students, high school students, researchers, and community members together around an issue as important as water, we create opportunities for learning, leadership, and meaningful action. That is what this project is really about.”

The Alpha Rho Xi Chapter encourages students, educators, community leaders, and anyone interested in the future of water in southeastern New Mexico to attend and participate in this important conversation.

Event Information

Event: Conserve, Preserve, and Restore: Water, the Key to Life
Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Location: Southeast New Mexico College, Room 153
Hosted by: Alpha Rho Xi Chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

About Phi Theta Kappa

Phi Theta Kappa is the international honor society recognizing academic achievement among students at associate degree-granting colleges. Through its Honors in Action program, members engage in academic research, leadership development, and service projects that address important issues affecting their communities and the world.

The Alpha Rho Xi Chapter at Southeast New Mexico College has earned recognition for its commitment to academic excellence, student leadership, and community engagement.

Alpha Rho Xi Contact:

Dr. Raven Anderson
Phi Theta Kappa Advisor, Alpha Rho Xi Chapter
New Mexico Regional Coordinator, Phi Theta Kappa
Southeast New Mexico College
Carlsbad, New Mexico