Key Takeaways
- The Sustainable Space Research Grand Challenge team received the 2025 New Mexico Excellence in STEM Award for its contributions to space research education.
- Community initiatives include lectures, exhibitions, and outreach events that engage various disciplines and promote STEM education across New Mexico.
- Upcoming activities include cohosting the 2025 NASA Exploration Science Forum, enhancing collaboration within the space research community.
Award Recognition for Space Research
The Sustainable Space Research Grand Challenge (SSR_GC) team has been honored with the 2025 New Mexico Excellence in STEM Award (STEMYS) by the New Mexico Tech Engagement Office of the Air Force Research Laboratory. This award recognizes significant contributions in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education across the state, highlighting the SSR team’s efforts at the University of New Mexico (UNM) in collaborative space research.
Kristina Yu, a co-convener and professor at UNM, emphasized the award’s importance in acknowledging the multifaceted ecosystem being built, which encompasses various disciplines and institutions within the community.
The team’s initiatives have included organizing the inaugural UNM Space Day, where scholars presented research related to space science and technology. The Lunar Arts Awards showcased creativity inspired by the moon, merging STEM with visual arts. The SSR-GC Space Exploration Pilot Project finances faculty-student partnerships focused on developing innovative science-engineering concepts.
SSR offers weekly lecture series during the academic year, with one focused on planetary sample science and another aimed at all disciplines and the general public to explore space technology. These events feature experts discussing advanced projects and opportunities for students to engage in research.
Steven Simon, co-convener and senior research scientist at the Institute of Meteoritics, expressed enthusiasm for the interdisciplinary connections fostered by the Grand Challenge. The diverse expertise among team members enhances collaboration in space research.
The SSR team aims to unite various space-related experts, promoting research and engaging a broad demographic to cultivate a workforce for the growing space economy in New Mexico. Their mission extends beyond Earth, targeting scientific and economic advancement in collaboration with universities, commercial enterprises, and national labs.
Charles “Chip” Shearer, another co-convener, noted that the Grand Challenges initiative strengthens collaborations across UNM and beyond, which is vital for developing a robust New Mexico space economy. Meanwhile, Maryam Hojati highlighted the collective ambition to use space exploration as a catalyst for STEM education and community involvement.
Looking ahead, the SSR team plans to cohost the 2025 NASA Exploration Science Forum from July 22-24, creating a platform for professionals to discuss solar system exploration and future research directions. The upcoming Planetary Sample Science and Explore the Final Frontier lecture series will resume in late summer, continuing the team’s outreach to support students and the expanding New Mexico space industry.
The UNM Grand Challenges program, initiated in late 2018, encourages interdisciplinary research to tackle significant global issues, positioning UNM as a leading institution for complex problem-solving.
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