COEHS to welcome back Dr. Jane Blumenfeld Lecture Series in person on April 15

The University of New Mexico College of Education and Human Sciences will welcome back the Dr. Jane Blumenfeld Lecture Series in person on Wednesday, April 15, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Travelstead Hall on UNM's Central Campus.

The annual lecture series, hosted by the College of Education and Human Sciences, returns to an in-person format for the first time since 2019. A Zoom option also will be available for those attending virtually for the keynote address.

The 2026 Blumenfeld lecturer is Shahla Alai-Rosales, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Behavior Analysis at the University of North Texas and volunteer faculty with the Bahá'í Institute for Higher Education Counseling Psychology Program.

Alai-Rosales has taught in Texas, Europe and the Middle East on topics including ethics, early autism intervention, parent training, behavioral systems, applied research methods, technology transfer, behavior change techniques and cultural diversity.

Her lecture, "Waterways & Passports: Navigating Our Responsibilities with Purpose, Determination, and Beauty," will explore questions of power, equity, justice and suffering through stories, data and water metaphors. Drawing on her experiences as an early childhood educator, special educator and professor, Alai-Rosales will examine the kinds of environments that support safe passage and well-being for students and children.

The evening will also include a featured conference track from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., highlighting local speakers focused on assessment, behavior, and instruction with practical applications in school and community settings. Presenters include Erin Smith, speaking on "When Difference Is Misread: Culture and Behavioral Interpretation"; Gloriane Ortega, presenting "Culturally Responsive Reading Interventions"; and Lisa Keck, presenting "Is This Our Mountain? Assessing the Efficacy of a Community-Based Oral Language Screening Tool."

Refreshments will be served from 5:30 to 6 p.m. before the keynote begins.

"The return of the Dr. Jane Blumenfeld Lecture Series in person is a meaningful moment for our college and community," said COEHS Dean Kris Goodrich. "This event reflects the heart of our mission, bringing educators, scholars, students and practitioners together around questions that matter deeply to the well-being of children, families and schools. We are honored to welcome Dr. Shahla Alai-Rosales and excited to gather again in shared space for an evening of learning, reflection and connection."

The Blumenfeld Lecture Series honors the legacy of Dr. Jane Blumenfeld and continues to serve as a forum for timely conversations in special education and related fields.

Community members are encouraged to RSVP in advance at https://goto.unm.edu/blum. Those attending virtually may join via Zoom using Meeting ID 969 3876 2597 and passcode JANE.

Those who wish to support the ongoing impact of the lecture series may make a gift to the Dr. Jane Blumenfeld Fund.