Projects and Activities
During the one-week program, Academic Connections students will partner with scientists from the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) to conduct research on global warming issues. The program begins with a morning hike to explore ancient cultures at the Petroglyph National Monument near Albuquerque. Afterwards, participants will consider some of the ethical implications of scientific innovation at the National Atomic Museum.
The next day and a half will be spent at the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge where UNM and LANL-affiliated scientist Jennifer Johnson will introduce the group to her work on grasses and global warming. Sevilleta, where four biomes meet, is also an excellent place for stargazing.
The next stop on the New Mexico adventure is the Valles Caldera National Preserve, a 12-mile volcanic caldera. Fieldwork will continue under the direction of Dr. Nathan McDowell, a LANL scientist who oversees the McDowell climate research lab. After a hard day’s work, participants will soak in the nearby natural mineral springs.
The LANL facility, along with the Bradbury Science Museum, will be the focus of the next day’s activities. Retired LANL scientist Jack Purson will lead the tour of the facility and museum where research into diverse fields such as national security, space exploration, renewable energy, medicine, nanotechnology and supercomputing take place.
After leaving Los Alamos’ majestic mesa, the group will make their way to the ancient Taos Pueblo, where the adobe buildings have been continuously inhabited for the past 1000 years.
The next stop is the state capitol, Santa Fe, where participants will walk the historic plaza and take in the scenery, culture and shopping.
Back in Albuquerque, the group will board the Sandia Tram and ride to the top of Sandia Peak, 10678 feet above sea level, where the will gaze over the entire region. The adventure concludes with Native American dancing and celebration at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center.