Students from across New Mexico learn about STEM careers this summer

The ninth annual Summer Physics Camp was hosted June 2-13 at the New Mexico School for the Arts in Santa Fe, providing an immersive STEM experience for more than 30 middle and high school students across New Mexico.

Organized by Los Alamos National Laboratory, the free, two-week camp is a group project of more than 20 contributing organizations and aims to empower students to consider careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Volunteer instructors are professionals from Los Alamos and Sandia national laboratories as well as other organizations.

The camp also included a tour of Los Alamos National Laboratory, where students visited the LANSCE accelerator and the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory.

Hands-on learning and exploration

During the camp, students explored a range of science topics through intensive sessions and hands-on activities. They coded Arduino boards and explored optics, chemistry, computer science, astrophysics and more.

"I was always the researcher type, more of a person who would be on their computer and not go hands-on, but after this camp, from all the hands-on activities, I was definitely interested in hands-on careers and being in the field, not just researching," said participant Neytra Gnanakaran from Mandela International Magnet School in Santa Fe.

During the second week, students used their skills to build a remotely operated robotic hand or a solar-powered home with proximity sensors, lights and fans.

Inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders

Led by a group of more than 150 volunteers, the camp provided students with role models they could identify with, and also offered professional development sessions on how to discover their personality strengths, write a resume, perform well in interviews and apply for internships.

"The main lesson I learned at camp is the importance of perseverance in all subjects, and how to push through even when things get hard," said Bodhi Young from Albuquerque Academy.

Four educators ensured the camp was varied, educationally sound and provided students the educational support they needed.

“The collaboration with school educators is critical for this effort to also impact public education through exposure of public educators to this opportunity, allowing them to bring new experiences and resources back to their classroom,” said camp organizer Anna Llobet.

The camp concluded with students presenting the projects they had built, showcasing their newfound skills and passions.

"Participating in this camp helped me learn so many things through the STEM field," said participant Natalia Romero from Mora, who attends Taos High School. “It definitely broadened my horizons when it comes to a job, too.”

A pipeline for the future

The Summer Physics Camp has proven to be a pipeline for future STEM leaders, with at least 30 alumni from past editions securing internships at Los Alamos National Laboratory in 2025.

"This opportunity is such an important one!” said the parent of participant Mikayla Delgado from Pojoaque Valley High School. “Kids don't always know what they can do and be in STEM fields. And to get the opportunity to see 'regular' people doing such interesting things that they themselves can do is such a privilege." 

“The camp’s success is a testament to the strong collaboration between Los Alamos and Sandia national laboratories, the New Mexico Consortium, STEM Santa Fe, the Hawaii Science and Technology Museum, and numerous other partners and volunteers,” Llobet said.

Not only does the Hawaii Science and Technology Museum provide instruction, but it also made it possible for four Hawaiian students to travel to New Mexico to attend the camp.

The camp has expanded its application process, reaching out to rural areas and Native American communities.

"The selection of students from small towns is a blessing,” said the parent of participant Norah Bratcher, who attends Cliff High School in Silver City. “It seems that sometimes these small schools are forgotten, and the opportunities are very limited.”

The impact of this inspiration is shown in the feedback from the participants. In their final survey, every one of the students stated that the camp positively changed their perception about STEM.

"The organizers’ and volunteers’ passion, coupled with meticulous planning, has resulted in an experience that not only educates but inspires," said the parent of participant Brooke Hickerson, who attends Mandela International Magnet School.

This year's camp was supported by American Chemical Society, Arizona Public Service Co. Four Corners, Department of Education State of Hawaii, Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers, J. Robert Oppenheimer Memorial Committee, Hererra Coaches, Hawaii Science and Technology Museum, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos Women in Science, N3B, New Mexico Consortium, New Mexico Network for Women in Science and Engineering, New Mexico School for the Arts, Pueblo Alliance, Sandia National Laboratories, Santa Fe Indian School, Science Accelerating Growth and Engagement, and STEM Santa Fe. 

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