Schedule of Events
March 18 – 24 ~ visit at your convenience!
PROJECT SHOWCASE – browse all student research projects competing in Research Challenge
STEM HALL – visit profiles and interactive exhibits from our sponsors and community partners
SPEAKERS & PANELS – view engaging discussions with STEM professionals including:
- STEM Careers Pajarito Powder
Tuesday, March 19
6:30 pm – 7:30 pm Judging Workshop – Live on Zoom
Students, prepare for judging day with long-time Research Challenge Master Judge Chairs Len Duda and Robert Deblassie as they provide tips to prepare for judging interviews and answer your questions.
https://hsc-unm.zoom.us/j/96108949779
Wednesday, March 20
3:00 pm – 7:00 pm Project Set Up – EXPO NM, Manual Lujan Building
ALL student exhibitors must register and set up their project displays during this time.
Doors will close promptly at 7:00 pm!
Community Partners Showcase
Students will receive a Community Partners Showcase PASSPORT in their registration packet upon arrival at EXPO NM to set up their project displays.
Community Partners will be set up in Hall A from 3:00pm-7:00pm
Students, teachers, and families are encouraged to visit the Showcase while they are at EXPO NM for set up. We are excited to host fun and informational booths from local STEM partners! Students, complete a Community Partners Passport by visiting booths. Turn in
completed passport before you leave and be entered into a raffle for prizes! Winners list will be posted in the Virtual Lobby in the Awards area as well as in the 2024 Winners page on our website
We will do our best to distribute prizes during afternoon judging on Thursday & Friday. Any prizes not distributed during judging will be mailed or delivered AFTER Research Challenge.
Thursday, March 21
9:45 am – 12:00 pm
Junior Division Category Judge Interviews – Manuel Lujan Bldg, Hall A
STUDENTS AND JUDGES ONLY ON EXHIBIT FLOOR! Doors open at
9:30am. 9:45 is the required start time for ALL students.
12:00 pm – 1:15 pm
Lunch Break —NOT PROVIDED—Food vendors will be available.
EXHIBIT HALL CLEARED OF ALL STUDENTS.
1:30 pm – 3:15 pm
Junior Division Special Award Interviews – Manuel Lujan Bldg, Hall A
STUDENTS AND JUDGES ONLY ON THE EXHIBIT FLOOR!
Exhibitors must take project board and all other materials with them when they leave at the end of the day!
Friday, March 22
9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Hands on activities with Air Force Research Labs (for participating 4th & 5th grade students) – Manuel Lujan Bldg, Hall A
9:45 am – 12:00 pm
Senior Division Category Judging Interviews – Manuel Lujan Bldg, Hall B
STUDENTS AND JUDGES ONLY ON EXHIBIT FLOOR! Doors open at
9:30am. 9:45 is the required start time for ALL HS students.
12:00 pm – 1:15 pm
Lunch Break —NOT PROVIDED—Food truck will be on site.
EXHIBIT HALL CLEARED OF ALL STUDENTS.
1:30 pm – 3:15 pm
Elementary Division Judging Interviews –Manuel Lujan Bldg, Hall B
STUDENTS AND JUDGES ONLY ON THE EXHIBIT FLOOR!
Note: elementary students will be interviewed by both category and special award judges during this time.
1:30 pm – 3:15 pm
Senior Division Special Award Interviews – Manuel Lujan Bldg, Hall B
STUDENTS AND JUDGES ONLY ON THE EXHIBIT FLOOR!
Exhibitors must take project board and all other materials with them when they leave at the end of the day!
Sunday, March 24 - Invitation Only
4:30 pm Award Winners Reception- UNM Student Union Building
For award winners and guests only. Light refreshments and “selfie station”
5:15 pm Grand Awards Ceremony - UNM Student Union Building
Awards Ceremony is by invite only. Student winners, parents/guardians and teachers will be notified on Saturday if they have won an award and are invited to attend the ceremony.