New Mexico Secondary Students Take the Science Fair Beyond the Volcano
04/12/2025
Annual event combines competition with learning, camaraderie, and serious pursuit of curiosity
Flatworms on a diet, high protein feed for cattle, fin design on rockets, fake news, birdsong, and chickens’ interaction with robots. What do these all have in common? They are this week’s Jeopardy! categories? No, they are all topics that grabbed the curiosity of a New Mexico middle- or high-school science fair participant in 2025.
The 73rd annual New Mexico State Science and Engineering Fair was held at New Mexico Tech on Saturday, April 12. Qualifying participants across the state follow an interest and design an experiment that adheres to the rules of the Scientific Method. Finley Gym hosted over 250 winning students in a celebratory atmosphere dedicated to scientific inquiry and engineering solutions.
During set-up, parents, siblings, coaches, and teachers are supportive, listening to one last run-through of the presentation. Then, three judges for each presenter make the rounds, listening and observing the exhibitor’s scientific design, their presentation skills, and the all-around significance of the project.
Nearly 75 judges hail from a wide pool of local expertise, including university professors, experienced teachers, retired academics, and professionals from various scientific and technical fields.
NM State Fair and NMT STEM Outreach Director Ann Hatch said, “This fair runs on volunteers and a tiny staff. I could not be prouder of how everyone comes together to promote learning, STEM fun, and recognition of excellence.”
To show the wide variety of what sixth through 12th graders wonder about, here are
more topics presented at the 2025 fair:
- DNA Lab Gel and Electrophoresis
- Fighting Back Against the Polyphenols That Turn Guacamole Brown
- Best Pipe Materials for Different Applications
- High-Altitude Baking
- Epigenetic Analysis for Diabetes Risk
- “Waxidermy”
- Wind Turbine Modeling in LEGO
- Don’t Drink the Water!
- Aircraft Design for Stealth
- Microorganisms in Wildfire Smoke
- Best Music for Sleep
- Best Music for Classrooms
- Age-related Accuracy for Detection of Real and Fake News
- Models for Suicide Deterrence in Elevated Structure Design
- Modeling How Birds Sing
- Mushrooms that Decompose Microplastics
When the fair wraps up, students with the best projects will represent New Mexico at the prestigious Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) held each May.
Head Judge Mark Peterson said, “The significance of this event extends far beyond the ribbons and trophies. Participation in the science fair fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and independent research abilities—all things everyone needs for a career in any field.”
In two separate ceremonies for Junior and Senior Divisions, the packed Macey Center frequently filled with enthusiastic cheers as students celebrated the success of their peers and classmates.
There are category awards and numerous special awards, generously provided by industries, businesses, professional organizations, universities, and branches of the Armed Forces. Plaques, cash prizes, savings bonds, merchandise, and even scholarships are awarded.
Senior Division winners and Junior Division winners:
Click Here
Participating in the science fair has a profound impact on these students’ futures. For the senior division participants, this achievement can significantly influence their college choices. Top universities often seek students with a proven track record. A strong showing at the state and national level can lead to increased opportunities for scholarships and admission to highly competitive programs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Even if a student in the Junior Division enjoys science fair, they might later study psychology, law enforcement or business. But the experience has given them a full understanding of what science is and isn’t.
The memories, the connections made, and the “can-do” lessons learned will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on their academic journeys and future career opportunities, shaping them into the problem-solvers and leaders of tomorrow.
