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Robots take over Northern New Mexico College—and more.
April 11, 2017
A RoboRave participant designs, builds, and tests a robots at Northern New Mexico College in Española.

A RoboRave participant designs, builds, and tests a robots at Northern New Mexico College in Española.

Contacts  

  • Director, Community Partnerships Office
  • Kathy Keith
  • Email
“These activities engage students to think critically and improve their problem solving which helps them gain confidence.”- Janelle Vigil-Maestas

The annual RoboRave Rally and Science Showdown featured hundreds of students—from third graders to college-age—sending their robots through mazes and up inclines at Northern New Mexico College on March 11. Some students also participated in a new event: a micro-drone aerial combat competition. 

The schools included: Sweeney Elementary, Santa Fe Indian School, Pojoaque, Española Teen Center, James Rodriquez Elementary, Anansi Charter, Carlos Vigil MS, Turquoise Trail Charter, Northern NM College, McCurdy Charter, EJ Martinez Elementary, San Juan Elementary, Dixon, Peñasco, Rio Rancho, Khapo Community School, Espanola High School, and Alcalde Elementary.

The Science Showdown part of the day showcased area institutions such as Explora Science Center, Twirl, and the Bradbury Science Museum, many of which offered hands-on activities and inquiry-based exhibits.

“These activities engage students to think critically and improve their problem solving which helps them gain confidence,” says Janelle Vigil-Maestas of the Laboratory’s Community Partnerships Office, which was a sponsor of the event.

Students who want to continue their RoboRave experience should consider RoboRave U.S., which takes place in Albuquerque on May 5–6.


Local women recognized at Women in Technology Celebration

The New Mexico Technology Council hosted the ninth annual Women in Technology Celebration on March 2 at the Sandia Golf Club Event Center. This event recognized the achievements of women working in New Mexico’s technology arena, promoted the role of women in tech and science, and encouraged women to pursue careers in these fields.

The National Center for Women & Information Technology Aspirations in Computing winners were also recognized. The awards honor high school women for their computing-related achievements and interests. Recipients were selected for their computing and IT aptitude, leadership ability, academic history, and plans for post-secondary.

Awardees included: Jenay Barela of Taos High School, Monique Chavez of Jemez Valley High School, Matuke Fomukong of Rio Rancho High School, and Jen Marie Phifer of Los Lunas High School, plus Naomi Rankin of Volcano Vista High School for National Honorable Mention. The Aspirations in Computing Educator Award was given to Tracy Gilligan at Taos High School.

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Area “wonder women” were honored at the annual Women in Technology celebration.