Director
Dana serves as Deputy Director of Arrowhead Center at New Mexico State University, and serves as PI and director on multiple federal projects, programs, and initiatives focused on technology commercialization, R&D, and procurement, with an emphasis on SBIR/STTR programs and technology maturation. She is also the founder and director of the NM Clean Energy Resilience and Growth (CERG) cluster, funded through DOE. Ms. Catron has extensive experience and skills in technology commercialization, market validation, leadership, organizational and project management, strategic planning, program development and operations, grant writing and reporting, and grant management. She also serves as NMSU’s site director and is a member of the Internal Advisory Committee for the Accelerating Solutions for Commercialization and Entrepreneurial Development (ASCEND), which focuses on the commercialization of biomed tech out of research institutions. She has an outstanding track record of building and growing public private partnerships – particularly among academic and government institutions, such as the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, and national laboratories. Dana received her bachelor’s degree in Animal Science (focus on bovine genomics) from Washington State University and a master’s and Ph.D. (in progress) in Rhetoric and Professional Communication from NMSU.
Dana can be reached at dderego@nmsu.edu
Program Manager
Aaron serves as a Program Manager for Arrowhead Center, focusing on coordination, communication, and outreach activities. For his role, Aaron relies on his extensive experience in event planning, program management, and logistics coordination for efforts that serve the small business community. He received his bachelor’s degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management and a Master of Business Administration from NMSU.
Aaron can be reached at stoddard@nmsu.edu
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Program Specialist
Robert Bloomquist serves as a Program Specialist at Arrowhead Center. He graduated from New Mexico State University with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and minors in Professional Selling and Advertising. Robert brings a strong academic background and practical experience to his role, having been actively involved in various organizations during his time at NMSU. His expertise includes marketing, technology, and leadership, making him a valuable asset to the team at Arrowhead Center.
Robert can be reached at rbloom@nmsu.edu
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Resident Manager at the Genesis Center
Paula Garcia is the resident manager at the Genesis Center. She holds down the fort and is an excellent friendly face for visitors to our buildings. She received her Associate degree in General Studies in 2011 from Dona Ana Community College, and is currently working on her Associate degree in Criminal Justice. Paula enjoys spending time with her family, and especially going to her granddaughter’s athletic events. As if she wasn’t already busy enough, Paula also actively volunteers in various Las Cruces community events, including TWEF, Toys for Tots, Gus Macker 3 on 3 basketball tournament and the Mariachi Mass.
Paula can be reached at garcmari@nmsu.edu
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Funded in-part through the New Mexico Economic Development
Department's State-Certified Incubator Program
3655 Research Drive, Genesis Center-C
New Mexico State University
Las Cruces, NM 88003-8001
