Two Rio Rancho students qualify for International Science and Engineering Fair

Eliana Juarez, a student at Cleveland High School, and George Privett, who attends Rio Rancho High School, qualified to attend the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in May in Dallas.

Juarez and Privett wowed the judges at the Central New Mexico NM STEM Research Challenge in late March with their presentations of original research and work.

Juarez’s project title was “Addressing Disparities in Air Quality Monitoring: Using Machine Learning and Remote Sensing to Estimate the Distribution of PM2.5 in Mexico.”

Privett presented a project named “Diets of a Diet: How Does the Introduction of Different Minerals/Vitamins Affect the Lifespan of Feeder Crickets?”

Out of the 260 students who competed at the CNM STEM Challenge, only four qualified for Science and Engineering Fair in Dallas.

The four finalists are awarded an all-expense paid trip to Dallas compete from May 14-19 and will also receive a $250 cash award courtesy of Nusenda Credit Union.

Along with Juarez and Privett, 16 other RRPS students qualified to compete at the State STEM Challenge later this year:

• Andrew Chavez, RRHS
• Jacob Cummings, RRHS
• Tanner Donaldson, RRHS
• John Edwards, CHS
• Madison Erben, RRHS
• Isaiah Flores, RRHS
• Madeline Hostetler, RRHS
• Milania Macancela, RRHS
• Abby McGee, RRHS
• Sabrina Montoya, RRHS
• Ian Morgan, RRHS
• Braylon Mosley, RRHS
• Graciela Rodriguez, CHS
• Claire Ross, CHS
• Joshua Shaver, RRHS
• Joshua Wilson, CHS