STEM Mavericks Camp at New Mexico State University
The Physical Science Laboratory at New Mexico State University recently hosted the third annual STEM Mavericks camp, a hands-on artificial intelligence summer program for Doña Ana County high school students. The two-week camp took place from June 2 to June 13, continuing its collaboration with the Department of Defense’s Chief Digital AI Office and Trenchant Analytics.
This camp brings together expertise from multiple NMSU departments and centers, including the PSL Student Programs, Information Science and Security Systems Division, Electrical Engineering Department, and the STEM Outreach Center. Forty students from the Las Cruces Public School District and Gadsden Independent School District were selected to participate this year.
Participating Schools and Educators
Students came from a variety of local high schools:
- Alta Vista Early College High School
- Arrowhead Park Early College High School
- Centennial High School
- Chaparral High School
- Gadsden High School
- Las Cruces High School
- Mayfield High School
- Organ Mountain High School
- Santa Teresa High School
Alongside students, several area high school teachers were selected through a competitive application process to participate. These educators received training before the camp, supported student activities during the program, and will develop course content based on what they learned. Teachers included Sandra Alvarado Marquez and Claudia Arreola from Santa Teresa High School; Angela Frausto and Alondra Torres from Las Cruces High School; and Richard Santillano from Gadsden High School.
Support from Undergraduate Teaching Assistants
Undergraduate teaching assistants provided technical support throughout the camp. This year’s TAs were:
- Luke Catanach, sophomore in electrical engineering at NMSU
- Eliseo De León, cybersecurity student at Dona Ana Community College
- Melodie Guzman, sophomore in electrical engineering at Notre Dame University
- Jack Nolen, senior in computer science at NMSU
Camp Activities and Learning Experience
During the program, students engaged in coding exercises and hands-on projects introducing them to core concepts in computer science and electrical engineering. Topics included artificial intelligence and software-defined radio. Participants also toured NMSU facilities related to engineering and computer science, such as the Aggie Innovation Space.
Guest speakers with careers in applied engineering, computer science, and defense shared insights, connecting students to regional opportunities in these fields.
Building a Workforce for the Future
Patricia Sullivan, interim director of the Physical Science Laboratory, highlighted the importance of the program: “Southern New Mexico has a long and proud history at the forefront of space and defense innovation, and the NMSU Physical Sciences Laboratory has been a part of that story from the beginning. As New Mexico’s land-grant and space-grant university, NMSU is committed to opening doors through education and discovery.”
She added that STEM Mavericks prepares students for careers in national security and technology by providing hands-on experience in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and advanced engineering.
The Physical Science Laboratory at NMSU leads a regional recruiting prototype aimed at building a national security workforce pipeline aligned with the Department of Defense’s Chief Digital AI Office (CDAO). Established in June 2022, the CDAO focuses on integrating AI capabilities across the Department of Defense to accelerate adoption of data, analytics, and AI technologies.
Community Impact
New Mexico state Senator Bill Soules emphasized the value of programs like STEM Mavericks: “STEM Mavericks is opening doors for our students by giving them real-world exposure to emerging technologies like AI and engineering. For many of our students, programs like this spark interest, build confidence, and help students see themselves in high-demand, high-tech careers. Our educators are just as inspired, bringing back new ideas and tools to make technology more accessible and relevant in every classroom.”
For educators and students interested in further AI training opportunities, resources are available through Complete AI Training, offering a variety of courses designed to build practical skills in AI and related fields.
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