DVIDS – News – AFRL recognizes 2024 New Mexico Excellence in STEM at annual awards event

KIRTLAND AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. (AFRL) — More than 100 people from across New Mexico gathered to honor those doing exceptional work in STEM education during the annual New Mexico Excellence in STEM Awards, hosted by the Air Force Research Laboratory, or AFRL, Tech Engagement Office. The awards, known as the STEMYS, took place June 21, 2024, at Q Station.

Col. Jeremy Raley, director of the AFRL’s Space Vehicles Directorate, gave opening remarks, welcomed guests and explained the importance of STEM education to the U.S. Department of the Air and Space Force. Col. Clark Allred, acting director of the AFRL’s Directed Energy Directorate, was also on hand to honor this year’s STEMY winners.

This year, the Tech Engagement Office has added a new honor to the awards, the AFRL Mentor of the Year Award. The award is given annually to an AFRL employee who has gone above and beyond to mentor students.

“We are fortunate to have an engaged workforce that wants to share their passion and expertise with students of all ages,” said Gabe Mounce, director of the AFRL Tech Engagement Office, in introducing the award. “There is so much work being done that we wanted to recognize those who are going above and beyond to make a difference.”

The inaugural AFRL Mentor of the Year Award was presented to Dr. Spencer Olson, of AFRL’s Space Vehicle Directorate. Dr. Olson was nominated for his work with the AFRL Scholars program, with which he has been active since 2013.

Other winners of the evening also had ties to AFRL. K-8 Student of the Year honorary member Andy Stoker of AIMS Academy helped lead his team to this year’s American Rocketry Challenge Finals. The team is part of the STARBASE New Mexico Advanced program hosted by the AFRL STEM Academy. High School Student of the Year Gianna Nilvo, a recent graduate of Belén High School, was also an AFRL Scholar.

The AFRL Tech Engagement Office created the STEMY Awards in 2018 after recognizing the need for statewide awards in New Mexico to honor STEM education and those making a difference in various STEM fields . Since then, AFRL has honored dozens of New Mexicans from all over the state.

Thanks to sponsors, some winners also received a $1,500 scholarship. This year’s event sponsors were the City of Albuquerque, the Minority Business Development Agency, and the New Mexico Trade Alliance.

The winners of the STEMY Awards 2024 are:

Students K-8:
Anderson Stoker (AIMS)

Teacher K-8:
Veronica Forester (Emerson Elementary)

Students 9-12:
Gianna Nilvo (Belén high school)
Hanah Hanes (ASK Academy)

Teacher 9-12:
Nevelyn Headrick (ASK Academy)

Non-profit:
Inspired by science

Advisor/Coach:
Lamberto Jr. Geolin (Tohatchi High School)

Mentor:
Megan Ivory (Sandia Labs, QCaMP)

AFRL Mentor:
Spencer Olson (Cold Atoms)

Company:
RayKitty

Higher education program:
University of New Mexico STEM-H

Life purpose:
Karen Kinsman

About AFRL
The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace forces. With more than 12,500 employees across nine technology areas and 40 other operations around the world, AFRL offers a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from basic to advanced research and technology development – ​​as well as aerospace and operational medicine. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.