What We Do

Water Resources

Since water management cuts across many disciplines, the Water Resources Program at University of New Mexico prepares its graduates through a multidisciplinary curriculum. Each student's program of study is unique, reflecting their particular interests. Although concentrating on policy and management, Leslie took courses in several technical and scientific fields as well. For specifics, go to Leslie's MWR Program of Study.

Planning

Leslie participated in regional water planning with the Middle Rio Grande Water Assembly in 2002 - 2004.

She held the technical editing contract for the Regional Water Plan in 2003-2004.

Education and Facilitation

For her professional project, Leslie developed and piloted a workshop on water rights adjudication for water users in the Lower Rio Grande.

Leslie has served on the leadership team of several New Mexico First Town Halls, including the February, 2006, Sustainability: A Town Hall on Albuquerque's Energy Future; she was also part of the team facilitating public meetings for the Valles Caldera Trust in 2007.

Over the years she taught a variety of computer software classes through CNM, UNM Continuing Education, and CompUSA.

Historical

In 2008-2009, Leslie worked with Emlen Hall on a project for the State of New Mexico, reviewing historical and technical documents relating to the Rio Grande Project (Elephant Butte Dam, Elephant Butte Irrigation District and associated works).

Leslie researched trans-basin acequias in the Mora Valley gathering field data and historical documentation, which she developed into a report, Trans-Basin Acequias of the Mora Valley, New Mexico.

She has assisted other clients with preparing water right declarations.

Water Rights

While not an attorney, Leslie has used her knowledge of New Mexico water law on several projects. These include the workshop she developed for her professional project, the internship with the Ombudsman Program at the Utton Center, and historical work on the Rio Grande Project.

Mapping

Leslie used GPS technology to locate natural features for several projects, including a wetlands monitoring project (2006) and acequia documentation (2008). She incorporated the information into several GISes.

In 2004, Leslie used GIS to calculate the relative "greenness" of lands in the Rio Grande Valley as a way of estimating where irrigation was taking place.

Software Development

Leslie has many years of experience with database programming and website development, along with training in graphic design.