2025 Northeastern New Mexico Regional Science and Engineering Fair

Since 1958, New Mexico Highlands University has been the host of the Northeastern New Mexico Regional Science and Engineering Fair. It is the honor of the Achieving in Research Math and Science (ARMAS) center to continue this tradition in 2025, as we remain dedicated to promoting STEM education in the region. We feel that inquiry-based learning creates opportunities for a unique set of learners to find their voices while carrying out projects that are fun and limited only by imagination and ingenuity.

Fair Staff

Dr. Jenn Aldred (Fair Director)
Mariano Ulibarri (Technical advisor)
Rowyn Alarid 
Jonathan Lujan
Dr. Kelly Trujillo (Master Judge – Senior Division)
Leon Bustos (Master Judge – Junior Division)
 

SRC Committee

Jenn Aldred, PhD (Chair/ Geological Sciences)
Sebastian Medina, PhD(Biology)
Steven Karpowicz, PhD (Chemistry)
Daniel Chadborn, PhD. (Psychology)
Jonathan McCausland, PhD (STEM Education)

Important dates

February 1, 2025 – Deadline to submit project for SRC (Scientific Review Committee) approval (see: https://ruleswizard.societyforscience.org/ to find out if your project requires SRC approval). Projects that require Scientific Review must receive approval PRIOR TO data collection.

February 14, 2025 – Registration opens 

March 7, 2025 – Deadline for Fair registration (late registrations will not be accepted; however, if indicated on the application form, payment of fees may be deferred until date of event. Checks only.)

March 22, 2025 – Date of Fair at NMHU; Las Vegas, NM (schedule TBA; we reserve the right to change this to a virtual event should an in-person event be determined to present significant health risk to participants, staff, or volunteers).

How to register

Students from the Northeastern Region of New Mexico can participate in the NENM RSEF regardless of whether they participed or placed in a local or district fair. 

Registration opens Febraury 14, 2025.

Registration fee: $25.00 per student (non-refundable; includes participation T-shirt and award/certificate).

The registration fees will be waived for the first 80 students for whom the fee represents a barrier to participation (please indicate request on application form).

Required forms (All Projects)

When you register your project in zFairs, there is a checklist that you complete that indicates what forms need to be completed for your project. All forms should be completed online in zFairs. Any handwritten or photographed forms that are unreadable will not be accepted. The ISEF rule wizard linked below can be used to help you determine if your project requires SRC approval prior to data collection. February 1, 2025 is the deadline to submit a project for review. 

https://ruleswizard.societyforscience.org/

Adult Sponsor Form (Form 1; mandatory)
Research Plan Form (Form 1A; mandatory)
Approval Form (Form 1B; mandatory)
Risk Assessment Form (Form 3; mandatory)

For projects utilizing any of the following, SRC Review Forms are mandatory:
Biohazards (Form 6A and Form 2)
Vertebrate animals (Form 5A and Form 2)
Tissue culture (Form 6B and Form 2)
Human Participants (Form 4, Consent Form, and Form 2)

If your project is a continuation of previous work: (Form 7 – Continuation)

If you project will be conducted outside of home/school: (Form 1C)

Awards

Best in Show #1 (Senior Category) – Plaque and automatic bid to the 2025 ISEF competition (travel covered for participant)
Best in Show #2 (Senior Category) – Plaque and automatic bid to the 2025 ISEF competition (travel covered for participant)
Best in Show #3 (Junior Category) – Plaque
Senior and Junior Category Awards – Number of bids to compete in the NM State competition TBA
Honorable Mention Recognition

Special Awards & Sponsorship Opportunities

Special Awards will be announced soon… For organizations interested in sponsoring a special award, please read on:

As we gear up for the 2025 Regional Science Fair, we invite you to be a key player in inspiring and recognizing the brilliant minds of tomorrow! By becoming a Special Awards sponsor, you have the unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of young scientists and innovators.

Special Awards are a prestigious recognition, and your contribution can take various forms, including:

• Monetary Prizes: Provide financial support to exceptional projects, empowering students to further explore their passion for science.
• Work Experience/Job Shadowing Opportunities: Offer students valuable insights into your industry by providing hands-on experience or job shadowing opportunities.
• Field Trips/Experiences: Enrich students’ learning journeys by sponsoring educational field trips or experiences related to your field of expertise.
• Recognition from Your Agency/Business: Showcase your commitment to fostering a love for science by having your agency or business name associated with a Special Award.

Your sponsorship will not only encourage the pursuit of knowledge but also foster a sense of achievement among young scientists. Join us in shaping the future of science and innovation!

To discuss sponsorship opportunities and tailor a package that aligns with your goals, please contact Dr. Aldred at: jaldred@nmhu.edu. Together, let’s empower the next generation of scientists and thinkers.

Judging and volunteering

Join us in celebrating and fostering a love for science by becoming a crucial part of the 2025 Regional Science Fair! We’re calling on individuals like you to volunteer and make this event a resounding success. There are various opportunities available, and we welcome your expertise in the following roles:

• Judges: Individuals from any background are invited to bring their unique expertise to assess the incredible projects at the science fair.
• Registration Assistants: Be the first smiling faces participants encounter as they register for the fair.
• Ushers: Guide attendees throughout the event, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.
• Setup Crew: Help transform the venue into a science wonderland by assisting with the fair’s setup.
• Event Runners: Play a vital role in the seamless execution of the fair, making sure everything runs like clockwork.
• Award Ceremony Hosts: Be part of the team that honors and celebrates the achievements of our brilliant participants.
• Cleanup Crew: Assist in keeping the venue tidy and organized once the excitement of the fair concludes.
• Awards Mailing Team: Ensure that participants receive their well-deserved recognition by helping with the mailing of awards.
• Activity Organizers: Bring science to life during downtime by planning and hosting engaging activities for families, teachers, and participants.

Your dedication will contribute to the success of this impactful event, leaving a lasting impression on young minds. To apply and be part of this exciting journey, please To apply and be part of this exciting journey, please use the “create account” option on this page. Select “volunteer” as your role, and then select all the shifts you are available to work.We will reach out to you before the event with the details for your assignment. Your dedication will contribute to the success of this impactful event, leaving a lasting impression on young minds. Let’s inspire the next generation of scientists together!

 

Exhibitor liability and publicity release policy

Liability
Every effort will be made by the Northeastern New Mexico Science and Engineering Fair (NENMSEF) to protect your intellectual and personal property. However, since the Science Fair Exhibition will be open to the public, the Science Fairs cannot and will not accept any liability or responsibility of any nature for any theft of, or damage to, any exhibit or any other property of any Exhibitor. Accordingly, it is recommended that each exhibitor take strict precautions to prevent any such occurrences.

Publicity
The NENMSEF is a prestigious event, and your presence is newsworthy. The organizations or business sponsoring the fair (including NMHU) may wish to publicize their involvement in such an important science competition by using photographs or information about you. Your cooperation may make it possible for other promising young students to get involved in science.

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By applying to the NENMSEF, I am authorizing the NENMSEF and its affiliates to use appropriate information about me (or my child) for publicity purposes. This includes any photographs, videos, or likeness(es) that may be used by the host’s publicity committee, or the sponsors of awards for the purposes of illustrations, advertising or publication in any manner. I also am implying consent to the use of my (or my child’s) name in connection therewith.

Please direct all inquiries to:
Jenn Aldred, Ph.D.
Director of NENMSEF
New Mexico Highlands University
505-426-2290
jaldred@nmhu.edu