NEWS
Science Takes Center Stage at 2024 New Mexico Research Symposium
From quantum physics to refugee mental health, groundbreaking research filled the halls of UNM's Domenici Center on October 19 as scholars gathered for the 2024 New Mexico Research Symposium.
This year's event, spearheaded by the New Mexico Academy of Science (NMAS) with support from NM EPSCoR, and held in conjunction with the New Mexico Science Teachers’ Association Fall Conference, brought together undergraduate and graduate students, science teachers, and faculty from across the state.
Distinguished quantum physicist Ivan Deutsch set the tone for the day with his keynote talk "Breaking Heisenberg – Controlling the Quantum World for Tomorrow's Technology." Deutsch, who directs UNM's Center for Quantum Information and Control (CQuIC), challenged attendees to think differently about the future of quantum technology.
The symposium featured six focused oral sessions – Motion and Dynamics, Biochemistry, Materials and Climate, Environmental Impact, and Educational Programs, wherein students shared a dazzling array of research happening across the state including the use of snake-like robots in planetary exploration and the role of AI in advancing computer curriculum for disabled students.
Student researchers took the spotlight in the poster session, presenting work that ranged from the practical to the pioneering. At ENMU, graduate student Kwesi Boafo is collaborating across borders to determine the extent of micro-plastic contamination in the Rio Grande, with sampling stations throughout Texas, New Mexico, and into the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. Meanwhile, students at CNM are tackling climate change at the neighborhood level, mapping urban heat islands in Albuquerque.
The day wrapped up with awards for outstanding teachers and student poster presenters. NMAS and the Central New Mexico Chapter of the American Chemical Society partner annually to recognize exceptional educators with the New Mexico Outstanding Science Teacher Awards.
This year, Romalyn Ubaldo from Santa Rosa High School was honored for her remarkable work in advancing STEM education and empowering underrepresented students. The second awardee, Inez Jacobs from Mark Armijo Charter STEM High School in Albuquerque, was recognized for her outstanding contributions to science education and her commitment to community collaboration.
Winners of the undergraduate and graduate student poster competition were announced shortly after and are as follows:
Undergraduate Division
3rd place - Zoe Hutcherson (ENMU) - "Examining Range Expansion of the Non-native Mediterranean Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus) across New Mexico and West Texas"
Graduate Division
As participants headed home, the buzz of new connections and collaborations filled the air – exactly what you'd hope for from a gathering of New Mexico's brightest scientific minds.
The success of the 2024 NMRS underscores the vibrant research community thriving in New Mexico's educational institutions and demonstrates the powerful impact of collaboration between organizations like NMAS, NM EPSCoR, ACS, NASA EPSCoR, UNM Center for Water & the Environment, and NMSTA in advancing scientific discovery and education across the state.
NM EPSCoR extends its deepest gratitude to NMAS for organizing this year's Symposium. Without the tireless work of the NMAS team, specifically President Diane Peebles, President-Elect David Shultz, Web Master Ellen Loehman, and Linda Absher, NMRS would not have happened in 2024. We are humbled by NMAS’s dedication to inclusive science education in our state and honored to have such a wonderful long-term partner.