In addition to transitioning into a new physical environment, AAPIRC also welcomed Aaron Tuioti-Mariner as the center’s inaugural Program Manager on March 17. Aaron joined the UNM community last year as the sales and program manager for the Student Union Building before taking on the new AAPIRC role. Prior to moving to New Mexico, Aaron spent 15 years in higher education at Adams State University, where he held various roles, including graduate coordinator, program chair, academic advisor, assistant professor, and assistant football coach. Originally from the Pacific Islands of Samoa and raised in Orange County, California, Aaron is a first-generation college graduate. He earned a B.S. in Business Administration, an M.A. in Sports Administration, and an MBA in Leadership—all from Adams State University. Currently, he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Sports Administration with a minor in Educational Leadership at UNM, with a research focus on Pacific Islander recruitment, retention, and academic success in higher education. Outside of work, Aaron enjoys spending time with his wife, five children, and their dog, Fresno. He loves attending sporting events and is an avid Los Angeles Rams and Lakers fan. He also enjoys exploring the outdoors, watching movies, and unwinding with a good book. 

Lisa Nguyen is a principal airport transportation planner for the Denver International Airport in Colorado. Lisa specializes in bridging the gap between urban design, planning, and traffic engineering. She graduated with a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines and earned her Master’s in transportation engineering at the University of Colorado Denver.

As someone who failed her driver’s permit test at the age of 15 and high-centered the driver’s education test vehicle, Lisa quickly realized transportation and safety were critical to our everyday lives- and is often overlooked. Her goal is to help communities move in a safer, more sustainable manner.

Additionally, Lisa serves actively on boards and committees within ITE, WTS, and SASE. In her free time, Lisa enjoys trail running and skiing, devouring poke bowls and boba tea, and visiting the hippos at the zoo.